The May 2019 issue of Thinking Aloud focuses on “Human Capital Development”. The first page article titled “Why do the governments of some countries spend low on education and health?” emphasizes the importance of public expenditure in education and health for economic development. The article argues that low tax-GDP ratio, wrong priority in public spending, crony capitalism and high rent-seeking activities result in low public spending in education and health in a number of developing countries. The second and third pages of this issue present four articles. The article on “Advancing human capital of private sector professionals in Bangladesh: some way forward” highlights that local professionals are swift learners as well and given proper opportunity, it is quite possible to advance the competency of the local work force. The article on “Diversified quality education especially for women: necessity and prosperity” emphasizes that Bangladesh needs to concentrate on modern education and technical training to make the labor force a competitive one in quest of better investment and sustainable growth. The article on “Human capital development in health care of Bangladesh” argues that the increased expenditure in health care is the necessary condition to enhance the quality of growth that Bangladesh aspires towards. The article on “Energy mix for the next phase and importance of new skills development in Bangladesh” stresses that skills development will play a strategically important role for a sustainable renewable energy sector in Bangladesh. The success of other strategies for the renewable energy sector predominantly depends on the successful adaptation and implementation of skills apt for this sector. The fourth page covers the events that took place in the month of April.
