Bazar District Research Articles

Developing an early warning land degradation indicator based on geostatistical analysis of Ecosystem Functional Types dynamics

Identifying and quantifying ecosystem degradation and recovery is of critical importance for ecosystem health, biodiversity, food security and the livelihoods of local communities. Remote sensing datasets and techniques, particularly land cover maps, provide crucial data for capturing spatial and temporal changes, supporting informed decision-making and targeted interventions. However, these maps often emphasize structural rather than functional attributes and, also due to their thematic and temporal resolution, may not detect early degradation signs. This study evaluates the effectiveness of Ecosystem Functional Attributes (EFAs) and Ecosystem Functional Types (EFTs) as early warning indicators of ecosystem degradation. Using Sentinel-2 derived Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) data from 2016 to 2022, we conducted qualitative and quantitative EFA/EFT analysis on two fragile protected areas, Moyowosi Game Reserve (Kigoma region, Tanzania) and the Sheikh Jamal Inani National Park (Cox’s Bazar district, Bangladesh). Firstly, EFA analysis characterized vegetation productivity and seasonality, revealing temporal trends and spatial patterns of change. Secondly, EFTs served as indicators of change levels. Our findings showed significant insights into productivity shifts due to human activities and climate anomalies, identifying specific temporal events and turning points. Variogram-based geostatistical analysis highlighted changes in vegetation diversity’s spatial distribution. Integrating EFA/EFT analysis with geostatistical methods proved effective for early detection of land degradation, surpassing traditional land cover change analysis. Hence, the presented approach forms a robust framework for an early warning system, aimed at monitoring and evaluating environmentally fragile areas and aiding decision-makers in mitigating environmental degradation and promoting sustainable land management.

Breaking Barriers: Addressing STI Healthcare Access Challenges among Rohingya Refugees in Bangladesh

Background: The Rohingya refugee crisis, stemming from Myanmar's Rakhine State, has led to a significant displacement of nearly a million Rohingya seeking refuge in Bangladesh's Cox's Bazar district. Among the myriad health challenges faced by this population, Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) present a pressing concern. The study aimed to explore the burden of STIs among Rohingya refugees in Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh, by examining the prevalence of STIs, associated risk factors and access to healthcare services. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from January to December 2023, involving 150 Rohingya refugees residing in refugee camps in Cox's Bazar. Data collection included demographic characteristics, STI symptoms, healthcare-seeking behavior, perceived barriers to healthcare access and access to transportation. Descriptive statistics, bivariate correlation analysis and logistic regression were employed for data analysis. Results: Preliminary findings revealed a high prevalence of STI symptoms among Rohingya refugees, with 20.0% experiencing genital ulcers, 33.3% reporting vaginal discharge and 26.7% suffering from painful urination. However, only 46.7% sought treatment from healthcare providers, with perceived barriers such as financial constraints (40.0%) and lack of awareness (26.7%) hindering access to healthcare. Conclusion: By shedding light on the complex interplay of demographic, socioeconomic and healthcare-related factors, this study contributes to a deeper understanding of the health challenges faced by displaced populations and underscores the importance of tailored healthcare strategies in humanitarian settings. IAHS Medical Journal Vol 7(1), June 2024; 32-34

Production performance and biochemical profile of sea lettuce (Ulva lactuca): Influence of site-specific ecological factors and cultivation strategies

Production performance and biochemical characteristics of seaweed under varying cultivation strategies and ecological conditions provide crucial insights for improving sustainable farming practices. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the production performance and biochemical profile of sea lettuce (Ulva lactuca) under three farming systems, namely floating long-line (FLL), off-bottom long-line (OBLL), and off-bottom net (OBN), and three site-specific (Khurushkul, Nuniachora, and Sonapara) ecological conditions for a period of nine months (October 2022 to June 2023). Depending on the site suitability for different cultivation systems, 15 plots (5 FLL, 5 OBLL, and 5 OBN) were established in Nuniachora, 10 plots (5 FLL, 5 OBLL) were established in Sonapara, and 5 plots (FLL) were established in Khurushkul of the Cox's Bazar district, Bangladesh. Depending on the cultivation months, we partially harvested U. lactuca every 15–30 days once it reached 25–35 cm in length. Results showed that the gross weight biomass (GWB) of U. lactuca cultured in the FLL (F = 200.43, p < 0.001) cultivation system was 45.38% and 39.85% higher compared to OBN and OBLL, respectively. The average daily growth rate (DGR) was found to be 11%–13% higher in the FLL method (F = 236.11, p < 0.001). Location-based comparisons indicated a significantly higher (p < 0.05) U. lactuca production in Khurushkul, followed by the Nuniarchora, and the lowest was observed in Sonapara. Seasonality influenced the production performances of U. lactuca, with significantly higher (p < 0.05) growth observed from December to March due to favourable physio-chemical parameters. Multivariate analysis revealed that high salinity, pH, and nutrient concentrations positively influenced growth performances, while high temperature, turbidity, and total suspended solids (TSS) had negative effects. U. lactuca harvested from the FLL and OBN systems contained 14.3% and 9.44% higher amounts of protein (F = 36.77, p < 0.001) than the OBN system. The fatty acid analysis showed that U. lactuca from the FLL and OBN systems contained a significantly lower amount of saturated fatty acids but a higher amount of monounsaturated and n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids compared to the OBLL system. Among the heavy metals and minerals analyzed, U. lactuca harvested from the FLL system contained significantly (p < 0.05) higher amounts of Na and K and lower amounts of Pb, Cr, Co, and Fe. The findings of the present study underscore the superiority of the floating long-line cultivation system for U. lactuca, highlighting its potential for sustainable farming practices to address global food security and utilization in various industrial applications.

The proximate composition of Nappi and its marketing methods in Bangladesh

Nappi, fermented shrimp, is a traditional diet that is widely consumed by the ethnic communities of Southeast Asian countries, especially in Bangladesh. The present study was carried out to determine the proximate composition of Nappi collected from two different places, i.e., the Moheshkhali and Chaufaldandi areas of Cox’s Bazar district, Bangladesh. Traditional methods were used to prepare Nappi, and the standard procedure was followed to determine the proximate composition. The proximate composition of Nappi varied from place to place depending on the raw materials, preparation techniques, and surrounding conditions of the formulation places. Associated statistical analysis was conducted by r-programming (version 4.2.3). Proximate composition includes moisture, protein, ash, fat, and carbohydrate contents, amounting to 37.66 ± 1.51%, 34.34 ± 0.68%, 17.49 ± 0.46%, 8.53 ± 0.45%, and 1.39 ± 0.10%, respectively, for the Moheshkhali sample and 35.44 ± 1.37%, 37.23 ± 1.78%, 18.46 ± 0.59%, 6.00 ± 0.40%, and 2.66 ± 0.21%, respectively, for the Chaufaldandi sample. The study showed that moisture and fat content were significantly higher (ANOVA, p < 0.05) in the Moheshkhali sample. In contrast, protein, carbohydrate, and ash content were substantially higher (ANOVA, p < 0.05) in the Chaufaldandi sample. Nappi’s marketing strategy, supply channel, and value chain were also analyzed. The study’s findings revealed that the quality of Nappi relied on fresh raw materials, the hygienic condition of the processing places, and suitable techniques. Moreover, good-quality Nappi has a significant market demand among the local ethnic communities in Bangladesh and the ethnic communities living abroad. So, it is recommended that interventions be provided on proper preparation techniques and marketing channels for Nappi.

Resilience Building after Violent Attack on Buddhist Community: The Case of Ramu in Cox’s Bazar District of Bangladesh

This study delves into the analysis of communal violence in Bangladesh, focusing on the 2012 violent attack on the Buddhist community in Ramu, Cox’s Bazar. It examines the extent to which the attack affected the social cohesion of the local Muslim and Buddhist communities and evaluates the efficacy of post-violence responses for strengthening social cohesion and building resilience. We applied a mixed-method approach by using descriptive statistics from a survey of 300 local people and qualitative data from Focus Group Discussions and Key Informant Interviews. Based on an analytical framework of communal violence and resilience-building, this paper argues that communal violence is an ideologically motivated phenomenon that endangers inter-community relations, which cannot be fully recouped as various inadequacies undermine post-violence initiatives. The violent attack on the Buddhist community in Ramu was, in this vein, instigated by rumour and misinformation, igniting communal sentiment using a questionable Facebook post/tagging, intentionally used to mobilise locals and outsiders. Besides immediate consequences such as the destruction of property and the desecration of ancient religious places, it damaged inter-community relations by creating trauma, mistrust, and fear, which ruptured social interaction. The authorities could not prevent the attack due to their inability to understand the gravity of the issue. The immediate recovery support was quick and sufficient. However, it remained limited to reinstating the structures destroyed by the attack. Steps undertaken by different authorities for resilience-building were restricted. Therefore, grassroots people remain unattached in social cohesion building and coexist in subtle discomfort, if not anxiety. Social Science Review, Vol. 40(2), December 2023 Page: 143-170

Institutional capacity assessment in the lens of implementation research: Capacity of the local institutions in delivering WASH services at Cox's Bazar district, Bangladesh.

The influx of Forcibly Displaced Myanmar Nationals (FDMNs) has left the Southwest coastal district of Cox's Bazar with one of the greatest contemporary humanitarian crises, stressing the existing water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) resources and services. This study aimed to assess the existing capacity of local institutions involved in delivering WASH services and identify relevant recommendations for intervention strategies. We used a qualitative approach, including interviews and capacity assessment workshops with institutions engaged in WASH service delivery. We conducted five key informant interviews (KII) with sub-district level officials of the Department of Public Health Engineering (DPHE), Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), Directorate of Primary Education (DPE) and Bangladesh Rural Advancement Committee (BRAC) to have a general idea of WASH service mechanisms. Seven capacity assessment workshops were organized with the relevant district and sub-district level stakeholders from August 2019 to September 2019. These workshops followed three key areas: i) knowledge of policy, organizational strategy, guidelines, and framework; ii) institutional arrangements for service delivery such as planning, implementation, coordination, monitoring, and reporting; and iii) availability and management of human, financial and infrastructural resources. Data were categorized using thematic content analysis. The majority of stakeholders lacked awareness of national WASH policies. Furthermore, the top-down planning approaches resulted in activities that were not context-specific, and lack of coordination between multiple institutions compromised the optimal WASH service delivery at the local level. Shortage of human resources in delivering sustainable WASH services, inadequate supervision, and inadequate evaluation of activities also required further improvement, as identified by WASH stakeholders. Research evidence suggests that decision-makers, donors, and development partners should consider learning from the WASH implementers and stakeholders about their existing capacity, gaps, and opportunities before planning for any WASH intervention in any particular area.

Health care utilisation in Cox's Bazar district, Bangladesh, during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic: A mixed-methods study among host communities.

To respond to the COVID-19 pandemic, countries introduced public health and social measures that had indirect societal, economic consequences. Concerns during epidemics include continuity of routine health services. We investigate how healthcare utilisation and healthcare seeking behaviour changed during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic among host communities in Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh. This mixed-methods study combines quantitative analyses of routine health data and population-based findings about healthcare seeking behaviours. Trends in consultations changed according to facility level (higher-level facilities included Upazila Health Complexes and District Hospitals; lower-level facilities included Community Clinics and Union Health and Family Welfare Centers). At the pandemic's beginning, drops were seen at higher-level health facilities for outpatient department (OPD) consultations, respiratory infections, and antenatal care. Minor reductions or increases were seen at lower-level facilities for the same services. Half of the subdistricts reported a cumulative increase in OPD and respiratory tract infection consultations. Most subdistricts reported a cumulative decrease in antenatal care. Child vaccinations dropped in all subdistricts, half of which did not catch-up, resulting in a cumulative decrease of delivered doses. Fear of contracting COVID-19 and financial constraints were the main reasons for decreased access. Drivers of healthcare seeking behaviours should be better understood to guide preparedness and service delivery modalities at primary and secondary levels.

Fish diversity indices of Hail Haor, a subtropical wetland in the north‐east region of Bangladesh: Diversity influencing factors and recommendations

AbstractOne of the largest wetlands in Bangladesh's north‐east, Hail Haor supports a variety of aquatic habitats and has a diversified ecosystem. To ascertain the fish diversity indices of Hail Haor, this study was carried out month by month from December 2020 to June 2021. For this study, three sampling sites in the Moulvi Bazar district—Chiruadobi Beel, Gopla River and Balla Beel were chosen from which fish samples were collected. Twenty‐five different fish species were identified and 12,076 fish (individual numbers) were counted and categorized. The Shannon diversity index varied from 1.33 to 1.65. Hail Haor's species diversity index is moderate by the index standard. The Shannon evenness index (E) varied from .41 to .51. The Depressed Community is present in the Hail Haor species diversity index, as per the index standard. The Simpson dominance index fluctuated from .56 to .72. The species diversity index of Hail Haor contains moderate dominance, as per the index standard. With the help of local retailers, fishers, and other relevant stakeholders, the FGD identified factors that have an impact on the diversity index. The current study on diversity indices will be highly beneficial for formulating strategy and managing Hail Haor by strictly adhering to the recommendations.

Prevalence of scabies and its associated environmental risk factors among the Forcibly Displaced Myanmar Nationals living in the Cox's Bazar district of Bangladesh

IntroductionThe Forcibly Displaced Myanmar Nationals (FDMNs) residing in refugee camps face various health challenges, including a rising prevalence of scabies, exacerbated by overcrowded conditions and limited healthcare access. This study aims to assess scabies prevalence, clinical features, and environmental factors among FDMNs, aiding interventions and recommendations for better health outcomes. MethodologyA cross-sectional study was conducted from April to May 2023 in six camps of Teknaf/Ukhia Cox's Bazar. Using a multistage sampling technique, 12 blocks were identified, and FDMNs seeking healthcare services from Primary Health Care posts were invited to participate in the study. Participants were adults, and children who volunteered to participate in this study. Scabies diagnosis was based on clinical examinations of exposed body areas by trained health professionals. Data on sociodemographic factors, environmental risk factors, and scabies symptoms were obtained through a semi-structured questionnaire administered by trained interviewers. Statistical analysis included descriptive statistics, Chi-square tests, and binary logistic regression models to explore associations between scabies infection and other explanatory factors. ResultA total of 679 FDMNs participated in the study, with a mean age of 29.13 years. Overall, 66.42 % of participants were diagnosed with scabies. Age, marital status, history of scabies infection, previous skin infection, family history of scabies and skin infection, floor type, pet animal, dust exposure, and seasonal exposure were significantly associated with the scabies infection. Binary logistic regression suggested that having history of scabies infection (OR 3.98, 95 % CI: 1.86 to 8.49, p < 0.001), skin infection (OR 2.46, 95 % CI: 1.32 to 4.58, p = 0.004), having family history of scabies infection (OR 3.06, 95 % CI: 1.29 to 7.23, p = 0.011), family history of skin infection (OR 27.41, 95% CI: 14.46 to 51.97, P < 0.001), having contact with street animal (OR 2.16, 95% CI: 1.27 to 3.66, P = 0.004), and winter season (OR 3.33, 95 % CI: 1.89 to 5.87, p < 0.001) were significantly associated with scabies infection. ConclusionTailored public health measures targeting hygiene, living conditions, and animal contact can mitigate the spread of scabies, particularly among vulnerable groups like Rohingya refugees, necessitating collaboration between stakeholders.

DETERMINING THE IMPACT OF ROHINGYA FORCED MIGRATION ON THE NATURAL ENVIRONMENT OF TOURISM DESTINATION IN BANGLADESH

Rohingya forced migration has damaged the tourism destination in Bangladesh. The research focuses on the impact of Rohingya influx on tourism destination in Cox’s Bazar district in Bangladesh. The environmental aspects of the tourism destination have been highlighted in this study. This research has been conducted using mixed method approaches consisting of both qualitative and quantitative data. The primary data has been collected through qualitative and quantitative approaches. Qualitative data has been collected using Focus Group Discussion (FGD) and In-depth interviews. Three distinct groups have been focused on as samples for the study, including tourist experts, host communities, and Rohingya experts. Questionnaire survey has been conducted to gather quantitative data regarding the Rohingya forced migration's impact on tourism. Key Informant Interview (KII) has also been used to check the quantitative data accuracy of this study. The study found majority (64 %) of the respondent strongly agreed that forest cover has been decreasing due to the Rohingya influx, and it has been destroying the beauty of tourist destinations. The water channel is an integral part of the environment in the tourist destination. Almost 55% of the respondents strongly agreed that Rohingya is the primary source of water pollution. Almost 45 % of people strongly agreed, and 41.5% agreed that Rohingya is the main causes for solid waste pollution in tourism destination at Cox’s Bazar. In addition, more than fifty percent of the local people agree that house building materials, domestic and market waste, and solid wastes generated from Rohingya people are responsible for the destruction of the tourist harbor. The study has also identified that Rohingya are responsible for the destruction of tourism based local economy in Cox’s Bazar district, Bangladesh. Research findings of this study could be used to mitigate the impact of Rohingya migrants on the tourism environment in Bangladesh.

A first field evaluation of heavy metals uptake by innovative artificial mussel (AM) technology versus live mussel (LM) from inshore of the Bay of Bengal, Bangladesh and the application of AM technology for global pollution study

The comparative application of innovative artificial mussel (AM) technology together with live mussel (LM) has yet to be performed in the coastal waters of Bangladesh. Here, we report the accumulation of targeted metals (Cd, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, U and Zn) in both AM and LM (Perna viridis) from inshore of the Bay of Bengal, Bangladesh. AMs and LMs were deployed in two sites (MaheshKhali Channel and Reju Khal mouth, Cox’s Bazar district), in the Bay of Bengal, Bangladesh for this research study. Our data suggest that the uptake of Cu, Pb and Ni have correlated positively between AM and LM. The first equilibrium phase of metal uptake in AMs was achieved around day 7 for most of the metals, and the kinetics of uptake from day 0 to day 7 is descended as follows: Zn>Fe>Mn>Ni>U>Cu>Cd>Pb. In contrast, the concentration of metals in LM has not been changed a lot from its background level and found highly enriched in Fe, Pb and U compared to AMs. The overall uptake patterns show that AM can provide precise and time-integrated metal concentrations without any biological influence associated with LMs. Based on our research, AM technology can be a good replacement for bioindicator (live mussel) to monitor heavy metals in waterways since a) all of our targeted metals were accumulated in both AM and LM; and b) both AM and LM show a similar metal uptake, in particular, the uptake of Cu, Pb, and Ni in AM was found positively correlated with LM.

Sensorial, physicochemical and microbial quality evaluations of sun-dried marine fishes available in the Bay of Bengal of Bangladesh

The present study aimed to assess the sensory, physicochemical, and microbiological quality of five sun-dried marine fish (White sardine- WS, Longjaw thryssa- LT, Doublespotted queenfish- DQ, Chinese pomfret- CP, and Indian threadfin- IT) species (500 gm of each species) collected from Nazirartak fish drying center of Cox's Bazar district, Bangladesh at the month of April 2023. Physical (pH and water reconstitution), biochemical (proximate composition, peroxide value, acid value, conjugated diene and total volatile basic nitrogen), microbiological (total plate count, Escherichia coli, Salmonella sp. and Vibrio sp.) and sensory properties and score revealed that WS showed comparatively better quality than LT, DQ, CP, and IT. pH value and water reconstitution ability of sun-dried WS showed comparatively more acceptable. Significantly (p<0.05) the moisture, protein, lipid, and ash content of those dried fish products were varied from 18.57±0.41% (WS) to 20.38±0.41% (DQ), 59.38±1.05% (DQ) to 61.51±0.53% (WS), 7.61±0.37% (DQ) to 9.68±0.31% (WS), and 9.96±0.27% (LT) to 11.98±0.65% (DQ), respectively. On fresh matter basis, the highest total volatile basic nitrogen value was observed in CP (54.22 mg/100g), while the lowest value was found in WS (29.77 mg/100g). Moreover, sun-dried WS had the lowest peroxide value, acid value, and conjugated diene considered good acceptance. Only WS was deemed more safer and more suitable for human consumption based on total plate count and total Vibrio sp. count. All of the sun-dried fishes were free of the pathogenic bacteria such as E. coli and Salmonella sp., with the exception of CP and IT, where the total E. coli and Salmonella sp. count values were found 2.84 log CFU/g and 3.06 log CFU/g for both species, respectively. Taken together, White sardine (Escualosa thoracata) was found highly acceptable for human consumption based on sensory, physicochemical, and microbial analysis. It has been recommended that elevated focus on processing, handling, hygiene, and storage is crucial to meet consumer expectations of these dried fishery products.

Nutritional status of under-5 Rohingya Children admitted for Diarrheal Diseases at Primary Health Centers in Cox’s Bazar District of Bangladesh

Background: One of the leading causes of mortality and morbidity in under-5 children is Diarrhea. Malnutrition, in association with the diarrheal disease, affect children negatively. On 2018, Bangladesh saw massive influx Rohingya people with almost 29% under-5 children. Objective: The purpose of the present study was to determine the prevalence of malnutrition among children admitted with acute diarrheal diseases at the Primary health Centers at Cox’s Bazar. Methodology: This cross-sectional study was conducted among the diarrhea affected under-5 Rohingya children who reported to primary health centers at cox’s bazar. The study was conducted from January to December 2018. Primary caregiver of 276 respondents were interviewed, their hospital records were reviewed. Data were collected by face-toface interview using a semi-structured questionnaire. Results: The majority (60.1%) of the participants were male. Only 2.9% of the participants reported passing of macroscopic blood in stool. Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS) was not taken by most of the participants (50.7%), prior to visit to the hospital. The mean (±SD) age was 18.54 (±12.44) months. Among the participants, 14.1% had severe underweight (&lt;-3 WAZ score) and 27.2% had moderate underweight (-3 to &lt;-2 WAZ score). No death was reported, and 97.1% were discharged with advice from the hospital. Statistically significant relationship was found between age of the participants and underweight (p&lt;0.05) with a Moderate effect size (Φ=.21). Conclusion: The study findings would be helpful to identify the need for raising awareness among Rohingya caregiver and help healthcare providers to become more cautious in treating diarrheal patients. Bangladesh Journal of Infectious Diseases, June 2023;10(1):31-37

Coconut farmers’ knowledge of host and management approaches of rugose spiraling whitefly (Aleurodicus rugioperculatus Martin) in Bangladesh

Rugose spiraling whitefly (Aleurodicus rugioperculatus Martin) has become a major pest of coconut in Bangladesh. To assess farmers’ knowledge on host and management approaches of this pest, a survey of 240 farmers was conducted in eight districts of Bangladesh. Farmers noticed an expanding dispersion of this pest in Bangladesh since 2019. Among all the districts examined, Cox’s Bazar district was highly infested. Farmers mainly cultivated local coconut varieties in their homesteads. Forty percent (40%) of the farmers among all districts estimated that the pest reduced coconut yield to more than half. Only 1% of all farmers knew about all life stages of the pest. Consultation with extension officers significantly improved farmers’ knowledge of the pest. Summer was the peak season for the whitefly infestation. Farmers identified 22 hosts of the pest and almost four out of ten (40.4%) applied management methods against the pest. Among them, 22% used chemical methods, 42% used non-chemical methods, and 24% used both methods. Farmer’s types, purposes, and knowledge influenced their management approaches.

Social cohesion and reconciliation between the Rohingya and host communities in Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh

PurposeThe Rohingyas are forcefully displaced from Myanmar and sheltered in the Cox's Bazar district of Bangladesh. They have outnumbered the local people indicating a critical condition of their living situation after the year 2017 influx. The aim of this paper is to present how coexistence has impacted social cohesion and reconciliation among different groups of Rohingyas and host communities.Design/methodology/approachA cross-sectional survey was conducted with 903 households through a multistage stratified random sampling. Social cohesion and reconciliation (SCORE) index was measured as a multifaceted theoretical construct based on the exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses.FindingsThe findings of this study are inclined toward the miracle of social cohesion and reconciliation between the Rohingya and host communities. Also, it is revealed that youth, males and Rohingyas who came before the year 2017 influx are more cohesive. In the host or local community, people having lower income, less education and involvement with the informal sector are revealed as less cohesive.Practical implicationsThis study suggests vocational training as a short-term, cash-for-work as a mid-term and repatriation, proper identity, and protection services as long-term strategic plans to make the two communities more cohesive.Originality/valueThis study focuses on the SCORE indexes with a quantitative format, applying a second-order factor model.

SEAWEED CULTURE, POST-HARVEST PROCESSING, AND MARKET GENERATION FOR EMPLOYMENT OF COASTAL POOR COMMUNITIES IN COX'S BAZAR

Seaweed farming is one of the aquaculture industries with the greatest growth rate worldwide, with an annual production of over 33 billion tonnes, and a value of USD$11.8 billion which is predicted to treble by 2024. The current study was conducted in the Bakkhali River estuary and set out to survey the seaweed cultivation, processing, marketing status of the seaweed farmers and evaluate its financial benefits. Gracilaria lemaneiformis and Ulva intestinalis were cultured using the rope methods. The yield of G. lemaneiformis and U. intestinalis was good (Ten 15 m long ropes were used in each of the 45 plots, produced 7770 kg of G. lemaneiformis in the first 15 days while using ten 15 m long ropes were in each of the plots of U. intestinalis produced 2300 kg). Water parameters viz. temperature, salinity, pH, DO and transparency were checked every 15 days. According to previous literature, winter was determined to be the most productive time for seaweed development in Bangladesh. Seaweed was processed by the sun drying method and sold to retail clients, neighborhood shops and markets, and representatives in Cox's Bazar, Bandarban, Rangamati and Khagrachari district, where G. lemaneiformis attracting the higher price. The income of seaweed farmers has increased more than in the previous years to maintain their family. Most of the farmers used raw seaweed as traditional medicine for the treatment of gastric problem (80%), diabetes (5%), blood pressure (3%) and cancer (2%). They also used seaweed as an additive with other vegetables, mutton and chicken. Education for coastal people is very difficult, but after cultivating seaweed, about 60% of farmers can afford their children's education cost and about 85% of the households had electric fans, while the majority had mobile phones. The cost-benefit analysis demonstrated that seaweed cultivation is highly profitable.

A formative research to explore the programmatic approach of vaccinating the Rohingya refugees and host communities against COVID-19 infection in Bangladesh

BackgroundThe vaccination of the Rohingya refugees and host communities against COVID-19 in Cox’s Bazar started in August 2021. Government authorities and Non-Government Organisation partners implemented a project around the initial period of vaccination to improve awareness and access to target beneficiaries. We conducted formative research to understand the programmatic approach of this project and identify potential challenges and community perceptions regarding immunisation against COVID-19.MethodologyThis was formative research in which we used a qualitative method of data collection. Purposively chosen 12 key-informant interviews and conveniently chosen 20 in-depth interviews were conducted using semi-structured interview guidelines from August to September 2022 in the Rohingya camp and host communities of Cox’s Bazar District, Bangladesh. Ethical approval was obtained from the North South University Institutional Review Board, and written informed consent was obtained from all the participants. We used a thematic analysis approach to analyse the data.ResultsThe project neither provided any promotional or tailored messages regarding the COVID-19 vaccine nor conducted any vaccine hesitancy surveys before implementing the project. The project did not provide any storage facilities for the vaccines’ cold chain management but provided transport support to carry the vaccines from the district to the sub-district level. Community leaders were included in the decision-making process during local-level planning of the vaccination programme. The project supported the reporting of any adverse effects following immunisation from community members to the government health authorities. Vaccine hesitancy among participants was high in the early stages, but mass campaigns and vaccination of frontline health workers increased their acceptance. The major challenges reported by the informants were low budget and lower salaries of field staff, stacking of the registration process at the beginning, reluctance of participants, inadequate transportation and manpower, and inadequate baby feeding corners at vaccination centers.ConclusionThe findings from our study will help policymakers from the Government, the UN, and other humanitarian agencies to adapt and better address the issue of vaccine acceptance and strengthen the vaccination programme.

Survey on sea snakebite and related morbidity and mortality among Bangladeshi fishermen in the Bay of Bengal: A pilot study

Around two million people are engaged in marine fishing in the Bay of Bengal. Bites by sea snakes were common hazards feared by millions fishing at sea in earlier days. Current morbidity and mortality are also not known. This study was conducted to document and describe sea snake bites among selected communities of sea-going fishermen in Bangladesh. A questionnaire-based cross-sectional survey was conducted from May to October 2019 among three communities of sea-going fishermen living along the coast of the Bay of Bengal in Cox's Bazar district. Fishermen were first asked by trained interviewers to recall any sea snakebites to themselves and among their fellows on board within the last year, then within the last 5 years and at any time before that. For any bite, related information including outcome was noted. Overall, 25.4% of respondents (62 out of 244) had been bitten by sea-snakes. Mean age was 37.6(±14) years; all males. 51.6% received some sort of treatment locally; 71% hot compress and 48% tourniquets. In 80.6% the affected limb was not immobilized. The bitten site was incised in 29%. 22.6% received treatment from traditional healers, 48.4% from local hospitals, 29% from district hospital. Six victims (9.7%) suffered from severe life-threatening consequences of the sea snakebite but none died. 32% of the fishermen had seen the offending snake. Sea snakebites are potentially dangerous; therefore, educating fishermen to avoid contact with sea snakes would dramatically reduce the incidence of sea snakebites. Most bites are treated initially by local measures which are often not scientific. Provision of proper first aid and treatment might reduce mortality and morbidity. A larger survey on sea snake bites among the fishermen in all coastal areas of Bangladesh is needed to determine the nationwide burden of morbidity and mortality related to sea snakebite.

Applying rainfall threshold estimates and frequency ratio model for landslide hazard assessment in the coastal mountain setting of South Asia

Landslides pose a serious risk to life and property in the mountainous regions around the globe. Understanding the interplay of landslide conditioning and triggering factors is essential for lessening the impacts caused by the hazard. Cox's Bazar — a coastal mountainous district in Bangladesh is recurrently affected by rainfall-triggered landslides. Based on analysis of 14 experiential landslides and combination of gauged and satellite rainfall estimates for the period from 2003 to 2019, the present study determines three landslide-triggering rainfall thresholds for the Cox's Bazar District (CBD): 1. Intensity-Duration (ID) threshold derived in this study revealed that any rainfall event with an intensity of ≥4.04 ​mm/h if prolonging for ≥12h can cause slope failures; 2. Event-Duration (ED) threshold suggested that a normalized cumulative event rainfall (EMAP) of 0.15 for one day is expected to trigger landslides; and 3. threshold calculated using randomly chosen antecedent rainfall expressed best distinction on 30-day rainfall and the equation of the threshold came out as Rth ​= ​64–0.02 Ra30. The recurrence probability of the derived antecedent rainfall threshold and likely landslides was determined through the Poisson distribution. Moreover, we assess the landslide susceptibility of the district with a coupled use of Frequency Ratio (FR) statistical measure and Geographic Information System (GIS). Considering the combined role of selected conditioning factors, the landslide susceptibility status of the CBD was quantified and classified into probability intervals. The accuracy of the susceptibility maps was assessed through the Relative Landslide Density Index (R-Index) that used a field landslide inventory, comprising well distributed 891 events. Moreover, gridded population data was superimposed on the derived susceptibility maps to understand the risk levels of people. The derivation of landslide-triggering rainfall thresholds and spatial susceptibility assessment has been useful to propose a low-cost Landslide Early Warning System (LEWS) which can contribute in alleviating the adverse effects of landslide hazard in the CBD.

Monitoring the Concentration of Lead in the Industrial Wastewater of Baloda Bazar District

Cement manufacturing Industries is one of the key sectors of the Indian Economy which has been rapidly growing at a rate over 8% and it is estimated to grow more. Balodabazar is known as the Cement Hub of Chhattisgarh, most of the cement industries are running in Balodabazar district of Chhattisgarh. They use plenty of water for the cooling processes at the time of cement manufacturing and discharging effluents into streams and rivers by polluting nearby water resources. In this work, the waste water quality assessment study is attempted by examining the physic-chemical parameters viz. Temperature, pH, Electrical Conductivity (EC), TDS, DO, Total hardness, Na+, K+, Ca2+, Mg2+, CL-, SO42-, NO3-, and PO43-and also analysis of heavy metal element (lead) is described. The abundance of cations and anions in the analyzed waste water sample is Ca (%)&gt;Mg (%)&gt;Na (%)&gt; K (%) and SO42-(%)&gt;Cl- (%)&gt;NO3- (%)&gt; PO43- (%) respectively. The waste water is found to be acidic in nature and out of 17 samples 6-7 samples are contaminated by lead. It is inferred that the study area is moderately suitable. Almost all water bodies in India have been found to be contaminated by industrial activities. Although the CPCB’s strict guidelines apply to all industries in India, the current state of the environment is far from ideal.