Bangladesh National Research Articles

Does Microfinance Impact Sectoral Growth?: A Case Study of Bangladesh

Purpose: This research examined the impact of microfinance loans on sector-specific outputs—agriculture, services, and industry—and their contribution to Bangladesh's economic growth from 2008 to 2022. Methodology: The unit root test result gave mixed-order of stationarity—three variables followed I(0), and three followed I(1). Therefore the study employed the Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) model to analyze the effects of microfinance loans on the selected sectors. Data had been taken from the Bangladesh National Portal, the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics, the Bangladesh Economic Review, and the World Bank database. Findings: The results showed that microfinance loans positively affected the agriculture and service sectors, promoting growth and productivity. However, a negative impact was found in the industrial sector, suggesting inefficiencies in utilizing financial support. Regarding sector contributions to overall economic growth, the service and industrial sectors showed positive and statistically significant impacts, aligning with Bangladesh's economic objectives. Surprisingly, the agricultural sector did not significantly contribute to economic growth, indicating potential structural challenges. Originality: This study provided a comprehensive sector-wise analysis of microfinance's influence on Bangladesh's economic growth, offering new insights into how different sectors responded to microfinance interventions. The findings contributed to understanding the disparities in the utilization and effectiveness of microfinance across sectors.

Abbasid gold coins preserved in the Bangladesh National Museum

This study aims to provide meticulous identification of eight valuable, unpublished gold coins from Abbasid dynasty preserved in the collection of the Bangladesh National Museum and analyze their inscriptions, ultimately exploring their historical significance within the context of early Arab-Bengal trade relations. Discovered in the Chandpur and Brahmanbaria districts near the Samatata archaeological site in 1996 and 2002, these coins are not detailed in the museum’s inventory beyond their discovery and acquisition history. This study reveals key details such as their issuing authority, year of issuance, mint name, metal composition, measurements, and inscriptions that promote Islamic monotheism and praise the Prophet Muhammad. Analyzing the inscriptions on these coins, the study briefly highlights the distinctive features of Abbasid gold coins. These coins represent as essential artefacts in the history of early Arabs and ancient Bengal, prominently featuring commercial symbols. Indirect references in the historical texts from Arab-Persian geographers suggest that Bengal was a flourishing commercial hub in ancient time and well-integrated into maritime trade networks with early Arab merchants. The archaeological evidence of their trading interactions is substantiated by these gold coins, illustrating the extent of this relation spanning from the eighth to the tenth centuries.

Effect of cardiovascular fitness on performance metrics in Bangladeshi women cricket: a role-specific analysis employing the harvard step test

Background: Cardiovascular fitness is essential for sports performance, enabling players to endure intense training, delay fatigue, and reduce injury risk—all critical factors for achieving optimal results in competitive sports like cricket. Emphasizing inclusive health ensures that all athletes enhance their cardiovascular fitness and overall performance. Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the impact of cardiovascular fitness, assessed using the Harvard Step Test, on the performance indicators of Bangladeshi women cricketers across their respective playing roles. Method: 104 players, including 34 batters, 38 bowlers, and 32 all-rounders, were voluntarily selected from the “Bangladesh National Women’s Cricket League 2021-22”. Cardiovascular fitness was evaluated through the Harvard Step Test, and role-specific performance metrics such as strike rate, bowling economy, and dismissal rates were analyzed. Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics and one-way ANOVA to assess differences in aerobic fitness across player roles and correlation analyses to examine the relationships between performance metrics and Harvard Step Test scores. Results: The multi-group comparison did not reveal a statistically significant difference in aerobic fitness across the playing roles, F(2, 101) = 0.668, p = 0.515. Additionally, the Harvard Step Test scores showed a weak and statistically non-significant relationship with role-specific performance metrics: strike rate (r = 0.20, p = 0.06) for batters, bowling economy (r = -0.09, p = 0.51) for bowlers, and dismissals (r = 0.10, p = 0.38) for fielders. Conclusion: Cardiovascular efficiency is similar across batters, bowlers, and all-rounders among Bangladeshi women cricketers. The Harvard Step Test score is not directly associated with role-specific performance in women's cricket. These findings suggest that training programs should adopt a holistic physical fitness approach, incorporating role-specific training to enhance the overall abilities of female cricketers and contribute to the development of women's cricket in Bangladesh.

Assessment of the Bangladeshi antibiotic market: Implications of the WHO AWaRe classification and dosage form availability on antimicrobial resistance

BackgroundAvailability of antibiotics without prescription contributes to the rising threat of antibiotic resistance due to widespread self-medication and improper use. In this study, we aimed to assess the antibiotic market in Bangladesh according to the WHO AWaRe (Access, Watch, Reserve) classification system to better understand how the unregulated access of antibiotics may influence self-medication practices and the emergence of antibiotic resistance in the country. MethodsData on AWaRe class antibiotics, their strengths, and dosage forms were collected from Bangladeshi drug indexing smartphone applications, the Bangladesh National Formulary (BDNF), and the Directorate General of Drug Administration (DGDA) website. Sales data were analyzed using IQVIA data to determine the market value and compound annual growth rates (CAGR) of antibiotics. The analysis focused on categorizing antibiotics according to the WHO AWaRe classification and examining their availability in various dosage forms and strengths including child-appropriate formulations. ResultsOf the 81 antibiotics available in Bangladesh, 54.32 % belong to the Watch class, 30.86 % to Access, 8.64 % to Reserve, and 6.17 % were unclassified. In terms of ATC classifcation, the majority (91.35 %) belonged to the J01 class. Most antibiotics were available in multiple dosage forms and strengths, with tablets (54.87 %), injections (48.78 %), and capsules (30.48 %) being the most common. Additionally, 35.8 % of antibiotics were available as child-appropriate formulations. Oral formulations were prevalent, with 88.0 % of Access, 75.0 % of Watch, and 28.57 % of Reserve class antibiotics were available in oral dosage forms. A total of 56 antibiotic combinations were identified, including six WHO-recommended and two WHO-not-recommneded fixed-dose combinations. Watch class antibiotics dominated the market in terms of sales value and CAGR. ConclusionThe widespread availability of Watch class antibiotics, particularly in oral and child-appropriate formulations suggest a need for stricter regulation and public health interventions to curb self-medication, inappropriate marketing and use of antibiotics to mitigate the risks of resistance.

Bangladesh's national education policy for English teaching: Policy direction and gaps over the last decade

This study aims to demonstrate the perceived differences between the direction and the gaps in the execution of Bangladesh's National Education Policy (NEP) for English Teachers. It specifically examines the changing requirements of English teachers over the past decade by enhancing their proficiency and teaching methodologies. In this study, we show that communicative language teaching (CLT) approaches significantly modify the existing structure of educational policy in Bangladesh. The present study is grounded in the constructivist research paradigm and utilized a qualitative case study approach from diverse sources. The data was gathered via document analysis, classroom observations, and interviews with six secondary school English teachers from a pool of educators representing four schools in different areas of Bangladesh. The data was analyzed using theme analysis via NVivo 11 software. The findings indicate several areas where the objectives of Bangladesh's NEP could be better aligned with their practical execution. These areas include reforming elementary and secondary schools and restructuring school leadership, teacher education, teacher status, and classroom pedagogy. Furthermore, this study is a valuable contribution toward advancing a more robust and efficient education policy at the national level, which can effectively improve the standard of education for all to provide quality teaching.

Preservation of Natural History and Biodiversity of Bangladesh: Effort of Bangladesh National Museum

The study of nature has likely been one of humanity’s earliest pursuits, considering that a natural inclination for humans, even in a primitive state, is to pay attention to the environment, appreciating the flora, fauna, and the earth beneath their feet. This study aims to assess the role and contributions of the Department of National History of Bangladesh National Museum in preserving the natural history, heritage and biodiversity of Bangladesh through analysis of gathered exhibits, specimens, and input from diverse sources, including general visitors, field experts, and researchers. Additionally, this research seeks to identify potential avenues of future growth and development within the department. The Natural History department has meticulously gathered a treasure trove of ancient animals, plants, and geological fossils, butterflies, live snakes, snails, and oysters. The scope of Bangladesh’s biodiversity and natural history is far too broad to be fully represented within limited galleries. As such, it is imperative to consider establishing a separate Natural History Museum. Additional recommendations from the participants include creating a separate herb gallery consisting of diverse collection of medicinal herbs and other plants for greater conservation of plant species. The usage of diorama and semi-dioramas in representing the biodiversity of Bangladesh is not only very appealing to the visitors but also expressive of the natural habitats of the wildlife. As such, modernizing the other galleries and incorporating dioramas as medium of display might be taken into consideration. There have been calls from the participants to incorporate modern technology, in particular 3D visuals.

Effect of positioning of shear walls in a multi-storied building on response to earthquake

Seismic events are a matter of concern for structural engineers because of their devastating effects. These events are neither can be predicted. nor can be prevented. To mitigate its impacts on the structures several measures are taken. But none of them can be treated as 100% effective, there is a lot of scope for improvement. In this study, the dynamic behavior of structures under seismic loading was investigated, focusing on the combined influence of geometric shapes, different types of shear walls, and their position on lateral displacement and drift. Specifically, four different geometric shapes of plans of identical floor areas were taken for this study. Two types of shear walls, oupled shear walls, and core shear walls were placed in four different positions. The Static Equivalent Load method to assess the seismic response of structures is employed in this study, following the guidelines given in the Bangladesh National Building Code 2006 using ETABS software. Key findings of the study are the efficacy of shear walls in mitigating lateral displacement. The optimum results were achieved for central positions and core wall configurations. The study discloses the significance of different geometric shapes on seismic responses. This study provides a perception of effective seismic retrofitting strategies.

Role and Contributions of Bangladesh National Museum in Preservation and Promotion of Contemporary Cultural Heritage and Works of Art

The Contemporary Art & World Civilization Department of Bangladesh National Museum is holding a crucial position in ensuring the preservation and promotion of our contemporary cultural heritage and works of art. This study aims to assess the role and contributions of the Contemporary Art & World Civilization Department of Bangladesh National Museum in the context of the acquisition and preservation of the history and heritage of Bengal through analysis of gathered artifacts and input from diverse sources, including general visitors, civil society, field experts, and researchers. Additionally, this research seeks to identify potential avenues of future growth and development within the department. Firstly, the matter of expanding gallery space and separating the department may be taken into consideration. The acute lack of space within the main museum warrants a separate building or branch museum to be able to house the large collection of the department. The security devices must also be functional. Secondly, as the research findings suggest, this department houses a considerable number of delicate works of art. Conservation of these artifacts is of utmost importance. Thirdly, the gallery walls of this department require renovation. And lastly, the matter of storage management is of utmost importance. Many priceless artifacts may be harmed after being exposed to elements or due to improper storage management. It is necessary to better equip the storage with relevant technology and train conservation officers in managing them. The findings of this study will offer valuable insights to the general public, civil society, experts, and researchers, and contribute to the enhancement of the department’s activities.

ঢাকা মেডিকেল কলেজ হাসপাতালের μমবর্ধমান উন্নয়ন ও বিকাশ (১৯৪৬-১৯৭১)

Dhaka Medical College Hospital started its Journey in a part of East Bengal and Assam Province Secretariat building built in 1904. The hospital was established on July 16, 1946 through a government order. Initially the hospital was not equipped with all the medical facilities and modern equipment. Within about one and a half year, all the internal departments of the hospital started functioning. However, it was not until the late forties and mid-fifties that the hospital started all kinds of initiatives related to the medical system. Modern treatment started in this hospital in the fifties but not all the complex diseases were treated. Similarly, various departments were under the process of modernization. Through this article, the history of the establishment of western medical system in East Bengal and Present Bangladesh will be known. Basically, the doctors of this hospital and the students who passed from Dhaka Medical College Started providing the first advanced Western medical services. Primary sources have been relied upon in writing the essay. Because no researcher has previously studied on this topic. In this case, data has been collected from the documents preserved from Bangladesh National Archives, especially ‘A’ Proceedings, ‘B’ Proceedings, Government Reports and Minutes, Assembly Proceedings, Gazetteers, Gazettes and old Newspapers.

Unpublished Sasanian Coins Preserved in the Bangladesh National Museum: Unveiling with Identification and Exploring the Cause-Period of Their Arrival in Bengal

The Sasanians were the last pre-Islamic Persian dynasty that ruled present-day Iran and its neighbouring extensive territories, succeeding the Parthians from 224 A.D to 651 A.D. It was the second-longest reigning Persian imperial dynasty, enduring over four centuries until the Muslims defeated the last Sasanian Emperor, Yazdegerd III. Six unpublished coins of this dynasty stored among the rich collections of nearly fifty-eight thousand manifold coins of the Bangladesh National Museum are matter of surprise and curiosity because Bengal was neither a part of their Empire nor ever ruled by them. These coins were discovered in Bengal in the early twentieth century. They have been identified recently, although they were unidentified for a long time following collection. Typically, coin from one region found in another conveys a trading identity. The early Arabs used Sasanian coins along with other coins as currency before introducing their purely Arabic coins in 696 A.D. They were traditionally traders and had commercial contacts with South and Southeast Asia since the seventh century. They might have used these unpublished coins in the seventh century as a means of exchange in Bengal because the region was well-heeled in ancient times and drew traders from all over the world. This article has unveiled these hitherto unpublished coins with their identification and conducted a comprehensive numismatic endeavour virtually to give insight into the inferential cause as well as the timeframe of their arrival in Bengal.

Changes in the menstrual hygiene management facilities and usage among Bangladeshi school girls and its effect on school absenteeism from 2014 to 2018

ABSTRACT Background The lack of menstrual hygiene management (MHM) information and facilities in schools is a major contributor to adolescent girls’ school absenteeism in low- and middle-income countries like Bangladesh. Objectives This paper examines the changes over time in school MHM facilities, knowledge and perceptions among adolescent girls, in relation to school absenteeism between 2014 and 2018 in Bangladesh. Methods We examined changes in MHM and school absenteeism among schoolgirls using nationally representative data from the Bangladesh National Hygiene Baseline Survey 2014 and National Hygiene Survey 2018. Given the repetitive nature of our data and its clustering within participants, our method included performing descriptive analysis, bivariate analysis, and multivariate Generalised Estimating Equation (GEE) modelling to analyse these changes. Results Results showed that adolescent girls’ menstruation-related absenteeism decreased between 2014 and 2018. Percentage of adolescents who missed school decreased from 25% to 14% (PD: −11; CI: −16 to −6.1), while the average number of missed days reduced from 2.8 to 2.5 (PD: −0.33; CI: −0.57 to −0.10). In the GEE model, we found that living in rural areas (coef: −5.6; CI: −10.06 to −1.14), parental restrictions on going outside (coef: 4.47; CI: 0.75 to 8.2), education levels of girls (coef: −9.48; CI: −14.17 to −4.79), girl’s belief that menstruation affects school performance (coef: 23.32; CI: 19.71 to 26.93), and using old cloths (coef: −4.2; CI: −7.6 to −0.79) were significantly associated with higher absenteeism. However, participant’s age, type of school, knowledge of menstruation before menarche, receiving information regarding MHM, separate place for changing absorbents, and separate latrine and urine facility were not significantly associated with the changes in absenteeism over time. Conclusion This paper emphasised the associations between changes in school absenteeism, parental restrictions on students, students’ education levels, and menstruation-related misperceptions. Ongoing research, policy reviews, and targeted interventions to improve MHM perceptions among girls are required to provide long-term benefits for adolescent girls in Bangladesh.

SEISMIC BEHAVIOR OF MULTI-STORIED RC BUILDING WITH RE-ENTRANT CORNER

Nowadays, buildings often feature irregular floor plans for functional, aesthetic, or economic reasons. Constructing earthquake-resistant structures in seismic areas, especially with irregular shapes like re-entrant corners, poses challenges. Such corners are common when maximizing limited space is a priority. In earthquakes, re-entrant corners in structures pose major vulnerabilities, causing stress concentration and torsion problems. The main aim of this paper is to develop finite element structural analysis models of 10, 12, and 15-storied L-shaped RC buildings with a re-entrant corner under different seismic zones using equivalent static analysis (ESA) and response spectrum analysis (RSA). This research also focuses on the overall behavior of analysis results (story drift, overturning moment, base shear, etc.) with the influence of re-entrant corner. It also investigates the performance of columns and beams near re-entrant corners as the number of stories increases in different seismic zones. For the current study, ETABS V19 is used. Models consider seismic, dead, and live loads. The Bangladesh National Building Code (BNBC) 2020 is used to examine the equivalent static analysis (ESA) and the response spectrum analysis (RSA) methods. It has been concluded from the study that re-entrant corner beams consistently exhibit the highest bending moments and torsion levels across all seismic zones. Similarly, re-entrant corner columns consistently demand the most axial force and rebar when compared to similar column types. Furthermore, the study identifies maximum stress levels in re-entrant corner slabs across all seismic zones.

Prevalence and patterns of comorbidities in people with disabilities and their associated socio-demographic factors

The presence of comorbidities among individuals with disabilities worsens their already complex health and social circumstances. This study aims to explore prevalence and patterns of morbidities among persons with disabilities in Bangladesh and identify associated socio-demographic factors. Data from 4270 persons with disability was analysed extracted from the 2021 Bangladesh National Household Survey on Persons with Disability. Outcome variable considered was the occurrence of morbidity among persons with disabilities. Explanatory variables encompassed factors at the individual, household, and community levels. Adjusted and unadjusted multilevel mixed-effects logistic regression model was used to explore association of outcome variable with explanatory variables. We found that approximately half of individuals with disabilities experienced one or more morbidities, with chronic conditions being the most prevalent (44%). Around 42% of total persons with disability were unable to work. Specifically, hypertension (18.3%), diabetes (9.1%), and heart problems (17.1%) were prevalent chronic conditions. The likelihood of experiencing comorbidity was found to be higher among females (aOR 1.3, 95% CI 1.1, 1.7), increase year of education (aOR, 1.1, 95% CI 1.0–1.2), and those from wealthier households (aOR 1.6, 95% CI 1.2, 2.2). This underscores the need for targeted policies and interventions addressing their distinct healthcare needs.

Indoor Air Pollution from Household Cooking and Associated Health Hazards of Selected Rural Communities of Madhupur Tract in Bangladesh

Indoor air pollution is deemed one of the most severe environmental pollutions that occur mainly due to the inefficient and incomplete combustion of solid cooking fuels, which emits different types of particulate matter (PM2.5, PM10). Therefore, this study was organized in the hilly rural area of Sagordighi of Tangail district in Bangladesh to monitor the atmospheric particulate matters PM2.5, PM10 and CO (carbon monoxide) concentrations from the rural kitchens as well as the possible health hazards due to exposure of the air pollutants. One hundred and thirty air samples were collected from the kitchens by using Airveda air quality monitor and Testo 317-3 - Ambient CO meter to monitor the particulate matter and carbon-monoxide concentrations respectively during cooking and non-cooking time. A survey was also conducted through questionnaire. The concentrations of PM2.5 fluctuated from 112-999 µgm-3 whereas the mean concentration was 401.88±232 µgm-3 during cooking time. On the other hand, PM10 concentration varied from 114-1999 µgm-3 were observed during cooking time with a mean concentration was 523.10±413 µgm-3. The concentration of PM2.5 varied from 32-362 µgm-3 at non-cooking period while the mean value was 81.38±41 µgm-3. The concentration of PM10 ranged between 55-429 µgm-3 at non-cooking period and the mean of PM10 was 109.51±51 µgm-3. The mean concentration of CO during cooking period was 51.52±17 ppm and it varied from 20 ppm to 96.4 ppm. On the contrary, the mean concentration of CO during non-cooking period was 6.60± 6 ppm and it fluctuated from 0 to 40 ppm. The concentration of atmospheric particulate matter showed the highest concentration during cooking time. Contemplation on the measured concentration of particulate matters, these values were greater than concentration found in many European cities and also surpassed the Bangladesh National Ambient Air Quality Standard. The monitored CO value exceeded the recommended value. Questionnaire survey result indicated that respondents suffered from various diseases due to household cooking activities such as facing eye irritation, headaches, dry cough, dizziness and nasal congestion during cooking time. This research suggests installation of improved cooking stoves and providing proper ventilation facilities in kitchen and using renewable energy as well as creating public awareness among rural communities for minimizing the impacts of pollutants emitted from cooking activities.

Exploring essential soft skills for maximizing employability of english graduates in Bangladesh

Soft skills, absolute knowledge, various skills, positive attitudes, values, beliefs, and habit are vital for graduates' professional, social, and personal success. Many graduate and postgraduate students struggle to adapt their learning to their daily lives and work. Thus, Bangladeshi graduates face substantial unemployment. Knowing and practicing soft skills during school helps them meet workplace needs. Therefore, soft skills training must be included in the curriculum to help students use soft skills gleaned from English literature in real life. This study assesses the soft skills needed for employment by English graduates of tertiary colleges affiliated with Bangladesh's National University (NU). The study reviewed national and international government documents, published and unpublished studies, online resources, and researchers' experiences and observations. The outcomes were categorized thematically to determine the most essential soft skills for English graduates' employability. Finally, drawing from lessons learned from national and international perspectives, some policy gaps have been explored in Bangladesh, and some policy suggestions have been made to implement soft skills training in the curriculum of English language and literature courses at NU-affiliated colleges. The findings suggest studying instructional methodologies, classroom management, question sets, teacher preparation, assessment systems, soft skills instruction, mentorship, and counseling. After reviewing the literature, the researcher finds that English graduates need 49 sub-skills in twelve soft skills: Communications, interpersonal, self-management, people management, collaboration, emotional intelligence, time management, problem-solving, decision-making, critical thinking, leadership, and creativity. Upon evaluating the literature, the study found that while soft skills can be improved in the English curriculum, the instruction for implementation is unclear.

Measuring The Effectiveness of Youth Development Training Provided by Bangladesh National Cadet Corps: A Case Study

ABSTRACT: Youth represent a pivotal demographic and social asset for every nation, serving as a critical component for national human resource development. Strategic investment in systematic and well-planned Youth Development Training (YDT) can unlock their innate potential and equip them to navigate career challenges effectively. The Bangladesh National Cadet Corps (BNCC) offers YDT as a significant intervention for youth development, potentially fostering both individual growth and the sustainable progress of Bangladesh. This study aims to assess the effectiveness of BNCC’s YDT in developing leadership qualities, personal skills, and community development attitudes through quantitative analysis. An extensive literature review was meticulously undertaken, investigating deep into existing literature to identify the research gap areas, develop hypotheses, and carefully place the relevant variables essential for the study’s comprehensive analysis and interpretation. A survey instrument comprising sixteen variables was devised, employing the widely used five-point rating scale to assess participant responses. Primary data were collected from 170 male and female BNCC cadets. However, data analysis proceeded utilizing the one-sample “t-test” method. 14 out of 16 hypotheses were accepted with an admirable score. The findings of the study indicate that BNCC’s YDT significantly enhances leadership qualities, particularly in command skills and self-confidence among cadets. Additionally, the YDT program demonstrates a notable impact on fostering community development attitudes among participants. However, the YDT of BNCC is relatively poor in developing creative capability and Information Technology (IT) Skills among the cadets. Based on these results, specific policy recommendations are proposed, including heightened promotion of BNCC training and social development activities to its stakeholders, the establishment of leadership development institutes and innovation clubs, a memorandum of understanding with social service agencies to facilitate social development activities, and many more to maintain the area of strength, which could also contribute to remodeling the existing theories of youth development.

Role of Bangladesh National Museum in Preservation of History, Culture and Heritage of Bangladesh

This study aims to assess the role and contributions of the History and Classical Art Department of Bangladesh National Museum in the context of acquisition and preservation of history and heritage of Bengal through analysis of gathered artifacts. This study adopts a comprehensive analytical approach, employing both quantitative and qualitative research methods. The primary data sources include interviews with museum visitors, focus group discussions involving visitors and stakeholders, and key informant interviews with experts and specialists. Secondary data sources consist of museum visitors’ comment books, previous stakeholders’ opinions, and comment books from mobile exhibitions. Additionally, this research seeks to identify potential avenues of future growth and development within the department. The research has unraveled multifaceted role of the department’s key artifacts, namely coins, sculptures, architecture and inscriptions in forming and preserving history. The FGD and KII responses have yielded insightful feedback on the role of these artifacts in ensuring the continuation of history. The responses from the survey, FGD, KII and comments from the content analysis reveal the degree of fascination visitors harbor for the liberation war galleries. Many of these responses have suggested the liberation war gallery is successful in instilling the sense of patriotism among its visitors and inspiring them to cherish the spirit of liberation. The recommendations of this article offer avenues for the museum to further excel and contribute to the preservation of our cultural heritage.

An Update on Gastrointestinal Parasitic Infection in Captive Wild Animals in Bangladesh.

Gastrointestinal parasites cause health problems and even death in captive animals. These animals are more susceptible to parasitic infestations because of confinement and stress. The aim of the study is to describe parasitic causal agents in captive wild animals at the Bangladesh National Zoo, Chittagong Zoo, and Tilagarh Eco Park, in Sylhet. A total of 54 fecal samples were collected from the Bangladesh Zoo, Chittagong Zoo, and Tilagarh Eco Park from April 2022 to November 2022. Samples were collected from animals of the groups Aves (16), Reptiles (4), Artiodactyla (23), Perissodactyla (8), and Proboscidea (3). All samples were examined using a modified formalin ether sedimentation technique. Fecal examination consoled an overall occurrence of 61.1%. Out of 54 samples, 33 were positive for parasitic infection. The parasites observed were as follows: Ascarididae eggs (57.58%), Capillaria spp. (18.18%), Strongyloides spp. (9.09%), Trichuris spp. (6.06%), and mixed infection (9.09%). The order Reptiles had a 100% infection rate, while Aves had the lowest infection rate (50%). Only nematodes were detected in this study. Without showing evident, clinical signs and symptoms of disease, the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites is high. This indicates a subclinical infection. This study shows that more epidemiological research and sanitation management programs, including regular antihelminthic therapy for controlling parasitic infection, should be adopted in zoos and ecoparks.

The Compromised Strongman: Interrelationship of Strongman Politics, Radical Rights, and Nationalism in Contemporary Bangladesh

The strongman is the single key approach to studying the democratic status, the rise of radical rights, and the questions on nationalism in present-day Bangladesh. Occupying the office since 2008, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina took a sharp turn in 2014 to become a strongman leader of the country, and a successful strongman regime has been created in the process. Since then, the strongman government has made quite a few populist compromises with the radical right groups, which then, in turn, gave birth to a distinct kind of strongmanship: the compromised strongman. This historical research through secondary data analyses finds that a nationalist identity split between a linguistic and a religious, national consciousness has played the role of the major catalyst in the political outcome of the country, and an apparent compromise between the two groups representing the secular and the religious blocks, contrary to common sense, paved the way for the strongman politics in Bangladesh.

Seismic Risk Assessment of Existing Buildings of HSTU Campus in Dinajpur

Bangladesh is at high risk of earthquakes due to its geographic location. Earthquakes can cause widespread damage to buildings and infrastructure, as well as significant loss of life, due to the sudden release of energy in the form of seismic waves. Therefore, identifying and assessing the vulnerability of existing buildings is crucial for earthquake risk reduction. Hajee Mohammad Danesh Science and Technology University (HSTU) is situated just 13 kilometers from Dinajpur, which falls under zone II, a medium-risk zone according to the Bangladesh National Building Code (BNBC, 1993). This study aims to evaluate the seismic vulnerability of HSTU's existing buildings. A widely used seismic assessment technique, the Turkish two-level assessment procedure, was employed in this study to identify seismically vulnerable buildings. A total of 79 buildings were surveyed at level I, considering vulnerability parameters such as soft storey, heavy overhanging, pounding effect, topographic effect, short column, shape of building, number of storeys, apparent quality of building, and soil type. Based on these parameters, performance scores were assigned to each building, and they were classified into damage categories of safe, moderate, and unsafe at level I. Digital photographs of each building from at least two directions were taken for easy identification. All 79 buildings on the HSTU campus were found to be safe after the level I survey. Level II assessment was conducted on only one building to validate the level I findings, and it was classified as a low-risk structure. A significant outcome of this study is the identification of damage categories and the potential to reduce seismic risk at HSTU by creating a comprehensive building inventory.