Course Title: Doctor of Philosopy in Economics

Thesis Title: Economic Growth, Poverty and Inequality: Evidence from Bangladesh 2000-2005 

Supervisors: Dr Muiappan Perumal and Dr Phil Larkin

Abstract :

Current literature on measures to alleviate poverty in low income countries include among others, accelerating economic growth, reducing income inequality, special assistance to the poor, and improvement in health and education of the poor. Bangladesh has made impressive economic and social progress in the past decade, despite frequent natural disasters and external shocks. But, despite the good track record, around 56 million people still live below the poverty line, almost the same number as it was at the time of its independence in 1971. Currently, there is an inadequate understanding of the various factors contributing to poverty in Bangladesh, and how government programs can be effectively targeted to those most in need. Using in depth analysis of the data obtained from the latest two rounds of Household Income Expenditure Survey (HIES) 2000 and 2005, the overall objective of the study is to understand the correlates or determinants of poverty, including the household specific attributes and geographical or location characteristics in Bangladesh between 2000-2005. An analysis of these factors using the data from two different points in time (2000 and 2005) will also help the reasons behind the decline of poverty rate during the period. We will use the OLS regression technique as our main vehicle of analysis. But in addition to that we will try to see the results by using Structural Equations Modeling Technique (SEM) to determine the factors which are most important in determining poverty in Bangladesh and the measures which are likely to have the greatest impact on poverty reduction.

Ahmed completed his first masters in Accounting from the University of Dhaka, Bangladesh and securing first class and third position in order of merit. In 2005 he received a scholarship from Asian Development Bank (ADB) and completed his second masters in Public Policy from the National Graduate Institute of Policy Studies (GRIPS), Tokyo, Japan. He is also a qualified Cost and Management Accountant (CMA) and a fellow member of Institute of Cost and Management Accountants of Bangladesh (ICMAB) since the year 2000.

Ahmed started his career with Mercantile Bank Ltd (a prominent private commercial bank in Bangladesh) as officer in 1999. After serving one year over there he joined in the central bank of Bangladesh (Bangladesh Bank) as Assistant Director and served one year. In 2001, he joined Bangladesh Civil Service Administration cadre as Assistant Secretary. In 2007 he promoted as Senior Assistant Secretary and posted as Upzilla Nirbahi Officer (Administrator of a sub-district). Currently he is posted in the Ministry of Establishment and enjoying study leave.