EN
Bangladesh is characterized by a low level of urbani zation. In 1981 the urban population constituted 15,5% of the wole population, whereas in 1991 - 20,2%. The figures indicate the high dynamism of transformation in the settlement. In the process ofurbanization of Bangladesh the municipalities centers - pourashvas - which in 1995 amounted to 119, are of fundamental importance. Besides their administrative functions, they a big economical importance. In the years 1981-1991, the rate of growth of the cities was characterized by a great differentation. The differentation reflected the investment policy, which influenced their economical and social development, making them more or less attractive for immigrations. The high rate of the growth still had the biggest cities of Bangladesh: Dhaka, Chittagong, Khulna and Rajshahi, which are so-called Statistical Metropolitan Areas (SMA).