Socioeconomic Disparities between Eastern and Western Part of Bangladesh: An Empirical Analysis

Abstract

This study is conducted to assess the socio-economic condition of women in eastern and western part in Bangladesh. This study examines the level and tends of two socio-economic indicators age at first marriage and age at first birth and also indentifies various demographic, social and economic factors influencing on age at first marriage and age at first birth. These two indicators have direct effect on fertility and this study enable researcher to forecast about subsequent health condition of women from two parts of the country and also help for policy implication. In this analysis, household data are taken from Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey 2011(BDHS) in order to conduct multiple linear regression analysis. The regression analysis reveals that along with regional dummies, respondent’s education, working status, religion, place of residence, wealth index have highly significant impact on both age at first marriage and age at birth. The paper also suggests some of policy implications to order to structure awareness program among general people and local government.