Bangladesh Studies

The book is the outcome of a seminar that looked at the nature of challenges and the policy options facing Bangladesh in achieving accelerated, sustained and equitable economic growth. Since the early 1990s, Bangladesh has notably improved its economic growth performance following the introduction of market-oriented liberalising economic reforms. The positive impact of economic growth on poverty was, however, compromised to some extent by a worsening of income distribution.

Non-governmental Organizations (NGOs) are an integral aspect of society in Bangladesh. They provide a variety of services to people, generate employment, mobilize public opinion, and influence governmental policy. They remain as an important liaison with the donor community and are a substantial cultural, political and economic presence in the country. NGOs are involved in many important sectors of the economy such as education, health, and finance.

Tradition and modernity are perhaps the two poles against which women of South Asia are pitted. The main elements of tradition seem to be comprised of religion. Religion occupies a somewhat difficult position in the largely secular terrain that speak of the empowerment of women. This fascinating volume explores the role that religion, culture and society play in the social and political positioning of women.

This book focuses on issues critical to the contemporary emphasis on gender sensitive health care for the poor pregnant women in Bangladesh. The core of the book explores the differing perspectives between rural women and health care providers regarding childbirth care and practices. The study attempts to understand women's perceptions of birthing care and their practices, the role of culture, socio-economic factors, and household dynamics as they influence women and their family's health-seeking behaviour.