The book also contains an empirical analysis of Bangladesh's international image-in respect of economic performance and state of governance- with a significant bearing on her development prospects. As with his other books on Bangladesh economy, Professor Islam brings to bear on his analysis insights from experience in policy making, historical antecedents, command over current development thinking and results of his rigorous research. The book will prove invaluable to students, teachers and policy makers in understanding some of the challenges Bangladesh faces and her possible responses as she attempts to integrate with the world economy. Many of the author's insights will also be of interest to the development community in general.