Regional Convergence in Bangladesh using Night Lights

Syed Abul, Basher and Salim, Rashid and Mohammad Riad, Uddin (2022): Regional Convergence in Bangladesh using Night Lights. Forthcoming in:

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.

• Item Type: MPRA Paper
• Language: English
• Keywords: Night lights, convergence, Bangladesh
• Subjects: O - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth > O4 - Economic Growth and Aggregate Productivity > O47 - Empirical Studies of Economic Growth ; Aggregate Productivity ; Cross-Country Output Convergence; R - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics > R1 - General Regional Economics > R11 - Regional Economic Activity: Growth, Development, Environmental Issues, and Changes

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