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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 analyse 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, 2023. "Regional convergence in Bangladesh using night lights," Applied Economics Letters, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 30(18), pages 2581-2588, October.
  • Handle: RePEc:taf:apeclt:v:30:y:2023:i:18:p:2581-2588
    DOI: 10.1080/13504851.2022.2099798
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    More about this item

    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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