Crisis In Bangladesh Research Articles

Challenges and dilemmas of social cohesion between the Rohingya and host communities in Bangladesh

Social Cohesion is an important issue for refugees and their host communities. Much attention on social cohesion in the literature has been focused on situations in the Middle East. This paper will bring attention to the Rohingya crisis in Bangladesh. With the influx of nearly one million Rohingya into Bangladesh in 2017, social cohesion between the Rohingya and their host communities has become more complex than ever. Although ensuring social cohesion is very important for Bangladesh, it has not been easy to implement under the present legislative framework of refugee management in Bangladesh. The sympathetic attitude of the host community toward the Rohingya has significantly declined during the past 4 years. In this context, qualitative research was undertaken to understand the challenges and dilemmas of social cohesion from both the host and Rohingya perspectives. Based on 50 key informant interviews, observations, and several informal group discussions, this paper argues that a negative perception among the neighboring host communities toward the Rohingya has increased, contributing to social tension. A pragmatic and sustainable approach has to be taken to ensure a cohesive and peaceful coexistence of the host communities and the Rohingya until dignified repatriation of the Rohingya is possible.

The Rohingya refugee crisis in Bangladesh: an analysis of the involvement of local humanitarian actors

Since August 2017, more than 700,000 Rohingya have sought refuge in Bangladesh from neighbouring Myanmar, resulting in an unprecedented humanitarian crisis. A significant endeavour is taking place involving various humanitarian actors for the provision and overall management of the humanitarian activities in Rohingya refugee camps. The article studies the configuration and evolution of the humanitarian operations with the aim of identifying the extent of localisation, ie the involvement of the Bangladeshi actors in the management of the camps in the early stage (1–2 years) of the crisis. It employs a quantitative method by analysing the 4W data of the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. Segregation of humanitarian operators by national and international non-governmental organisations and a network analysis suggest that the humanitarian operations are dominated by international actors, and localisation was not achieved in the early stage of the crisis. Additionally, the article provides a profile of the humanitarian operation along with the context and background of the crisis; as such, it can be utilised by both academic and non-academic audiences.

Postpartum Depression during the Pandemic Crisis in Bangladesh: A Teleconsultation Insight

Given the limited access to medical facilities, impeding lockdown, and social isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic, an upsurge in postpartum depression among pregnant mothers in their puerperal period has become more apparent alongside an eventual increase in suicidal behavior. This article aimed to discuss the crucial aspects of different clinical case studies treated during recent periods throughout the COVID-19 pandemic via teleconsultations. We hoped to demonstrate tremendous opportunities for the application of healthcare via therapeutic tools online in telemedicine to manage such conditions in a developing country like Bangladesh with a severe scarcity of healthcare infrastructure and resources.

Households’ Socioeconomic Vulnerability Assessment Due to COVID-19 Outbreak: A Web-Based Survey in Bangladesh

Aim: COVID-19, which can be considered a disastrous event, has created not only a public health emergency but also a major socio-economic crisis in Bangladesh. This study, therefore, aimed to assess households’ socioeconomic vulnerability due to the COVID-19 outbreak in the country. Methods: A quantitative cross-sectional survey was performed among 404 households from different districts in Bangladesh. The socioeconomic vulnerability index (SeVI) was developed using data collected from participants via an online-based self-reported questionnaire that included demographic, social, economic, and physical characteristics as well as exposure to COVID-19. Results: The socioeconomic vulnerability index (SeVI) was calculated as an index score of 0.405 where social, economic, and COVID-19 exposure were reported to be the more impactful components of adaptive capacity, sensitivity, and exposure, respectively. Furthermore, the economic options for households were greatly limited by the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic. Practical implications: This study may help to identify the socioeconomic issues that resulted from the COVID-19 outbreak in the country and instruct the policymakers and corresponding authorities on which areas to emphasize for policy implementation so that households become socially and economically less susceptible to the COVID-19 outbreak as well as related infectious diseases and disastrous events in the upcoming years. Conclusion: This study found socioeconomic vulnerability among Bangladeshi households. The corresponding authorities should adopt policy initiatives to minimize the socioeconomic vulnerability due to the COVID-19 outbreak in the country.

The Environmental Implications of the Rohingya Refugee Crisis in Bangladesh

Purpose: The main focus is to find out the environmental challenges that Bangladesh is dealing for the huge influx of Rohingya refugee people to Bangladesh. The research also aims to assess the dynamic situation of the crisis, identify the roles of Bangladesh government, NGOs as well as the International Organisations’ for Rohingya refugee crisis.
 Methodology: This study is context-dependent on information and an inductive data analysis. The paper uses a descriptive qualitative approach case study design that focuses on primary and secondary data showing the real ground of crisis. Data has been collected from the interviewees and experts. This research sets multiple methods of data collection including documents, policy, and historical analysis.
 Findings: Environmental imbalance occurred due to allocating 1,000 acres forest land for providing shelters to the refugees. Reserve forest has been destroyed endangering wild elephants. And it is causing landslides in the area, soil erosion, water scarcity, extreme heat wave, extreme rainfall, drought, deforestation, air pollution, and so on.
 Conclusion: This research leads to identifying the areas which have already been affected. The plans that need to work on to overcome the problems and that could provide necessary and sustainable solutions for Rohingya refugee. This study also could let people know the catastrophe Bangladesh is dealing and the impacts which can cause the ecological imbalance and failure the biodiversity of the areas in a greater way. This paper could bring benefit to society and make people conscious about the environment and also make them raise voices for the conservation of environment.

Public-Private Partnerships (PPP): Contextual Considerations and Areas for Reform to Offset Covid-19 Shock

Public-private partnerships (PPPs) are not new. However, they are becoming increasingly pivotal to accomplishing what both sides struggle to do: rolling out the high-quality development, redevelopment, and creation of public facilities and infrastructure, and as we look to the future, the development of digital infrastructure. Ideally, PPPs create a win-win opportunity for the private sector to work with governments. Companies assume management responsibility and much of the risk in exchange for profits linked to performance. The projects create a new source of business for companies while adding private sector expertise, efficiencies, and capital to public endeavours. In most cases, these projects could not get off the ground without private support, as tightening budgets make it difficult for governments to fund improvements to ageing public assets or services. Bangladesh announced a revised PPP program in the 2009/10 Budget Session and introduced a new PPP policy in August 2010 (PPP Policy 2010). Before the mid-1990s, Bangladesh had entered into several individual PPP transactions & 1996 marked the first time that a policy framework was introduced for PPPs to enable private sector partnerships in power generation. In 2010, the 6th Five-Year Plan was launched, outlining the government’s vision to improve the country’s economic growth trajectory. Private-sector participation is essential to bridge the investment gap and satisfy infrastructure needs worldwide. PPPs are one of many arrangements to consider, but due to their complex, timely and costly procurement, governments often struggle to apply and leverage them. Governments can implement mechanisms to nurture their PPPs and infuse efficiency and performance throughout their maturity journey. These mechanisms should be carefully crafted and ensure that actors are clear on their role and are empowered to execute it. It is a paradox that the PPP project pipeline development and implementation cannot keep pace with the growing demand for infrastructure & power projects. At the same time, the government is also unable to utilise the allocated budget for the PPP. Hence, the challenges are essential for the policymakers to deal with the issue in the best possible way. Bangladesh faces the challenges of modernising and expanding its vital infrastructure services, including roads, power, gas, port, etc. However, the health sector is still one crucial area where the public-private partnership (PPP) model could play a prominent role, particularly in the diagnostic, specialised treatment and medical waste. This paper is an attempt to analyse and draw lessons in the perspectives of the institutional, regulatory, finance, and other policy-relevant issues for the development of PPP projects & try to figure out the potential of Public-private partnerships (PPPs) to contribute to a clean and green recovery from the on-going Covid-19 crisis in Bangladesh.

Opportunity of the Century

ABSTRACT The year 1971’s geostrategic significance for the Indian subcontinent rivals that of 1947 when British India was divided into India and Pakistan. While the roots of Bangladesh#x2019;s secession from Pakistan lay firmly within the Pakistani polity, India#x2019;s political support for the Bangladesh freedom movement and its military intervention were crucial for the liberation of Bangladesh. The Indian campaign for the liberation of Bangladesh was brilliantly conceived and deftly executed. Although humanitarian considerations, especially the influx of ten million refugees into India, played a role the major factors determining the decision to intervene militarily in the Bangladesh crisis were political and strategic in character. This article analyzes these factors as well as the decision-making process that led to India midwifing the birth of Bangladesh.

An mCARE study on patterns of risk and resilience for children with ASD in Bangladesh

Community-wide lockdowns in response to COVID-19 influenced many families, but the developmental cascade for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) may be especially detrimental. Our objective was to evaluate behavioral patterns of risk and resilience for children with ASD across parent-report assessments before (from November 2019 to February 2020), during (March 2020 to May 2020), and after (June 2020 to November 2020) an extended COVID-19 lockdown. In 2020, our study Mobile-based care for children with ASD using remote experience sampling method (mCARE) was inactive data collection before COVID-19 emerged as a health crisis in Bangladesh. Here we deployed “Cohort Studies”, where we had in total 300 children with ASD (150 test group and 150 control group) to collect behavioral data. Our data collection continued through an extended COVID-19 lockdown and captured parent reports of 30 different behavioral parameters (e.g., self-injurious behaviors, aggression, sleep problems, daily living skills, and communication) across 150 children with ASD (test group). Based on the children’s condition, 4–6 behavioral parameters were assessed through the study. A total of 56,290 behavioral data points was collected (an average of 152.19 per week) from parent cell phones using the mCARE platform. Children and their families were exposed to an extended COVID-19 lockdown. The main outcomes used for this study were generated from parent reports child behaviors within the mCARE platform. Behaviors included of child social skills, communication use, problematic behaviors, sensory sensitivities, daily living, and play. COVID-19 lockdowns for children with autism and their families are not universally negative but supports in the areas of “Problematic Behavior” could serve to mitigate future risk.

Impacts of COVID-19 induced food insecurity among informal migrants: Insight from Dhaka, Bangladesh.

Food insecurity is one of the rising problems in Bangladesh, and it is severely prevalent among informal migrant workers. In this case, the COVID‐19 pandemic has multiplied the food insecurity of informal migrant workers. This study explores and synthesizes the COVID‐19 induced food insecurity impact among informal migrants and recommends policy actions to tackle the COVID‐19 led food crisis in Bangladesh. A qualitative research approach, including in‐depth interviews, four FGDs, and participant observation, has been applied to data collection from different parts of Dhaka city. A thematic approach to interpretive phenomenological analysis is followed in this study. The results show that COVID‐19 induced lockdown significantly affects informal migrants' household food security. Most participants report severe complications due to food insecurity like consuming less food, price hiking, no fish or meat, potato, and vegetable. Food insecurity leads to migrant's chronic food shortage, starvation, malnutrition of mother and children, and unhealthy food. As a result, the way of life of informal migrants has been directed to more fragility and vulnerability during the pandemic; even they are not affordable to maintain a minimal level of family affairs and necessity. The findings of this study would be essential guidelines for the governmental and non‐governmental organizations and development practitioners to address the food insecurity situations.

Emerging Pillars for IWRM Implementation In Bangladesh

Since the early 1990s, the IWRM approach has been performing for improving the water sector through minimising the water crisis in Bangladesh. Therefore, Bangladesh has developed three pillars (e.g., enabling environment, institutional arrangement, management instruments, etc.) favouring IWRM to meet the desired goal. Despite the ability to adequately address the cross-cutting and multiple issues of the water sector of Bangladesh, the IWRM approach is getting more complex day by day because the steps taken under the pillars may not work correctly. Given above, an attempt has been made to analyse how the existing contradictions in IWRM pillars (designed by Bangladesh) affect IWRM effectiveness. Using document analysis and semi-structured interviews, this paper provides an understanding of existing inconsistencies of IWRM pillars and the necessity of enhancing IWRM pillars for increasing IWRM implementation effectiveness in Bangladesh. The implementation challenges of the policy networks (policy, plan, strategy etc.) and implementation networks (water projects) made to ensure enabling environment affect IWRM effectiveness. Institutional power and responsibility are not defined in the policy rules and regulations correctly, causing problems in the institutional arrangement, which has affected IWRM effectiveness. Database related issues about the management instruments are also responsible in this regard. Necessary strategies and measures as per network management are recommended to enhance IWRM tools by resolving irregularities and improving IWRM effectiveness in Bangladesh.

The Roles of Alliances in Governments’ Relationships Between Bangladesh and Indonesia Epoch of H. E. Sheikh Hasina and H. E. Joko Widodo: The Case of Rohingya Refugees (2017-2020)

Indonesia is one of the first nations to formally acknowledging Bangladesh's independence that is in February 1972. However, there is lacking scientific study on both government relations. To solve the Rohingya crisis in Bangladesh from Myanmar. This study analyzes the roles of alliances in government relationships between Bangladesh and Indonesia in the epoch of prime minister Shaikh Hasina and President Joko Widodo, the Rohingya refugee (2017-2020). This qualitative research operates secondary data; Qualitative Descriptive (QD) is a form used in the qualitative study for comprehensive thoughts, expressly regulating the relevant phenomena. The research questions, what kind of challenges Indonesia and Bangladesh friendship faced on the Rohingya issue? How did both nations overcome, and what are the roles in their governmental alliances played? The study found that both countries have effective diplomatic administrative regulations. Indonesian government's efforts in the case of Rohingya are very active compared to other Asian countries. In reply to the Rohingya emigrant crisis and the maintaining of reciprocal settlement with the Bangladesh government in focusing of Indonesia diplomacy, is to find the arrangement of the refugee dilemma by approaching the root elements of the puzzle and intensifying the collaboration in determining the crisis. In short, the Bangladesh government appreciated the efforts of the Indonesian authority by mutual relationships even the friendship is upon the reciprocal agreement. It suggests that both governments should maintain an equal or more friendly bilateral settlement to keep these diplomatic relations effective and fruitful for both nations.

Role of Digital Financial Services in Confronting Covid-19 Crisis in Bangladesh

Abstract This study examines the impact of Digital Financial Services (DFSs) in confronting COVID-19 crisis in Bangladesh. It attempts to explore the magnitude of using DFSs along with the efficacy and difficulties of DFSs in coping with humanitarian emergency during COVID-19 pandemic. For analyzing the role of DFSs, the study collects primary data by carrying out a computerized questionnaire survey among 100 respondents. According to the field survey outcomes, DFSs are found useful as transactions can be done efficiently while maintaining social distance. Therefore, an increasing number of people are using DFSs for financial transactions during the pandemic. However, the survey outcomes also report that preferring DFSs over physical cash have many challenges such as data privacy concern, digital fraud, transaction limit problem, difficulty in cashing out and others. If these challenges are addressed properly, DFSs can play an important role in strengthening the resilience of populations during the crisis. JEL classification numbers: G01. Keywords: Digital Financial Services, COVID-19 Crisis, Humanitarian Emergency, Bangladesh.

Citizens’ Initiatives for Crisis Management and the Use of Social Media: An Analysis of COVID-19 Crisis in Bangladesh

This study analyses different social media-based citizens’ initiatives taken during the COVID-19 crisis in Bangladesh. By applying netnography on various Facebook groups, the study finds that people are trying to address the crisis by using social media. The groups provided different crucial support to general people, such as connecting people to get blood and plasma and delivering medical necessities (e.g., supplying oxygen at home). The study also finds that different factors such as the development of trust, opportunities for digital transactions, the existence of dedicated moderators, and an easily available platform (Facebook) to connect people contribute to increasing the effectiveness of those groups.

Rohingya Refugee Influx in Bangladesh and Repatriation Process: Addressing the Possible Challenges

Bangladesh is eminent in a very difficult situation regarding the Rohingya refugee crisis and their repatriation, and it practices balanced diplomacy, while her neighboring countries remain silent on the Rohingya problem. Bangladesh, as a host country for 1.1 million Rohingya refugees, faces environmental deterioration in terms of shelter, sanitation, and water management, among other things, due to the destruction of forest and hills. It must repatriate the Rohingya to their motherland in order to do this. This research looks at common long-term responses to the refugee crisis in Bangladesh, as well as the attitudes and behaviors of displaced Rohingyas. It claims that finding long-term solutions for Rohingya refugees through repatriation, integration, or resettlement in their home, host, and third countries is nearly impossible, but there are geographical as well as global challenges. In this case, there is a chance of repatriation in the immediate future, but it would be a small population relative to the total number of refugees. Since Bangladesh and Myanmar have been working together in a joint working group (JWG) since January 2018 to find solutions to the Rohingya crisis and repatriation, this process is still ongoing. This research aims to depict the potential challenges of repatriation of Rohingya refugee from Bangladesh.

China and India’s Comparative Response to the 2017 Rohingya Crisis in Bangladesh

The simultaneous rise of China and India has been creating significant re-orientation in the contemporary international system. Both the countries are trying to climb up in the global power hierarchy but for the first instance, they are competing with each other for the Pan-Asian leadership. As a result, their neighboring countries like Bangladesh and Myanmar are becoming hot spots for geostrategic power play between the two Asian powers. The Sino-Indian geostrategic competition intensified after 25 August 2017 when the military crackdown happened at the Rakhine state on Rohingya people. This paper illustrates the nature and dimensions of the response from New Delhi and Beijing on the 2017 Rohingya Refugee crisis. This paper adopted a qualitative method and data was analyzed based on secondary data. The findings argue that there was a qualitative difference between the responses from India and China in this crisis. India claimed to remain neutral in the crisis and provided limited humanitarian and economic assistance to Bangladesh and Myanmar. This paper also reviews why China and India back Myanmar and the international response to this crisis. Finally, this paper concludes with Bangladesh’s challenges from the Sino-Indian geostrategic interests in the Rakhine state.

Energy crisis in Bangladesh: Challenges, progress, and prospects for alternative energy resources

Providing uninterrupted and reliable electricity to all at an affordable price is a major undertaking for the governments of increasingly energy-hungry countries. This study assesses the energy supply-demand gap, progress, and prospects of alternative energy sources in Bangladesh. Several methods, including descriptive, trend, and comparative analyses, were carried out using time-series energy data to determine the current and historical energy status. Results show that between 1990 and 2018, the country experienced an approximate 3.05-fold increase in energy consumption from 12,743 to 38,807 ktoe, and a 3.11-fold increase in energy production from 10,760 to 33,504 ktoe. The shortfall between supply and consumption is approximately 26%, but this can be resolved by addressing energy diversification barriers related to policy, governance through regulatory actions, investment, transmission and distribution, resources optimisation, energy efficiency, conservation, research and education, and regional cooperation.

Factors associated with mobile phone usage to access maternal and child healthcare among women of urban slums in Dhaka, Bangladesh: a cross-sectional study

IntroductionWith the acute shortage of human resources and infrastructure, mobile phones can be a critical tool for accessing health services and strengthening health systems in Bangladesh. Yet, there is a...

Fear of COVID-19 and Depression: A Comparative Study Among the General Population and Healthcare Professionals During COVID-19 Pandemic Crisis in Bangladesh

The COVID-19 pandemic affects individuals’ mental health that can result in fear of getting COVID-19 infection and depression. As there is no prior study available, we evaluated these mental health outcomes and associated factors among the general population and healthcare professionals (HCPs) in Bangladesh. This nationwide cross-sectional study comprised 3388 individuals including 834 HCPs. The measures included socio-demographics, healthcare, and patient-care related information, the Bangla Patient Health Questionnaire, and the Bangla Fear of COVID-19 Scale. Multiple linear regression analyses were performed to identify risk factors. Just over one-quarter of the participants were depressed, and was significantly associated with COVID-19 fear. Regression analyses showed that, both in general population and HCPs, depression and fear of COVID-19 were strongly predicted by being female; however, depression was inversely associated with being married. Particularly, among the HCPs, being restless while examining a patient with flu-like symptoms and while examining a patient returning from abroad was found to be significant predictor for both depression and fear of COVID-19. HCPs who were using single protective equipment for a week had greater depression and those who felt insecure due to the pandemic had a high level of COVID-19 fear. The findings identified major psychological impacts among the participants, suggesting the urgent need to promote mental wellbeing in both general population and medical professionals.

Prospect of green power generation as a solution to energy crisis in Bangladesh

Non renewable energy sources in Bangladesh is severely limited. Mainly in the rural areas energy crisis and desertification problem is very acute. Thus, it is essential to find out the renewable energy resources as well as to improve the effective renewable energy technologies. Bangladesh is adorned with huge renewable energy capitals such as solar, hydro, wind, biomass, tidal and geothermal energy due to its appropriate geographical position. Proper harnessing of these renewable energy sources would be a promising solution to alleviate the energy need mainly in the rural areas of Bangladesh. However, there are some political, economical, technological, informational, institutional, personnel barriers for proper utilization of renewable energy resources. It is required to work together of different government and non-government organizations to solve the problems and utilize the renewable energy technologies. Thus, renewable energy technology development related research works are crucial in developing countries like Bangladesh. Moreover, the potentiality of renewable energy capitals and their implementation is needed to be assembled in details to understand the whole scenario of the renewable energy sector of Bangladesh. The objective of this research is to deliver a recent review of renewable energy status in Bangladesh in respect to the energy potentiality and its implementation, research and development activities. Major challenges of the renewable energy sector of Bangladesh are also addressed and based on that some recommendations are provided.

Comparative Study of Early and Late Maturing Rapeseed and Mustard Genotypes for Yield-related Traits and Fatty Acid Profiles

Rapeseed and mustard are the leading oilseed crops in Bangladesh. The demand for edible oil is growing irrespective of Bangladesh's low oilseed production. An intensified rapeseed and mustard cultivation can mitigate the ongoing oilseed crisis in Bangladesh. The purpose of this analysis was to define the difference between late maturing and early maturing rapeseed and mustard genotypes in terms of yield, yield contributing characteristics and fatty acid profile. Two early maturing and twenty late-maturing rapeseed and mustard lines were used in the experiment. Two late maturing lines M-215 and M-219 showed noteworthy results yielding 4.56 tons and 4.16 tons per ha, respectively. These late maturing genotypes achieved higher yield by producing bigger plants with a greater number of primary, secondary, and tertiary branches along with a higher number of siliqua per branch. Notably, the early maturing variety BARI Sarisha-14 recorded the highest number of seeds per siliqua. These two late-maturing lines also measured slightly lower oil content, higher oleic acid content, and a lower erucic acid profile.