Government Of Bangladesh Research Articles

Management of Public Sector Strategies in Dealing with the Use of Public Service Applications for People in Bangladesh

The digital revolution has had a profound impact on public service delivery worldwide, and Bangladesh is no exception. In recent years, the government of Bangladesh has made significant strides in embracing technology to improve citizen-government interactions through public service applications. These applications offer a wide range of services, from tax payments and utility bill settlements to healthcare and education resources, making governance more accessible and citizen-centric. However, the effective management of public service applications poses several challenges, including technical issues, administrative hurdles, user-related concerns, and legal and regulatory complexities. This thesis explores the management of public sector strategies in dealing with the use of public service applications in Bangladesh. A mixed-methods research design is adopted, encompassing both qualitative and quantitative data collection methods. A literature review provides an overview of the current landscape of public service applications in the country and highlights best practices from other nations. Primary data is collected through surveys and interviews, which capture citizen perspectives and experiences, as well as insights from government officials and technology experts. The findings indicate that public service applications have a positive impact on governance, enhancing accessibility, efficiency, and transparency. However, challenges such as limited digital infrastructure, cybersecurity concerns, bureaucratic resistance, and digital literacy gaps need to be addressed. Strategies for effective management are proposed, including improving technical infrastructure, enhancing cybersecurity measures, promoting user education, streamlining administrative processes, and fostering collaboration with the private sector and NGOs. Furthermore, the importance of data privacy policies, multilingual applications, and continuous user feedback for enhancing citizen trust and inclusivity is emphasized.

The ways of Improvement for the Livelihood approaches of Persons with Disabilities: A case study on Kachia, Bhola Sadar

A person with disabilities faces difficulties throughout their life. From the very early stages of life, they found themselves facing challenges due to the social structure and financial condition of our county. The Bangladesh government is now launching various initiatives to improve the lives of people with disabilities. As well as several NGOs and INGOs working for the development and inclusion of people with disabilities in different sectors, this paper is about identifying the challenges and limitations of their services and trying to find ways out for possible solutions to solve those shortcomings. Bhola is an area where disaster is also an issue that affects human life. In a survey of 285 households, 53% were persons with disabilities. The average family size was 5, with 65% literacy. Community structures like Union Parishad Members (54%) and Child Clubs (30%) were prominent. Education findings revealed 24% had knowledge for small businesses. 21% of families with disabilities had adequate resources, and 6% of health professionals enhanced skills. Inclusive education knowledge increased for 20%, with 20% of trained teachers adapting methods. Disaster risk reduction training improved skills for 19%. Regarding climate-related risks, 23% of persons with disabilities reported adoption measures. Overall, the study focuses on enhancing inclusivity, education, and disaster resilience among persons with disabilities. A person's disability becomes more difficult during a disaster. Education and health services are required for the improvement of the lives of people with disabilities. Simultaneously, conditions during disasters were a major focus of this research. Self-help groups and connections with local NGOs/INGOs will be beneficial. Government service linkage and access to information will be helpful for the person with a disability. This study aims at identifying potential ways to improve the lives of people with disabilities and to find ways to increase their employment opportunities in the community.

Inclusive Higher Educational Opportunity and Environments to Achieve SDG4 in Bangladesh: Lessons from Japan

This study explores the present status of inclusive and equal education in higher educational institutions in Bangladesh. This study aims to ascertain the impediments to creating equal and inclusive educational opportunities and explore the actual scenario of equality-based environments in higher educational institutions in Bangladesh. This study uses Justice theory and thematic analyses to discuss and analyze the data. Two semi-structured questionnaires have been made in English for the data collection. 55 interviewees were selected by purposive sampling from one Public University, and 2 experts and policymakers were selected by purposive sampling. For the reliability of the research, data has been collected from all socio-economic backgrounds, ethnic and minority backgrounds, students with special needs, and students of every gender. The findings of this research demonstrate that the Bangladesh government has taken numerous steps towards achieving the fourth SDG target. However, an unequal scenario in higher education institutions makes completing an equal and quality education difficult. In every aspect of education, there are disparities based on gender, economic, and social background that affect enrolment rates for males, females, ethnic groups, minorities, and students with special needs. Economic, social, institutional and educational factors impede inclusive and quality education. Furthermore, recommendations have been made regarding the issue, and measures that Japan has introduced have been discussed for a better outcome in this research.

The effectiveness of a government-sponsored health protection scheme in reducing financial risks for the below-poverty-line population in Bangladesh.

The Government of Bangladesh is piloting a non-contributory health protection scheme called Shasthyo Surokhsha Karmasuchi (SSK) to increase access to quality essential healthcare services for the below-poverty-line (BPL) population. This paper assesses the effect of the SSK scheme on out-of-pocket expenditure (OOPE) for healthcare, catastrophic health expenditure (CHE) and economic impoverishment of the enrolled population. A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted in Tangail District, where the SSK was implemented. From August 2019 to March 2020, a total of 2315 BPL households (HHs) (1170 intervention and 1145 comparison) that had at least one individual with inpatient care experience in the last 12 months were surveyed. A household is said to have incurred CHE if their OOPE for healthcare exceeds the total (or non-food) HH's expenditure threshold. Multiple regression analysis was performed using OOPE, incidence of CHE and impoverishment as dependent variables and SSK membership status, actual BPL status and benefits use status as the main explanatory variables. Overall, the OOPE was significantly lower (P < 0.01) in the intervention areas (Bangladeshi Taka (BDT) 23 366) compared with the comparison areas (BDT 24 757). Regression analysis revealed that the OOPE, CHE incidence at threshold of 10% of total expenditure and 40% of non-food expenditure and impoverishment were 33% (P < 0.01), 46% (P < 0.01), 42% (P < 0.01) and 30% (P < 0.01) lower, respectively, in the intervention areas than in the comparison areas. Additionally, HHs that utilized SSK benefits experienced even lower OOPE by 92% (P < 0.01), CHE incidence at 10% and 40% threshold levels by 72% (P < 0.01) and 59% (P < 0.01), respectively, and impoverishment by 27% at 10% level of significance. These findings demonstrated the significant positive effect of the SSK in reducing financial burdens associated with healthcare utilization among the enrolled HHs. This illustrates the importance of the nationwide scaling up of the scheme in Bangladesh to reduce the undue financial risk of healthcare utilization for those in poverty.

Users' Perception and Satisfaction in Public Service Delivery through Union Digital Canters in Bangladesh: A Case Study on Gobra, Gopalganj Areas

This study intends to assess users' perceptions and satisfaction by reviewing and analyzing how the government delivers information and services to rural citizens through Union Digital Centers (UDCs). The era of information and communication technology (ICT) has brought about a great deal of change by playing a crucial role in the provision of governmental services. In order to strengthen local government systems and ensure that e-services are available at the doorsteps of the public, the government has taken a novel step with the Union Digital Center (UDC). Union digital centers are brand-new onestop service locations that are open in all 4,554 Union Parishad locations across the nation. The current Bangladeshi administration is aware of this and has established an ICT-based Union Digital Center. The present government of Bangladesh has realized this fact of ICT and has introduced ICT based Union Digital Centre (UDC), district and upazila web portals to provide quicker and smoother services to the people for creating “Digital Bangladesh”. Both qualitative and quantitative research methodologies were used in this study. Data were collected via a questionnaire from a purposive, quota-based sample drawn from the population of both service providers and receivers in Bangladesh who work for UDCs. In order to ensure good service delivery, it is advised that efforts be made to raise awareness and provide training and improve condition of offices. Although this study's and my research report's conclusions have substantial limitations, they also give me ideas for further investigation.

Identification of necessity behind the construction of the third Shitalakhya bridge based on level of service (LOS) measurement parameters applicable for developing countries

With the expansion of industrial activities in developing countries like Bangladesh, the purchase of motorized vehicles is also growing in recent days. This increased number of motorized vehicles is creating massive pressure on the logistic movement in industrial areas, and the performance level of roadways is deteriorating day by day. It has become quite difficult to meet the need for a reliable transportation system that can provide good compatibility for road users and logistical operations. Kanchpur Industrial Area can be classified as an industrial hub of Narayanganj District due to the presence of jute trading and plant processing industries. Over the years two bridges have been constructed in the proximity of this area named, the Kanchpur Bridge and Sultana Kamal Bridge to decrease the pressure on N2 National Highway; however, the situation is still not satisfactory and construction of a third bridge over the Shitalakhya River is under consideration by the Government of Bangladesh (GOB). Dhaka-Sylhet Highway is a section of the N2 National Highway system which connects the industrial district Kanchpur with Dhaka City. The main objectives of the study were to develop a methodology which can be used to measure the Level of Service (LOS) of roadways located in developing countries and use it to understand the necessity of the construction of the third Shitalakhya Bridge. LOS measurement procedures suitable for developed countries are not useable for developing countries due to the difference in road geometry, presence of non-motorized vehicles, and control delay at intersections. A procedure has been developed to measure LOS by combining standards of the National Institute of Technical Teachers Training and Research, Chandigarh, India; Highway Capacity Manual (HCM), USA; and Roads and Highway Department (RHD), Bangladesh. LOS measurement was based on four parameters: Peak Hour Factor (PHF), Travel Speed, Load Factor, and Volume/Capacity Ratio (VCR). The data analysis shows that the LOS value of the Dhaka-Sylhet Highway varies within the range from “E" to “F", and construction of the third Shitalakhya Bridge will significantly improve the roadway condition.

Islamic Epistemology in the Bangladesh Government System (1996–2022): An Analysis of Political Ideologies

This study aims to explore the extent of Islamization in Bangladesh during the tenure of democratically elected leaders Sheikh Hasina and Khaleda Zia. The objective is to analyze the state of democratic governance in Bangladesh from a religious perspective, focusing specifically on Islamic political epistemology. It begins by defining Islamic Political Epistemology and its significance in acknowledging Islam’s role in democratic power. This qualitative descriptive analysis examines recent research papers from highly ranked resources such as Scopus. It is important to note that specific methods can strengthen strategies for enforcing electoral decrees, improve credentials for arbitration through sovereignty within the dominion branch, and increase national participation in political acts and society through Islamic Political Epistemology. Sheikh Hasina’s new regime has achieved significant progress in implementing Islamic development in bureaucracy and regulations. Qawmi Madrasah has contributed significantly to Islamic Education in Bangladesh, and the current government recognizes their educational certificates. The salaries of teachers and Imams at Government Madrasah-e-Alia have been increased, which is a significant policy change. The study revealed that Khaleda Zia’s government could have succeeded despite its alliance with Islamic political parties. Having a coalition with Islamic political parties does not necessarily mean that the country’s political ideology is institutionalized in an Islamic way. Opposite, Bangladesh’s government, with partial financing from Saudi Arabia, is constructing 560 mosques that will also serve as artistic centres to promote Islamic epistemology and combat extremism. However, this government operates under a one-party system with the Awami League party, led by Sheikh Hasina, idolizing Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

The Implementation of E-Governance Initiatives Plays a Crucial Role in Ensuring the Realization of a Digital Bangladesh

The ideas of e-governance and Digital Bangladesh are intricately interconnected. E-governance pertains to the utilization of information and communication technology (ICT) with the aim of enhancing the provision of government services to the general populace. Digital Bangladesh, on the other hand, is a vision for a technologically advanced society where ICT is used to foster a knowledge-based environment and improve the lives of all citizens. The implementation of e-governance initiatives plays a crucial role in ensuring the realization of a Digital Bangladesh. By providing citizens with convenient and efficient access to government services online, e-governance can help to reduce corruption, improve transparency, and promote accountability. It can also help to bridge the digital divide and make government services more accessible to all citizens, regardless of their location or socioeconomic status. In order to realize Digital Bangladesh, the government of Bangladesh is dedicated to e-governance. A number of e-governance initiatives have already been implemented, such as the National Portal, the Digital Center Network, and the One Stop Service (OSS) Centers. These initiatives have made it easier for citizens to access a wide range of government services online, such as paying taxes, applying for passports, and registering businesses. Nevertheless, certain obstacles must be confronted to effectively achieve the goal of Digital Bangladesh. One challenge is the lack of digital literacy among a large section of the population. Another challenge is the need to improve the reliability and affordability of internet access. Furthermore, it is essential to devise and execute e-governance initiatives that are customized to cater to the distinct requirements of various segments of the population, including those experiencing poverty, the elderly, and those with disabilities. Despite the challenges, the government of Bangladesh is making significant progress in the implementation of e-governance and the realization of Digital Bangladesh. The adoption and execution of e-governance projects are significantly benefiting both individuals and companies across the nation. The primary objective of this study is to examine the many programs and efforts implemented by the Government of Bangladesh in its pursuit of establishing Digital Bangladesh. To conduct a comprehensive and thorough study, the following goals have been identified: To get information about the initiatives. To analyze the roles of the programs.

Logistic Regression Analysis of Mode of Delivery Influencing Nutritional Status among Under-Five Children in Bangladesh: Survey in Rural Area of Rajshahi District

Caesarean delivery is a surgical procedure in which a fetus is delivered through an incision in the mother's abdomen and uterus. If there are no complications with women pregnancy or labor, a vaginal birth is safer than a caesarean birth. Worldwide the rates of C-section have gradually increased in the latest decades. The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of caesarian delivery, and to investigate the impact of caesarian delivery on nutritional status of under-five children in the rural area of Rajshahi district, Bangladesh. This was a cross sectional study. Data was collected from Rajshahi district using multistage sampling. A total number of 540 mothers having at least one under-five children currently living together were considered. In order to data analysis, descriptive statistics, Z-proportional test and both univariable and multivariable logistic regression models were in this study according to our objectives. This study revealed that the prevalence of caesarian delivery among mothers living in the rural area of Rajshahi, Bangladesh was 34.4%. The prevalence of stunting, underweight and wasting among under-five children were 43.70%, 39.63% and 27.96% respectively. The stunting, underweight and wasting under-five children were 32.6%, 28.0% and 29.1% respectively who were born by caesarian delivery, these were significantly (p&lt;0.01) lower compared to children who were born by vaginal delivery. However, the logistic model demonstrated that children who were born by vaginal delivery were more likely to have underweight [COR= 1.617; 95%CI: 1.114-2.347; p&lt;0.05] compared to children who were born by caesarian delivery. After controlled the effect of other independent variables such as mothers’ age, education, occupation, nutritional status, fathers, education, occupation, number of family members, type of family and social class, found that children who were born by vaginal delivery had a 1.589-fold higher chance to have underweight compared to children who were born by caesarian delivery [AOR= 1.589; 95%CI: 1.063-2.377; p&lt;0.05]. This study found the high prevalence in stunting, underweight and wasting among under-five children in the rural area of Bangladesh. Bangladesh government and other non-government organizations should take special attention to overcome the problem. International Journal of Statistical Sciences, Vol. 23(2), November, 2023, pp 107-116

Barriers of High Cataract Surgery Rate in Rural Area of Barisal Division

Background: Cataract is the leading cause of preventable blindness in the world. the most important component of vision 2020 to eliminate the cataract related blindness as a signatory of vision 2020 programme the government of Bangladesh takes many effective steps to increase cataract surgery rate CSR through national eye care operation plan but still there are some obstacles that desisted the rural people to undergo surgery for cataract Aim of the study: To find out the reasons for the low cataract surgery rate among the cataract patients in rural area of Barisal division. Methodology: This cross-sectional study was conducted on the District Sadar Hospital, Jhalkathi from January 2016 to December 2016 over 200 patients out of 500 cataract patients who are selected for cataract surgery but did not under one the procedures finally not the medical ground. The causes of unwilling to undergo surgery was asked about by personal discussion through a structured questionnaire. All the relevant information was recorded in the data collection sheet and were analyzed and displayed for dissemination. Result: Out of 200 patients 91 patients did not undergo surgery due to fear about the surgical procedure, which followed by 43 patients who abstained from surgery due to fear of become total blind after surgery, 41 patients did not undergo surgery for not to bear the relevant expenditure the other reasons are no care giver for post-operative care and fear of complications (as experienced by persons, previously underwent surgery) which refrained 14 and 11 patients respectively from surgery. Conclusion: To increase the cataract surgery rate (CSR) in rural area among the under privileged people to achieve the goal of VISION 2020, it is necessary to conduct awareness program as well base hospitals should be equipped with effective instruments and skilled manpower. J.Natl.Inst.Ophthalmol.2023;6(1): 32-36

A study on millennium development goals and sustainable development goals: Lesson from Bangladesh

This paper aims to present the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for the general inclusive growth of the world and Bangladesh in particular. With the passing of time, the world economy and economic systems have been changing rapidly in order to reach the development facilities of the deprived people living in the world. For this, the United Nations and world leaders have undertaken Millennium Development Goals to reduce the extreme economic hardship of the deprived people living there. Based upon MDGs, the Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh has undertaken Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to reduce the extreme poverty of the people living in Bangladesh. The study is mainly based on secondary information. Data have been collected from different publications from the United Nations, different websites, and institutional publications. During analysis of the collected data, it is seen that the steps undertaken by the Government of Bangladesh to reduce extreme poverty have become effective and the economic development of Bangladesh has been moving towards sustainability because the deprived section of people has started improving their lives and to some extent starts entering into development opportunities available in Bangladesh.

Developing a novel tool for assessing the groundwater incorporating water quality index and machine learning approach

Groundwater plays a pivotal role as a global source of drinking water. To meet sustainable development goals, it is crucial to consistently monitor and manage groundwater quality. Despite its significance, there are currently no specific tools available for assessing trace/heavy metal contamination in groundwater. Addressing this gap, our research introduces an innovative approach: the Groundwater Quality Index (GWQI) model, developed and tested in the Savar sub-district of Bangladesh. The GWQI model integrates ten water quality indicators, including six heavy metals, collected from 38 sampling sites in the study area. To enhance the precision of water quality assessment, the study employed six established machine learning (ML) techniques, evaluating the model's performance based on factors such as uncertainty, sensitivity, and reliability. A major advancement of this study is the incorporation of heavy metals into the framework of the water quality index model. To the best of the authors knowledge, this research marks the first initiative to develop a GWQI model encompassing heavy/trace elements. Findings from the GWQI assessment revealed that groundwater quality in the study area ranged from 'good' to 'fair,' indicating that most water quality indicators met the standard limits set by the Bangladesh government and the World Health Organization. In predicting GWQI scores, artificial neural networks (ANN) outperformed the other ML models. Performance metrics, including root mean square error (RMSE), mean square error (MSE), mean absolute error (MAE) for training (RMSE = 0.361; MSE = 0.131; MAE = 0.262), testing (RMSE = 0.001; MSE = 0.00; MAE = 0.001), and prediction evaluation statistics (PBIAS = 0.000), demonstrated the superior effectiveness of ANN. Moreover, the GWQI exhibited high sensitivity (R2 = 1.0) and low uncertainty (less than 2%) in rating water quality. These results affirm the reliability of developed novel model for groundwater quality monitoring and management, especially regarding heavy metals.

Creating Pathways to Opportunity: Non-formal Educational ‘Inclusion’ for Rohingya Refugee Children in Bangladesh

In coordination with the Government of Bangladesh, the United Nations Children’s Fund and Save the Children International have been conducting a non-formal educational programme for the children of Rohingya refugees since 2017. Domestic partner non-governmental organizations are implementing the initiative. The purpose of this study was to examine the policy and the institutional arrangements and determine how they may influence the inclusion of Rohingya children in the education system. We found that the programme has set up infrastructure, but the location of refugee education that the government created is distinctly short-term, top-down, emergency-oriented and restrictive in many ways. Evidently, in order to avoid geopolitical and local sociocultural tensions, the host government did not really want to integrate refugees into local services and facilities, particularly access to education in public institutions. Nevertheless, civil society organizations and the Rohingya negotiated with the government, to a certain extent, an ‘inclusive’ space through discussion, dialogue and resilience for an expansion of this educational sphere. This space has created a limited sense of empowerment among the Rohingya.

DRIVING GRASSROOTS GENDER EQUALITY: EMPOWERING WOMEN IN BANGLADESHI LOCAL GOVERNMENT

Bangladesh is one of the most overpopulated countries in the world where women are involved in domestic work. Political and economic empowerment is considered a male-dominated public activity. This paper aims to explore the dimensional issues and challenges faced by women representatives in Union Parishads in the decision-making process which is crucial for ensuring womens economic empowerment at the grassroots level. This study attempts to critically assess the extent of womens economic empowerment in local government institutions in Bangladesh. This paper also investigates the low rate of women holding elected positions at the grassroots level and the reasons behind their dismal performance in the objective and decision-making process and economic empowerment. From this point of view, this study has identified some factors that are negatively affecting the active participation of women representatives in the Union Parishad such as lack of education and training facilities, lack of social and cultural norms and values, lack of awareness, social constraints, family constraints, lack. Family support, lack of economic awareness, lack of peer support, patriarchal mindset, lack of freedom of movement, sexual harassment, domestic violence, low status, unequal distribution of work and religious misinterpretation. Finally, this paper provides a summary of proposed improvements to the current system as well as alternative system options for enhancing womens economic empowerment in local governments in Bangladesh to achieve gender equality at the grassroots level.

Public opinion on COVID-19 pandemic in Bangladesh: Disruption to public lives and trust in government's immunisation performance.

The COVID-19 pandemic has stretched Bangladesh government's capability for disaster engagement. As normalcy is interrupted, people's confidence in the government in ending the crisis needs evaluation, especially considering the past vaccination successes in Bangladesh and growing worldwide vaccine hesitancy amidst the COVID-19 misinfodemic. This study assessed the level of public life disruption due to the pandemic at the micro-level and how much impact it had on people's trust in the government's capacity for successful national immunisation. Given the infectious nature of the pandemic, the study conducted an online survey of 2291 respondents, distributed proportionally across sex and income groups. We conducted bivariate analyses and fitted generalised linear models to assess disruption to respondents' lives, and their trust in the government's immunisation ability, which were measured using multiple parameters. Nearly 50% of the respondents reported multifaceted disputations in their daily lives, with 90% suffering financially. Trust in the government was very low at the time of the survey as only 11.3% of respondents had faith that the government could successfully conduct a mass vaccination campaign. Rural residents and non-earning members of families found their lives to be less disrupted. Comparatively higher income families and highly educated individuals had lesser confidence in the government's inoculation capabilities. For the vaccine campaign to be successful, effective risk communication and timely display of data-driven decision-making efforts targeting the groups who are more sceptical of immunisation campaigns could be of significance to the Bangladesh government.

Book Review: Spatial Justice, Contested Governance and Livelihood Challenges in Bangladesh: The Production of Counterspace

Book Review: Spatial Justice, <i>Contested Governance and Livelihood Challenges in Bangladesh: The Production of Counterspace</i>

Family-based consent and motivation for familial organ donation in Bangladesh: An empirical exploration.

The government of Bangladesh approved the human organ transplantation law in 1999 and updated it in 2018. This legislation approved both living-related donor and posthumous organ transplantation. The law only allows family members to legally donate organs to their relatives. The main focus of this study was to explore how Bangladeshis make donation decisions on familial organs for transplantation. My ethnographic fieldwork with forty participants (physicians and nurses, a healthcare administrator, organ donors, recipients, and their relatives) disclosed that the organ donation decision was family-based. An assessment of the relationship between religion, culture, and biomedicine leads to the conclusion that deciding on donating organs to relatives is primarily family-based and is perceived to be steeped in Islamic ethical principles and religious cultural tradition. The family-based consent and motivation for donor-recipient pair organ transplantation strengthen an altruistic environment for the family and act as the moral and legal authority that ensures ethical healthcare outcomes for Bangladeshis.

Factors of Using Long Acting and Permanent Methods (LAPM) of Contraception: Bangladesh Perspective

The Government of Bangladesh is very much aware of controlling excessive birth rate to maintain population problem. Though Bangladesh is owning self-sufficiency in many sectors, the increasing population is a great impediment for the development of the country. So, promoting different contraceptive methods is of much importance. This work aims at identifying the important determinants that affect the long-acting and permanent methods (LAPM) of contraception. Firstly, chi-square test of association is carried out for defining the correlates of LAPM of contraception using Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey (BDHS), 2017-18 data. For estimating the effects of each controlled independent variables, data are further analyzed within a multivariate framework. To obtain consistent and efficient estimates of parameters of interest, multinomial logistic regression model is used in this work. The study finds several socio-economic and demographic variables having high impact on using LAPM. The study findings are properly discussed and recommendations are made accordingly for the policy makers.&#x0D; Dhaka Univ. J. Sci. 71(2): 87-94, 2023 (July)

Interfaith Dialogue to Counter Radicalization in Bangladesh: An Approach to Move from Extremism to Pluralism

The fundamental objective of this research paper is to examine how interfaith dialogue can be an effective mechanism to combat the forces of radicalization and extremism in Bangladesh. To unveil the answer to this question, this study has explored the nature of the politicization of Islam and the scope of Islamic fundamentalism in Bangladesh. Reviewing the existing pieces of literature, this research paper has identified that there has been a rise in Islamic extremism since the beginning of the 21st century, which evolved throughout the last two decades changing in its nature and intensity. It has illustrated that after the military coup of 1975, the military rulers and the following democratic governments of Bangladesh carried on the tendency of politicizing religion and have used state mechanisms to Islamize Bangladeshi society. However, to address this recent trend of rising militancy, interfaith dialogue can be an effective approach that will shrink the potential of radicalization and extremism in Bangladesh. This study proposes incorporating an interreligious curriculum in the education system of Bangladesh and the engagement of religious preachers as well as mass people of different faiths including various sects of each religion in such interfaith dialogue initiatives to improve understanding and compassion. Social Science Review, Vol. 40(1), Jun 2023 Page 165-184

An assessment of the legal and policy framework for participatory forest governance in Bangladesh

A robust and well-designed legal and policy framework is vital for ensuring successful public participation in forest management and engaging local governments and communities in conservation efforts. However, despite the presence of various policies and laws aimed at protecting environmental and biological resources, Bangladesh continues to experience significant depletion of its forest resources. This can be largely attributed to inadequate implementation of forest laws, a weak institutional structure, and a bureaucratic approach to forest management. This article undertakes an analysis of Bangladesh's policy and legal framework concerning participatory forest governance. It specifically examines the incorporation of participatory elements within the country's legal and policy framework for forest management. The assessment encompasses forest tenure, land use, and the practice of participatory forest management (PFM). Furthermore, the effectiveness of social forestry and co-management, the two primary approaches to achieving participatory forest governance in Bangladesh, is evaluated. Additionally, the article identifies the challenges hindering the successful implementation of these approaches. The argument put forth is that despite the apparent support for participatory forest management within Bangladesh’s policy and legal framework, the actual implementation of PFM and sustainable forest management (SFM) remains ineffective. This ineffectiveness can be attributed to poor policy execution, prioritization of profit-generation over sustainable management practices, lack of coherence within the legal framework, and the centralized decision-making process regarding state-owned forests.