Research Proposal Economist in Bangladesh Dhaka – Free Word Template Download with AI
Date: October 26, 2023
I. Introduction
The city of Dhaka, the bustling capital of Bangladesh, serves as the economic nerve center for a nation experiencing rapid urbanization and demographic transformation. With over 21 million residents in its metropolitan area and contributing approximately 40% to Bangladesh's GDP, Dhaka presents both extraordinary opportunities and complex challenges for any practicing Economist. This Research Proposal outlines a comprehensive study designed to develop evidence-based economic strategies tailored specifically for Dhaka's unique socio-economic landscape. The proposed research directly addresses critical gaps in understanding how urban economics, infrastructure constraints, and informal sector dynamics interact within Bangladesh's most populous city.
II. Problem Statement
Dhaka faces a confluence of economic challenges including severe traffic congestion (costing an estimated 2% of GDP annually), inadequate public utilities, widening income inequality, and climate vulnerability that threaten sustainable development. Current policy interventions often fail to account for Dhaka's distinct characteristics as both a national hub and a rapidly evolving urban ecosystem. A recent World Bank report highlighted that while Bangladesh has achieved impressive macroeconomic stability, micro-level urban economic inefficiencies remain unaddressed. This gap necessitates focused research by an Economist deeply familiar with Bangladesh Dhaka's context to move beyond generalized policy recommendations toward actionable solutions.
III. Research Objectives
- To quantify the economic impact of informal sector activities (employing ~70% of Dhaka's workforce) on overall city productivity and tax revenue generation.
- To develop a spatial-economic model analyzing how infrastructure deficits (transport, energy, water) correlate with regional economic disparities across Dhaka's 10 districts.
- To evaluate the effectiveness of existing government urban economic programs (e.g., Dhaka Infrastructure Development Project) through cost-benefit analysis from a local Economist's perspective.
- To propose a phased policy framework for integrating Dhaka's informal economy into formal tax and social security systems without disrupting livelihoods.
IV. Literature Review (Contextualizing Bangladesh Dhaka)
Existing literature on urban economics in South Asia often treats cities as homogeneous entities, neglecting Dhaka's specific challenges. While studies by the Bangladesh Institute of Development Studies (BIDS) have examined rural poverty, few focus on Dhaka's urban economic architecture. Recent work by UN-Habitat (2022) recognizes Dhaka as a "high-density growth engine" but lacks granular economic modeling. This research bridges that gap by applying Bangladesh Dhaka-specific data collection methods to fill critical knowledge voids identified in the International Growth Centre's 2021 report on South Asian urbanization. The proposed study will build upon, not replicate, prior work while addressing Bangladesh's unique institutional context.
V. Methodology
This mixed-methods research employs a three-pronged approach:
- Quantitative Analysis: Utilizing Dhaka City Corporation's 2021 Economic Census data alongside World Bank urban datasets, we'll develop an Input-Output model for Dhaka's key sectors (textiles, construction, services). A household survey of 3,000 informal workers across 5 diverse wards will measure income patterns and service utilization.
- Qualitative Fieldwork: In-depth interviews with 45 key stakeholders including small business owners in Motijheel market, garment factory managers (Kawran Bazar), and local government officials from Dhaka South City Corporation. This ensures the Economist's perspective is grounded in on-the-ground realities.
- Spatial Economics Modeling: Using GIS mapping with Dhaka's land-use data, we'll correlate infrastructure investment zones (e.g., MRT Line 6 corridor) with changes in local business density and property values over the last decade.
VI. Expected Outcomes
The research will deliver:
- A comprehensive Dhaka Urban Economic Diagnostic Report specific to Bangladesh context
- A policy toolkit for integrating informal workers into formal economic systems with minimal disruption
- Cost-benefit projections for infrastructure projects prioritized by economic impact on different Dhaka districts
- Training modules for local government economists on urban data collection methods applicable to Bangladesh Dhaka
VII. Significance of Research for Bangladesh Dhaka
This research directly serves the national development agenda outlined in "Digital Bangladesh 2021" and "Vision 2041." For an Economist working in Bangladesh, this study provides a model for hyper-localized economic analysis that can be replicated across other cities. The findings will inform critical decisions by the Ministry of Finance's Urban Development Division and Dhaka City Corporation. Crucially, unlike many international studies, this work centers on Bangladesh Dhaka's institutional realities—accounting for cultural factors like family-based business networks and local governance structures—that determine policy success.
VIII. Implementation Timeline
| Phase | Duration | Key Activities |
|---|---|---|
| Preparation & Data Collection | Months 1-3 | Gather municipal datasets; finalize survey instruments; secure ethical approvals from Dhaka University IRB |
| Data Analysis | Months 4-6 | Economic modeling; qualitative coding; spatial mapping |
| Policymaker Engagement | Months 7-8
IX. Budget Overview (Summary)Total Requested: $75,000
X. Conclusion: The Economist's Role in Bangladesh Dhaka's FutureThe economic trajectory of Dhaka is inseparable from Bangladesh's national development story. This research will position the practicing Economist not merely as an analyst but as a strategic partner in shaping inclusive growth for 21 million people. By focusing on the microeconomic realities within Bangladesh Dhaka—where a street vendor's transaction and a factory manager's decision both contribute to the city's economic pulse—the study moves beyond theoretical economics toward actionable change. The Research Proposal presented here demands immediate attention because Dhaka's next decade will be defined by choices made now: whether to continue with reactive policies or implement the data-driven strategies this research will deliver. As Bangladesh aims for middle-income status by 2031, understanding and optimizing urban economic engines like Dhaka is no longer optional—it is existential for national prosperity. XI. References (Selected)
This Research Proposal is submitted for consideration by the Bangladesh Economic Association and Dhaka University's Department of Economics as part of their strategic urban development initiatives. ⬇️ Download as DOCX Edit online as DOCXCreate your own Word template with our GoGPT AI prompt: GoGPT |
