Growth and Poverty

Growth and Poverty' emerged from a seminar examining the challenges and policy options for achieving accelerated, sustained, and equitable growth in Bangladesh. Since the early 1990s, market-oriented reforms have improved economic performance, but the positive impact on poverty has been tempered by worsening income distribution. The book calls for a deeper understanding of the growth-inequality relationship and the policies needed to support more inclusive, pro-poor growth.

It also raises concerns about whether growth can continue amid weakening governance institutions. Interestingly, despite modest poverty reduction, Bangladesh has seen remarkable progress in social indicators like infant mortality, female school enrollment, and birth control adoption. The volume explores this puzzle through three sections: employment and inequality, political economy and policy, and service delivery and social development. It is a valuable read for anyone interested in the complexities of growth, poverty, and governance in Bangladesh.