Economic Analyses of Contemporary Issues in Bangladesh

Economic Analyses of Contemporary Issues in Bangladesh brings together research by economists and social scientists focused on the country's economic and social policies. The essays examine topics including growth patterns, regional income convergence, micro-credit programs, natural resource management, household choices around water and sanitation, capital markets, exchange rate policy, corruption, and transfer pricing by foreign investors. Using varied analytical methods and empirical data, the authors draw conclusions with clear policy implications. The volume shows that Bangladesh has experienced significant regional convergence in economic growth, driven by financial development and human capital formation, and that this growth has contributed to a declining fertility rate. Financial development has also helped separate currency devaluation from inflation. However, regional convergence slowed in the early 1980s, and foreign capital inflow remains limited due to governance weaknesses and a fragile stock market. Several chapters explore how fisheries management and micro-credit could generate employment and redistribute income, alongside the challenge of ensuring proper sanitation. Written for students and teachers of economics, business, finance, and development studies, this collection also serves as an independent, balanced reference for policymakers and practitioners engaged with Bangladesh's contemporary issues.