'The Middle Class Is Transforming'

Stratification has been more prominent than ever.

Hossain Zillur Rahman, an economist and former adviser to the caretaker government, has seen a major transformation of Bangladeshi middle class in the recent decades–change that has resulted in development of a vibrant market replete with opportunities for businesses. He also finds it difficult to define the present-day middle class which is facing certain contradictions in creating self-image despite their prominent presence as a consumer class.

The development thinker says the importance and contribution of today’s middle class to national growth has not been properly recognised as yet. Our own Wafiur Rahman caught up with Dr Rahman, or Dr Zillur if you prefer the local styling, to try and get to the bottom of one of the most commonly used yet obscure concepts when we talk about any economy. Even more so a developing one like Bangladesh. Excerpts:

What do we understand by the concept of middle class?

Historically, the middle class in Bangladesh was more of a social and cultural phenomenon. The assertion of the middle class virtually began during the colonial era, with the so-called white-collar job. It was fundamentally a value system, dominated by propensity for education and refinement of citizens and their families. It was a middle class which set the national agenda including movement for independence and democracy and social progress. So, the concept of middle class was also part and parcel of a constant cultural movement in society.

What is it in today’s Bangladesh?