Inequalities in human well-being in the urban Ganges-Brahmaputra Delta: implications for sustainable development

Discussions on post Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) unanimously agree on the need to focus on sustainable development, finishing the job of ending extreme poverty and the importance of supporting urban development. Urbanization has the ability to transform societies and cities are the primary engine of economic growth and development. On the other hand, there is an increasing number of people living in poverty in urban environments and inequalities are increasing. Sustainable and inclusive urban development will accelerate progress towards Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and contribute to the end of extreme poverty. Urban growth in Bangladesh is very rapid and it is crucial to develop policy initiatives to monitor the existing inequalities in the region in order to maintain current socio-economic trends. The present study analyses the level and determinants of selected welfare measures and assesses the extent of inequalities in human well-being in the urban Bangladeshi Ganges-Brahmaputra Delta. Using the 2010 Household Income and Expenditure Survey (HIES), this paper aims to provide some reflections on current inequality trends, thus contributing to the progress towards sustainable development of the country.