Spatial Dimensions of Income Inequality and Poverty in Bangladesh : An Analysis of the 2005 Household Income and Expenditure Survey Data

摘要

Using the 2005 Household Income and Expenditure Survey, this paper examinedincome inequality and poverty in Bangladesh with particular focus on their spatial dimensions. Since disparity among administrative divisions is small,inequalities within each administrative division, particularly urban inequality,need to be reduced. Since education appears to have played an important role ininequality, especially in urban areas, raising general educational level is essential. Since wages and salaries serve to have mitigated inequality, especially in urban areas, opportunities for formal income should be expanded. Though the effectmay be small, transfer programs should be expanded to raise income among thepoorest. In addition to raising general educational level, it is necessary to provide primary education throughout the country in order to mitigate poverty. It isimperative to raise agricultural productivity in both rural and urban sectors. Furthermore, non-agricultural activities should be promoted according to the pattern of comparative advantages.