Effects of Remittances on Income Inequality in Bangladesh: A Macroeconomic Analysis

Abstract

This study attempts to examine the effects of remittances on income inequality in Bangladesh over the period of 1990 to 2016. The study period has been chosen based on data availability at macro level. To serve the purpose, Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) cointegration technique is applied since unit root test confirms a combination of variables some which are stationary at level and others become stationary after first difference. The error correction model estimated by reparametrizing the ARDL model after having confirmation about the existence of long run relationship through bound test. An inverted U-shaped relationship between the remittances and income inequality has been found by the study. Remittances increase income inequality in short run and decrease income inequality in the long run.  In the long run an increase in remittances by 1 per cent reduces the income inequality by 11 per cent on an average. The adjustment coefficient has the expected negative sign at 1 per cent level of significance which ensure a monotonically convergent adjustment towards the equilibrium with the speed of 21.65 per cent. Among other control variables, private credit increases income inequality in the long run and decrease it in the short run. Exchange rate and inflation either have very negligible effects or no significant effects both in short run and in long run. Based on the findings, it could be suggested that the country should take proper steps to encourage investment of remittances in productive activities to accumulate capital which could ensure the path of accruing the beneficial impacts of remittances on income inequality in the long run.