Socio-Economic Disparities between Eastern and Western Parts of Bangladesh: an Empirical Analysis

This study is conducted to assess the socio-economic condition of women in eastern and western parts in Bangladesh. This study examines the level and trends of two socio-economic indicators, particularly, age at first marriage and age at first birth, and identifies various demographic, social and economic factors influencing the age of the first marriage and age of the first birth. These two indicators have direct effect on fertility, and this study helps to provide a forecast on subsequent health conditions of women from two parts of the country. In this research, 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, such variables as 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.