Southeastern Region Of Bangladesh Research Articles

Diversity, Abundance, and Seasonal Variation of Aquatic Macrophytes in Southeastern Bangladesh

The study was conducted to assess the diversity and abundance of aquatic macrophytes in the southeastern region of Bangladesh, encompassing the Noakhali, Cumilla, and Chandpur districts. The study was carried out over the period of July 2022 to June 2023. This research utilized a mixed-methods approach, incorporating observation of the study area, qualitative interviews, and quantitative surveys. Five types of aquatic macrophytes, 47 species from 18 orders and 25 families were identified. These are free-floating, rooted-floating, emergent, submerged, and marginal. Among the three locations, Noakhali was recorded as the highest with 44 species, followed by Cumilla with 43, and Chandpur with 35. In Noakhali, seasonal variation analysis showed that 39% of species were found in the rainy season, 14% in summer, 14% in winter, and 20% year-round. In Cumilla, 35% of aquatic macrophytes were available in the rainy season, and 14%, 12%, and 5% in winter, spring, and autumn, respectively. In Chandpur, 37% of aquatic macrophytes were prevalent in the rainy season, 26% were found year-round, 9% in winter, 14% in summer, and 6% each in spring and autumn. In Noakhali, 44% of macrophytes were frequent, 33% moderate, and 23% rare. In Cumilla, 49% were frequent, 44% moderate, and 14% rare. Chandpur reported 49% frequent, 31% moderate, and 20% rare species. The order Alismatales emerged as the dominant order comparatively across all locations. This research will provide insights into the biodiversity of aquatic macrophytes in this area, thus supporting effective management strategies.

Prevalence of Thyroid Disorders in the Southeastern Region of Bangladesh

Prevalence of Thyroid Disorders in the Southeastern Region of Bangladesh

Assessment of dredging impact on hydrodynamics of Surma River using hydrodynamic model: HEC-RAS approach

Abstract Surma River is the main source of fresh water in the South-Eastern region of Bangladesh. Every year, huge amounts of sediment loads are coming from upstream, which are settling down on the Surma River bed, hindering the safe passage of flow that contributes to the change in the hydrodynamic of the river. Recently, dredging has been done in the Sunamganj area to increase the navigability of the river. In this study, the hydrodynamics of the Surma River has been investigated to check the impact of dredging with the help of HEC-RAS. Flood frequency analyses have been done for 5, 10, 25, 50, and 100 years return periods, and a comparison of water level, velocity, and discharge has been done before and after dredging. Before dredging the water level, the flow path was very high, and velocity was low, but after dredging the water level, the flow path decreases and velocity increased. Discharge also decreases after dredging in the six stations, which are located in the dredged area, and the values are 1,375.41, 1,374.31, 1,373.73, 1,369.7, 1,373.11, and 1,372.08 m3/s. Before dredging, the values are 1,669.62, 1,665.53, 1,664.69, 1,658.12, 1,624.23, and 1,383.98 m3/s.

Appraisal of stormwater-induced runoff quality influenced by site-specific land use patterns in the south-eastern region of Bangladesh.

Urban stormwater runoff is considered as one of the major contributors to nonpoint source that contributes to the pollution of all water resources in the surrounding environment. Pollutant concentrations of urban stormwater runoff are directly or indirectly linked with land use types in a catchment that is quite different in different places, and hence, site-specific studies are necessary, unless otherwise the modelling of runoff quality using modelling tools may not be rationally reflected the actual field scenarios. This paper portrays the influence of land use types on stormwater runoff physicochemical quality in Chattogram city, where land use's demarcation is often complicated due to the different natural and human-induced anthropogenic factors. The stormwater runoff samples were collected from the residential, commercial, institutional, and industrial land use types, in the city of Chattogram, Bangladesh, during the period from July to September 2020. The standard laboratory protocol for elemental concentrations and principal component analysis was performed in addition to basic statistics to identify the influence of urban surface characteristics on the quality of stormwater runoff. In general, pollutant concentrations were identified by analysing key physical and chemical quality parameters including colour, temperature, turbidity, total suspended solids (TSS), total dissolved solids (TDS), electrical conductivity (EC), salinity, pH, dissolved oxygen (DO), biochemical oxygen demand (BOD5), chemical oxygen demand (COD) and ammonia nitrogen (NH3-N) and exhibited 2 to 3 times higher concentrations than reported elsewhere. Furthermore, the present study reported the greater concentrations of few pollutants, such as TSS, BOD5, and EC, derived from the residential land uses compared to other land use types that are surprising; however, it confirmed the distinct complexity of unplanned land use patterns that should not be overlooked rather discussed. The strong correlation between land use types and stormwater runoff quality indicates the site-specific influences of runoff quality. The outcomes of this study would be particularly helpful in calibrating water quality models considering different land use types. Additionally, datasets and information obtained from this research will assist engineers and practitioners in developing decision-making tools for effective stormwater management.

Machining Properties of Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus camaldulensis) Wood and Its Utilization Potential for Furniture Manufacturing

There is no comfortable and environmentally friendly way to avoid using wood for manufacturing different kinds of furniture as well as other uses. Thus, it is highly needed to identify machining properties in any wood working of its selection for particular utilization. The study was conducted to ascertain planing, boring, shaping, mortising, turning, etc. machining properties of Eucalyptus camaldulensis wood species grown in the south-eastern region of Bangladesh. Some related handtool properties of this wood were also tested. In both machining and handtool property tests, the evaluation was based on the frequency of defects of the property samples. All of the property sample defects were assessed by both visual and tactile inspection, and the percentage of property tests was determined. Each property sample was classified five quality grades based on sample defects. Shellac and carpa polishing materials were also applied to determine finishing quality. Five furniture were manufactured with this wood and put under service test as well. The results introduced overall good working qualities, and the Eucalyptus camaldulensis wood could be suitable for the materials of furniture. Among different operations, only mortising property resulted in 100% qualified grade in machining and handtool tests when shaping and boring rated the same in machining tests. This wood exhibited 100 % and 90 % excellent shaping and mortising quality in machining tests respectively. Planing property yielded no excellent or good result in handtool tests. The property value of different tests should just be considered as indicatory.

Air Quality Monitoring in Chittagong by a Low Cost IoT Based Air Quality Monitoring System

Air is an essential element of the environment we live in. Unfortunately, this air is polluted incessantly in many ways. With the advancement of technology, to make life easier, to live with full comfort, this essential part of the environment is being polluted without any interruption. This constant pollution poses a significant threat to the ecosystem as well as to all the living beings on this planet. To make this planet a suitable place for living, for the betterment of all the living beings of this nature, this pollution should be checked. To create awareness, at first, it is essential to show the current condition of the atmosphere, so that people will see the extent to which their activities affect the environment. In this work, we developed an Internet-of-Things (IoT) based low-cost air quality monitoring system to monitor the air quality of Chittagong, a district located in the south-eastern region of Bangladesh. Our proposed system is not only cost-efficient, it also monitors the air quality in real-time. The air quality measurement was taken based on Parts per Million (PPM) metrics and then analyzed. The proposed method provides accurate results.

Simulation and Prediction of the Spatial Dynamics of Land Use Changes Modelling Through CLUE-S in the Southeastern Region of Bangladesh

Simulation and Prediction of the Spatial Dynamics of Land Use Changes Modelling Through CLUE-S in the Southeastern Region of Bangladesh

A new species of Phrynoglossus Peters, 1867; Dicroglossidae) from southeastern Bangladesh, with comments on the genera Occidozyga and Phrynoglossus.

We describe a new cryptic species of Phrynoglossus from Chattogram Division, Bangladesh based on an integrative taxonomic analysis based on morphology, phylogenetics, and bioacoustics which unambiguously support the placement of the species in the genus Phrynoglossus. We also present a compilation of published morphological characters for all twelve Phrynoglossus species and two species of Occidozyga as well as comments on taxonomy, morphology, and geographic distribution for the two genera. The new species is found to be most morphologically similar to P. martensii, however a provided set of character states visibly differentiates these two species. Finally, habitat for Phrynoglossus swanbornorum sp. nov. is highly fragmented and faces imminent threats from development and agriculture, and although it is confirmed to occur within government protected areas in the southeastern region of Bangladesh, few wildlife regulations are enforced within them. Thus, following IUCN criteria, we consider the new species as Endangered based on criteria B1ab(i,ii,iii,iv) + 2ab(i,ii,iii,iv).

Knowledge, Attitude, Perception of Biological Science and Healthcare Professional Students to Complementary and Alternative Medicine Health Belief and Practice in Southeastern Region of Bangladesh: A Comparative Study

The health professionals require scientific knowledge to advise their patients on complementary and alternative medicines (CAM). Previously, several studies were conducted regarding the CAM perception, attitude and use on health care professionals only; in contrast, our study encompasses both students of health care professionals and other disciplines. The aim of this study was to compare the attitudes and perception about CAM practices between students of biological sciences (Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Microbiology and Botany) and health care professionals (Pharmacy and medical students) in public and private universities located in the southeastern region in Bangladesh. The questionnaire-based study conducted on 332 systematically sampled students (four private and one public universities) located in the southeastern region in Bangladesh. The cross-sectional study was conducted from March to July, 2018. All students showed a positive attitude towards CAM use. Herbal medicine, homeopathy, nutritional supplements followed by hypnosis, massage, spiritual healing, and meditation were the most commonly known and used CAM modalities. Most of the students (40.7%) believed that the integration of CAM and conventional medicine should be essential in health care setting. The major obstacles for CAM use are patient interest (48.2%) and lack of physician interest (43.4%). In addition, 36.7% students believed that CAM practices should be included in their school’s curriculum. Moreover, 39.5% students assumed that CAM knowledge is important to their daily life. Biological sciences and healthcare professional students of Bangladesh showed positive perception on CAM uses. Bangladesh Pharmaceutical Journal 24(2): 159-167, 2021

Evaluation of physicochemical and trace metal qualities of rainwater in the south-eastern region of Bangladesh

AbstractThe chemical characteristics of rainwater in the south-eastern region of Bangladesh were investigated in this study in addition to identifying the potential sources of different precipitation constituents, which have often been unexplored or not well covered in the literature. Rainwater pH, major ions and trace metals were measured in samples collected from five different locations with different land-use patterns of the Chattogram Metropolitan area (CMA) during two rainy seasons. The results of this study showed variability in rainwater quality across the sites signifying site-specific influences. The mean concentration of all measured physicochemical parameters, ions and trace metals in rainwater samples was also found to be significantly lower compared with the drinking water quality standard of Bangladesh and WHO guidelines. The correlation matrix and principal component analysis (PCA) indicated that and originated from anthropogenic sources, while the average concentration of trace metals found in rainwater was exhibited in the following order: Zn>Cu>Fe>Cr>Mn>Pb>Cd. The findings of this study could be used as a reference to further investigate the influences of industrial, urban and agricultural emissions that regulate the chemical characteristics of the atmosphere in particular areas of study.

Production procedure and marketing of ethnic fermented product Nga-pi in South-Eastern region of Bangladesh

A survey was conducted to collect information on production procedure and marketing of Nga-pi inSouth-Eastern region of Bangladesh (Cox’s Bazar and Bandarban). To collect information questionnaire wasprepared, several visits were made, personal interview of different stakeholders were taken and audio-videorecording was done. Socio-economic condition of different stakeholders of Nga-pi production and businessshowed that most of them were involved in Nga-pi production and business activities generation togeneration. They are mostly people from Rakhine tribe and by religion they are Buddhist. Some of them,especially wholesalers are economically stronger than the producers or retailers. They have access toelectricity, pure drinking water, sanitary latrines and most of them use cell phones for communication. Theinformation on marketing channel of Nga-pi varies depending on the place, and season of the year. Generally,the whole seller and retailer get much profit than the Nga-pi producers. The survey results revealed that in theproduction procedure of Nga-pi in South-Eastern region (Cox’s Bazar and Bandarban) have some points needto be improved to get better quality Nga-pi which may be stored for longer duration.

Assessing inconsistency in global land cover products and synthesis of studies on land use and land cover dynamics during 2001 to 2017 in the southeastern region of Bangladesh

The high-quality Land Use and Land Cover data is important for monitoring and analyzing environmental changes in the background of global warming. This study accessed the spatial and areal inconsistencies in the four most recent multi-resources land cover products in a complex manner using the common classification systems of IGBP-17, IGBP-9, IPCC-5 and TC (vegetation, wetlands and others only). Based on inconsistencies and multi temporal land cover datasets, a synthesis of study was triggered out on land use and land cover dynamics during 2001-2017 in the southeastern region of Bangladesh. The overall areal and spatial inconsistencies decreased from high to low levels of aggregation (IGBP-17 to TC), indicating that the inconsistencies are not only influenced by the level of thematic detail and landscape complexity but also related to the conversion uncertainties. Overall areal inconsistency in the comparison of the FROM-GLC and GlobeLand30 datasets was the smallest among the six pairs, while, the pair of MODISLC and LULC was observed the highest inconsistencies. Based on overall lower inconsistencies classification system (IGBP-9), the synthetic land use cover changes at the study area were assessed. During the period of study, the areal distribution of forest cover, built-up areas and water were found increased in annually by 0.4%, 1.32%, and 0.3% respectively, while the croplands and wetlands were respectively decreased by 0.5% and 0.3%. The dynamic changes of croplands, forest, and artificial surface were identified the prime cyclic land cover change. This research is helpful in providing training areas for the producer of land cover products.

Geospatial Monitoring of Land Surface Temperature Effects on Vegetation Dynamics in the Southeastern Region of Bangladesh from 2001 to 2016

Land surface temperature (LST) can significantly alter seasonal vegetation phenology which in turn affects the global and regional energy balance. These are the most important parameters of surface–atmosphere interactions and climate change. Methods for retrieving LSTs from satellite remote-sensing data are beneficial for modeling hydrological, ecological, agricultural and meteorological processes on the Earth’s surface. This paper assesses the geospatial patterns of LST using correlations of the seasonally integrated normalized difference vegetation index (SINDVI) in the southeastern region of Bangladesh from 2001 to 2016. Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) time series datasets for LST and SINDVI were used for estimations in the study. From 2001 to 2016, the MODIS-based land surface temperature in the southeastern region of Bangladesh was found to have gently increased by 0.2 °C (R2 = 0.030), while the seasonally integrated normalized difference vegetation index also increased by 0.43 (R2 = 0.268). The interannual average LSTs mostly increased across the study areas, except in some coastal plain and tidal floodplain areas of the study. However, the SINDVI increased in the floodplain and coastal plain regions, except for in hilly areas. Physiographically, the study area is a combination of low lying alluvial floodplains, river basin wetlands, tidal floodplains, tertiary hills, terraced lands and coastal plains in nature. The hilly areas are mostly covered by dense forests, with the exception of agricultural areas. The impacts of increased LSTs were inversely correlated for the hilly areas and areas with forest coverage; LSTs were conversely correlated for the floodplain region, and tree cover outside of the forest and agricultural crops. This study will be very helpful for the protection and restoration of the natural environment.

Cultivation and economic prospects of Betel Nut (Areca catechu Linn.) and Coconut (Cocos nucifera Linn.) in rural economy: A case study from southeastern region of Bangladesh

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Migration, development and welfare: findings from a household survey in two selected villages in Bangladesh

This paper contributes to the debate about the developmental impact of overseas migration using household level data from two selected villages in the southeastern region of Bangladesh. It argues in turn that remittances do contribute to household wealth accumulation but longer term investment in agriculture that can potentially lead to a change in agrarian structure is largely missing. An asset index is also employed to determine the welfare effects of both overseas and domestic migration. This paper begins with a discussion on theories of migration and how these have evolved to encompass new empirical features of the migration phenomenon. The survey results are then presented with an analysis of what this means for the nexus between migration and development within the specific context of Bangladesh.

Impact of Cotton IPM Program on Profitability, Human Capital and Environment in Southeastern Region of Bangladesh

Present study examined the socio-economic impacts of cotton IPM program of Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) on yield, farmers’ income, health, environment and human resources development in selected areas in the southwestern region of Bangladesh. Ninety nine respondents were randomly selected by using two- stage stratified sampling technique. Farmers were stratified as farmer’s Field School (FFS), Non Farmers Field School (Non-FFS) and Non-IPM groups. Data were collected through two surveys i) baseline survey and ii) impact assessment survey. It was found that cotton IPM program has significant impact on uses of fertilizers, pesticides, yield, environment, bio-diversity and farmer’s knowledge of management of bio-resources and environment. The FFS farmers reduced fertilizers by 58% and pesticides by 62% compared to baseline situation. The FFS farmers reduced variable cost of production by 30%. However, cotton yield was less compared to base year due to unfavorable rainfall in the cotton field in 2004. Higher level of employment opportunities was created in different categories of farmers FFS (40 %), Non-FFS (28%) and Non-IPM (8%) after the participation in the cotton IPM program. Environmental Impact Quotient (EIQ) shows an improvement of 46% on FFS farms as compared to only 2% improvements caused at Non IPM farms. The cumulative score on soil improvement, observed biodiversity and attitude towards environment had significantly improvement on FFS farms (160%). Use of sources of information had increased (29%) at FFS farms and declined at other categories. The major changes were found in the recognition of number of beneficial pests of FFS farms. The observation and record keeping skill of farmers for participatory field experiments were found to increase for the FFS farms after participation in IPM program.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/pa.v18i2.18279 Progress. Agric. 18(2): 255 - 269, 2007

Status of bears in Bangladesh: going, going, gone?

Abstract Three species of bears occur in Bangladesh, but most populations have declined to very low numbers or disappeared completely. No systematic surveys have been conducted to determine status and distribution of the remnant populations. Therefore, we conducted surveys at 87 sites with historical records of bears. Footprints, claw marks, and other signs were used to identify bears to species level. In addition, semi-structured interviews were carried out targeting local community members to determine the status of bears. Bear signs were documented in 26 sites in the northeast, 42 sites in the southeast, and 1 site in the north-central region of Bangladesh. With the exception of a single sign that presumably came from a sun bear (Helarctos malayanus), all were identified as Asiatic black bear (Ursus thibetanus). Additionally, we documented one recent occurrence of a captive sun bear captured in the southeastern region of Bangladesh not covered in our survey. We conclude that the sloth bear (Melursus ur...

The Chittagong Hill Tracts Peace Accord in Bangladesh: An Overview

The Chittagong Hill Tracts Peace Accord, signed on December 2, 1997 between the government of Bangladesh and the Parbattya Chattagram Jana Samhiti Samiti(PCJSS—Chittagong Hill People’s Solidarity Association) ended a long-standing armed conflict between the Bangladesh Army and the tribal people of the Chittagong Hill Tracts in the south-eastern region of Bangladesh. The treaty promised to bring stability in the region. But 15 years into the signing of the Accord, it has yet to bear fruit. The region is still the most unstable region of the country and resentment among the tribal people is increasing day by day due to delays in the full implementation of the Accord. The Accord has also produced a new conflict: after its signing, a group emerged from within the PCJSS movement and formed the United People’s Democratic Front (UPDF) a political party aiming at “full autonomy” rather than implementation of the Accord. The frequent clashes between PCJSS and UPDF and between the tribal and the ‘Bengali Settlers’ pose serious threat to the security of the country. In this situation this paper argues that the government of Bangladesh should take immediate and meaningful steps toward full implementation for the Accord. The costs of failure are high: disrupting activities, armed warfare, violations of human rights, losses of lives and resources, exposing the border regions to external threats—all of these are costs that the nation can hardly bear if lasting peace is not achieved. DOI: 10.5901/mjss.2013.v4n4p123

Colonial nesting behaviour in Indian Pond Heron (Ardeola grayii grayii) of Bangladesh

A study was conducted on the nesting behaviour of Indian Pond Heron in Sitakunda, southeastern region of Bangladesh between January, 1995 and December, 1996. Indian Pond Heron is a solitary bird on its feeding grounds. It forms colonies when nesting. Eight species of plants were used for nest building in three colonies. Colonial nesting is an anti-predator adaptation in the Indian Pond Heron.