C.W. Post Professor Publishes New Book on Bangladesh

April 2, 2004 -- Imagine about half of the U.S. population, roughly 131 million people as of 2001 and rising, living in a country the size of the state of Wisconsin! With 1,000 people per square kilometer, that is the current situation in Bangladesh, a poverty-stricken nation overrun by government corruption but with the potential for better things.

Mahfuz Chowdhury is an adjunct professor of economics specializing in international economics at the C.W. Post Campus of Long Island University in Brookville, NY. His book, Economic Exploitation of Bangladesh, (iUniverse, Inc., January 2004, available in paperback US $10.95) surveys the historical, political and economic development of Bangladesh and presents an overview of why Bangladesh continues to remain impoverished, despite outside economic help, and recommends how improvements can be made.

Professor Chowdhury, who was born in Chittagong, Bangladesh and has extensive experience in international business and commerce has presented a brief account of the history of the country and has painted a picture of the current social, political and economic climate there.

"From a historical perspective, I’ve tried to show what is happening now and what could happen in the future," he said. "It’s true, World Bank reports indicate that the country is making some progress, however, it’s not affecting the general public. With an unemployment rate of over 35 percent, and a declining industrial base, the country is a time bomb for the world unless a quick solution is found."

Written like a case study at a non-technical level, Professor Chowdhury examines why after so many years of political freedom the country has failed to make vital economic improvements. The reader is left with a grasp of the economic concepts at work.

"While writing this book, I gave special consideration to the younger generation and the public in general," Professor Chowdhury said. "Most people tend to shy away from economics. My aim is not to bore everybody with too many details but to help start a debate on the future of Bangladesh."

The book is currently available through the publisher's website iUniverse.com and other online retailers like amazon.com or barnesandnoble.com.