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Regional Convergence in Bangladesh using Night Lights

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  • Syed Abul, Basher
  • Salim, Rashid
  • Mohammad Riad, Uddin

Abstract

We analyze economic convergence across 64 districts of Bangladesh using newly harmonized satellite night light data over 1992-2018. The growth in night lights—taken as a proxy for regional economic activity—reveals overwhelming evidence of absolute convergence. Regional differences in night light (or income) growth have been shrinking at an annual convergence rate of 4.57%, corresponding to a half-life of 15 years. Net migration plays a relatively prominent role in the regional convergence process.

Suggested Citation

  • Syed Abul, Basher & Salim, Rashid & Mohammad Riad, Uddin, 2022. "Regional Convergence in Bangladesh using Night Lights," MPRA Paper 113394, University Library of Munich, Germany.
    • Handle: RePEc:pra:mprapa:113394
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Night lights; convergence; Bangladesh;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • O47 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Growth and Aggregate Productivity - - - Empirical Studies of Economic Growth; Aggregate Productivity; Cross-Country Output Convergence
    • R11 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - General Regional Economics - - - Regional Economic Activity: Growth, Development, Environmental Issues, and Changes

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