Population Dynamics and Its Effect on Economic Growth in Bangladesh

M Sheikh Giash Uddin, Jagannath University
Mohammed Ahsanul Alam, Government of Bangladesh

This paper aimed to analyze the demographic situation and trends in population development of the Bangladesh. This analytical paper explained the fact that changes in population size, age structure and spatial distribution are critical for long-term economic development. The effect of macroeconomic variables on the economic growth is investigated. Multiple regression analysis, ARIMA model, structural equation model are conducted to meet the objectives. The results of economic flows by age combined with population projections show that in the future GDP growth could be declining more sharply than population growth. This paper determines that the rate of population growth leads to differential changes in the aggregate income of the country relative to other characteristics. Similarly, their combined effect on per capita income may result in country-comparative changes in crude key indicators. The biggest challenge of the country is to ensure employment of the large working-age population. Moreover, women's participation in economic activities is largely low. The challenges of continuous population growth cannot be met unless the mentioned issues are addressed. As a result, the desired economic growth is not possible. Population policy therefore needs to be integrated with health and education policies as well as social empowerment policies.

Keywords: Population and Development, Population projections, forecasts, and estimations, Economic Demography, Population Policies

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