As the world is hungry enough to consume more than ever. Bangladesh ranks 147th in the Human Development Index (HDI) scale for 1998 in terms of life expectancy, educational attainment and adjusted real income, the UNDP said.

The Human Development Report 1998, to be released today globally by the UN Development Programme (UNDP), says the humankind will consume a record US$24 trillion in goods and services this year. It also tries to explain what individuals. communities and governments can do to share the benefits of the consumption boom more equitably.

The Report estimates that 86 per cent of expenditure for personal consumption is made by 20 per cent of the global population.

Global consumption of goods

and services this year is six times higher Dian that in 1975. Because, it says, people are consuming more in food, energy education, transportation, communication and entertainment than ever.before.

According to the report. Canada ranks first in overall health, general level of education. and the degree to which an average person enjoys a standard of living.

The French follow the Canadians. The Norwegians come third.

The report also exposes the pervasive poverty amid buying orgies of consumers in the affluent nations.

Affluence has reached beyond the arm's reach but the ranks of the homeless, the unemployed and the hungry are creeping high even In the wealthiest nations.