REMITTANCE AND THE RISE OF RURAL MIDDLE CLASS IN BANGLADESH

Abstract

Background: The impact and utilization of remittance by the rural population of Bangladesh has been extensively discussed in numerous studies, both by Bangladeshi and international researchers. However, the concept that remittance is contributing to the rise of a rural middle class is a fresh and unique approach. Objective: The objective of the article is to explore the role of remittance in the rise of a rural middle class of Bangladesh. Also, to investigate how far remittance, both in cash and kind together with the ‘social remittance’ has contributed to the upward socio- economic movement of rural Bangladesh. Method: This article adopted an integrative review method where secondary data collection was done from official government documents and websites of Bangladesh government. Contemporary data base and websites of different development organizations/world bodies were examined along with numerous scholars’ research publications on this field. Result: The paper exhibited that the direct and indirect impact of remittance has contributed to the solidification of rural middle class status. Conclusion: It is important that this newly emerged, aspiring newgeneration rural middle class should not be left out of academic and policy discussion