Rural-urban dichotomy and convergence: emerging realities in Bangladesh

Abstract

This paper describes the main causes and consequences of rural-urban migration in Bangladesh and explores their implications for poverty alleviation and spatial distribution policies. Amongst the main factors affecting people’s mobility are the impact of structural adjustment and privatization on the country’s economy and the related changes in the structure of employment. The manufacturing and service sectors have rapidly expanded in rural areas, and in urban areas there is substantial relocation within the tertiary sector and significant change in the gender composition of the manufacturing sector. Migration has become more complex, diversified and multi-dimensional in nature. Gaps between rural and urban areas with respect to service provision are also narrowing, as both rural and urban poor households face insufficient access to them. While recognizing the importance of migration and other processes in rural-urban interactions, policy makers and planners must address the issues of urban management, resource transfer from rich to poor, diversification of employment opportunities for the poor, and strong measures for the provision of social services for the poor in both rural and urban areas.