Sylhet City Corporation Research Articles

Impact of community-based micro-finance in urban poverty reduction in Bangladesh

Purpose: This study aimed to assess the impact of community-based microfinance in reducing urban poverty with a particular focus on Sylhet City, Bangladesh. Methodology: The Community Saving & Credit (CSC) strategy of the Urban Partnership for Poverty Reduction project was chosen as a case in this study. This study used a qualitative research approach by following focus group discussions and in-depth interviews as data collection instruments. The purposive sampling method has been observed to collect data from 20 (twenty) respondents from Sylhet City Corporation's two slum areas, where the Urban Partnerships for Poverty Reduction Project was implemented like other urban areas of Bangladesh. Findings: The study findings show that implementing the Community Saving and Credit (CSC) strategy in Sylhet City has reduced poverty among those who applied for loans. It has enhanced the availability of food, made housing more affordable, diversified income sources, improved health conditions, increased access to education, and amplified the voice of women, especially those in poverty. Research implications: This research will help the government to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It will also inform the government about local perceptions regarding the dimensions of escaping poverty. After knowing about the locally specific dimensions of getting out of poverty and the effect of the CBM system in reducing poverty, the government and the policymakers can plan additional steps to operate community-based microcredit systems to reduce poverty.

Solid Waste Generation, Composition and Potentiality of Waste-to-Resource Recovery in Sylhet City Corporation, Bangladesh

The very fast economic and population growth of Bangladesh, along with its high urbanization rate, have been seen since its independence in 1971. Sylhet City Corporation (SCC) has also experienced high population growth as well as rapid urbanization since 2002. The solid waste generation rate is also increasing along with the high economic and population growth in SCC. SCC and its extended areas are now producing more solid waste than ever before because of accelerated unplanned urbanization, ever-growing tourist pressure, and an overgrowing urban population. Sooner than later, resource recovery and capacity development in existing solid waste management systems are required to allow the sustainable and resilient growth of SCC. This study aimed to explore the total amount of solid waste generation per day as well as the waste composition and potentiality for resource recovery from the generated solid waste in SCC and its extended areas. This study has found that SCC is now generating a total of 375.68 tons of solid waste daily from households, daily kitchen markets, medical institutes, resident hotels, commercial shops, and restaurants. This study has also found that about 90% of daily-generated solid waste is perishable and has a high moisture content. This study has found that the generated waste in SCC has the potential to produce compost fertilizer, solid recovered fuel (SRF), and electricity. On the other hand, this study can directly help the conservancy department of SCC to have a brief idea about the existing solid waste generation rate, composition, categories, and potentialities of resource recovery from the generated solid waste. It can also succor other conservancy departments of other city corporations or urban areas of Bangladesh as well as other researchers in a similar way.

Satisfaction Level of Slum Dwellers with the Assistance of the City Corporation during COVID-19: The Bangladesh Context

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected Bangladesh’s economic and social well-being in many ways. Slum dwellers, including day laborers, rickshaw pullers, CNG (Compressed Natural Gas) drivers, housemaids, hawkers, and street vendors, were the worst victims of this pandemic. Besides the voluntary organizations, the City Corporation (urban local government), instructed by the central government, took the initiative to distribute necessary food as well as financial assistance to the city dwellers to survive during the lockdown. The objective of this study is to identify the satisfaction level of slum dwellers with the assistance received from the City Corporation and obtain an idea of whether these supports were enough for them to maintain their livelihood. This is a mixed method research consisting of both qualitative and quantitative approaches. Researchers conducted a field survey in Sylhet City Corporation, in the northeastern part of Bangladesh, and collected primary data from one hundred and fifty-five respondents through a structured questionnaire along with an interview (semi-structured) schedule. Samples were selected by applying a multistage sampling technique. Researchers analyzed quantitative data using SPSS software and qualitative data using the thematic analysis method. Study findings reveal that nepotism, patron–client relation, corruption, unequal treatment, management flaws, low level of community engagement, political consideration, and lack of monitoring were the major issues in providing effective service delivery to slum dwellers during COVID-19. Citizen participation, well coordination, proper monitoring, impersonality, and good governance are indispensable for dealing with any crisis.

The effect of citizen charter on public service delivery quality: Evidence from urban local government (A study on Sylhet city corporation)

The effect of citizen charter on public service delivery quality: Evidence from urban local government (A study on Sylhet city corporation)

Socio-Demographic Depletion Due to COVID-19 Impact and Government Intervention: A Review in Bangladesh

COVID-19 known as coronavirus disease, has been dominating the headlines all over the world since about a year ago which is now almost under control. The World Health Organization (WHO) has labeled it a pandemic. Bangladesh is struggling with this virus with its scarce resources. Nearly two million people have been reported as confirmed cases of coronavirus disease in 185 countries worldwide in the five months after the virus first emerged in December 2019. The COVID-19 pandemic affected people directly or indirectly all over the world. There has been a slowdown in all sectors worldwide and most of the global population was placed under lockdown. The families of 43.9 percent of the students might live in poverty, and export revenues from RMG fell by 18.12% from the previous year. Households in Chittagong city corporation experienced the least decrease in average income (11.7%) while the households in Sylhet city corporation experienced the most reduction in average income (63.4%). This COVID-19 created a widespread global shock. The government of Bangladesh has declared several stimulus plans worth a combined total of about USD 11.90 billion for the agricultural sector to ensure the country's food and nutritional security, for doctors, nurses, and the homeless for social safety, and for business sectors including small and medium enterprises and cottage industries at the early age of pandemic. There were 23 COVID-19 stimulus packages total across the nation, with a total outlay of USD 1.23 billion which is 4.44% of GDP. Approximately USD 3,529 million for the service sector and the impacted industries, USD 589 million to cover workers' salaries/allowances, and those of staff working in industries focused on exports were allocated as a package to tackle the serious impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Decentralization of Local Government with Central Government Pressure : A Study of Sylhet City Corporation

Decentralization of Local Government with Central Government Pressure : A Study of Sylhet City Corporation

Love, Hope and Despair of Pregnant Women Living in the Slum of Sylhet City Corporation: A Study

Pregnancy is a joyous but stressful phase in every woman’s life as it takes a ten-month-long journey. Support and caring attitude from family members and others, along with regular ante-natal treatment during pregnancy, is essential for every woman because it will protect the health of the unborn baby and future mother. However, in Bangladesh, patriarchal social structure and cultural components bring unequal treatment for women even when they feel sick. So, this qualitative study was conducted to explore the experiences of pregnant women living in the slum area of Sylhet city corporation, Bangladesh. Data were collected purposively from pregnant women during gestational weeks 36–38 who came for treatment at the Urban Primary Health Care Service Delivery Center of Shimantik (NGO). Ten in-depth interviews were conducted through a semi-structured interview schedule, and then collected data were thematically analysed. Data were presented under four themes: role of husband and family members during pregnancy, challenging circumstances within and outside of the family, the reason for the adverse social concern arising and the strategies employed to deal with the hostile condition. This study recommends that there should be a professional counsellor in every maternity health clinic, especially for pregnant women, with whom they can share their personal grief and sufferings.

Integrating Environmental Governance into Sustainable Urban Development in Bangladesh

Environmental governance refers to the process of making environmental decisions, who makes them and how they are carried out. It includes formal and informal institutional arrangements for resource and environmental decision-making and management. This study examined the degree to which Barishal City Corporation (BCC) and Sylhet City Corporation (SCC), two divisional cities of Bangladesh, integrated environmental governance into sustainable urbanization. This study has collected data through questionnaire survey from 600 stakeholders (300 from each city corporation) along with key informant interviews from the government officials of the selected City Corporations. The study's findings show that environmental governance can pave the way to creating a sustainable city a reality. The ineffective enforcement of environmental laws and regulations, the lack of organizational coordination, responsibility, and responsiveness, and the deficiencies in resource mobilization are also identified as some of the few issues in this regard. This study argues that cities may be made sustainable by raising environmental awareness and changing the way of thinking of citizens and local government officials so that they believe everyone of them has a role to play in building a sustainable city. Creating sustainable cities cannot be legislated or decided: it must become a part of the life of every resident and organization in the city. The main drawback of this paper is that it only examines two of Bangladesh's twelve city corporations.

Seasonal Waterlogging Variation in the Sylhet City Corporation Area, Bangladesh- an Integrated Geospatial Approach

Waterlogging is considered a severe environmental hazard in the Sylhet city corporation (SCC) area of northeast Bangladesh adversely affects the local socio-economic development. The integrated geospatial approach presents a worthy alternative to the conventional mapping of waterlogged surface areas. The remote sensing-based water index technique was used for delineating pre-monsoon and post-monsoon waterlogged areas of SCC in 2020 and 2021. Seasonal deviations of the waterlogging were determined by overlaying the waterlogged sites emanated from the pre-monsoon and post-monsoon periods under the GIS environment. Results show that waterlogged areas for pre-monsoon and post-monsoon seasons in 2020 are 2.25 sq. km and 4.12 sq. km, respectively, whereas 2.22 sq. km and 3.90 sq. km in 2021. Hence, the seasonal variations in waterlogged areas in 2020 and 2021 are 1.87 sq. km and 1.68 sq. km, respectively. This analysis also demonstrates that waterlogging in SCC is utterly driven by the high seasonal variations that mainly depend on the amount of rainfall besides the local flood-prone geologic settings and climate change.

Noise Pollution Assessment in Sylhet City Corporation Using Geographic Information System (GIS)

Background: Noise pollution is a risk factor for human health which is continuously increasing in Sylhet City corporation, located in the Sylhet division in Bangladesh. Methods: In this study, we assessed the noise pollution level in Sylhet City by comparing it with the standard noise level. Also, the outcomes of this study were compared to other studies from different countries. In order to measure the noise level in decibel, BSWA 308 device was used in this study. A total of 38 samples were taken from different geographical locations in Sylhet City Corporation. The 38 samples provided 96 to 99% accuracy with a 95% confidence level of >36. Results: The decibel values ranged from 72 to 86 dB. From the observed data we calculated the values as follows: L10, L50 and L90 and Noise Climate (NC)=12.7 dB, equivalent continuous noise level Leq=77.18 dB and noise pollution level Lnp=89.88 dB. A contour map of the area was made using Arc GIS software version 10.5. Every line in the contour map defined a specific decibel value. The map was made by 2 dB intervals between the corresponding contour lines. More than 30% of the study area was vulnerable to a high level of noise (>82 dBA), and about 30% had the lower level of noise (<77 dBA). Only 40% of the area had moderate noise levels (i.e., between 77 to 82 dBA). Conclusion: After comparing the outcomes of noise level in this study with previous studies, we observed that the noise level of this area was more than acceptable limit for all parameters.

Livelihood Status and Health Condition of Waste Pickers in Sylhet City Corporation: A Study

Urban poor are engaged in waste picking in the city areas of Bangladesh, as it requires no skills and experience. Though several studies have been conducted on waste management, the livelihood of waste pickers remains unexplored. So, this study has been undertaken to investigate the livelihood and health status of the informal waste pickers living in the Sylhet City Corporation, Bangladesh using the five capitals of the sustainable livelihood framework. To achieve the study objectives, at first, purposively selected one hundred waste pickers were surveyed. Then, to substantiate quantitative data gathered by the survey, ten in-depth interviews and a focus group discussion (FGD) were conducted. This study found that the vulnerabilities of waste pickers in the city area are the consequences of their poor education and lack of skills, lower earnings, miserable living and working conditions, lower social status, and no access to social services. In addition, they face chronic injuries and occupational health risks, but they are not aware of this. As a result, they cannot maintain a standard of living by their efforts. So, Government and non-government organisations should recognise their contribution and take necessary steps for improving their livelihood and health status.

Disadvantage, discrimination, and despair: Parental experiences of caring for children with disability in Bangladesh

AbstractThis paper explored parental experiences of caring for children with disability (CWD) living in the Sylhet city corporation area of Bangladesh. This study applied a qualitative research approach. The purposive snowball sampling method was employed to recruit study participants. Twenty‐one in‐depth interviews and two focus group discussions with parents of children with physical, hearing, vision, and intellectual disabilities were conducted to learn more about their experiences and identify the difficulties and challenges they confront in their everyday lives. The results showed that respondents experience various disadvantages, for example, treatment‐related challenges, financial incapacity, housing, and transportation issues. The study also indicates that parents are subjected to discrimination, experience stress, and tension, and become depressed when they consider the future distressing condition of CWD after their death. Poverty, the societal stigma associated with disability, and a lack of social supports exacerbate parents' mental anguish and limit their ability to care for CWD patients. Therefore, it is recommended to develop new services delivery strategy, including home care, respite care, and monetary transfers for CWD caregivers, as well as community mobilization and inter‐professional collaboration, to enhance their current situation and overall well‐being.

Population Dynamics of Sylhet City Corporation: A Mathematical Approach

For the sustainable development of a country or a city, it is important to know the accurate idea of the population of that region. The local authorities can easily implement their various development plans if they know the future scenario of the population. This study aims to forecast the population of Sylhet City Corporation, which was transformed into a city corporation 20 years ago. Three frequently used and popular methods of population forecasting Arithmetic Increase Method, Geometric Increase Method, and Incremental Increment Method are used to forecast the population. Population data from 2001 to 2015 are used to train and data from 2016 to 2021 are used to verify the methods. The average percentage of error of these three methods is about 3%. Among the three methods, the Geometric Increase Method provides the best result with a percentage of error of 0.15655%.

Frailty indexed classification of Bangladeshi older adults\u2019 physio-psychosocial health and associated risk factors- a cross-sectional survey study

BackgroundFrailty is associated with healthy ageing, and it has been identified as a means of measuring older adults’ physio-psychosocial health. We know about the ageing trends and common diseases of older adults living in South Asia, but literature to date does not widely feature their health status based on frailty, especially in Bangladesh. This study aims to understand the prevalence of frailty in Bangladeshi older adults; classify their health status; and investigate associated risk factors.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted in the north-eastern region (i.e. Sylhet City Corporation) of Bangladesh. Four hundred participants aged 55 years and above were randomly selected, attended a health assessment session and completed a multi-indicator survey questionnaire. We developed a 30-indicator Frailty Index (FI30) to assess the participant’s health status and categorized: good health (no-frailty/Fit); slightly poor health (mild frailty); poor health (moderate frailty); and very poor health (severe frailty). Pearson chi-square test and binary logistic regression analysis were conducted.ResultsThe participants’ mean age was 63.6 years, and 61.6% of them were assessed in poor to very poor health (moderate frailty/36.3% - severe frailty/25.3%). The eldest, female and participants from lower family income were found more frailty than their counterparts. Participants aged 70 years and above were more likely (adjusted OR: 4.23, 95% CI: 2.26–7.92, p < 0.0001) to experience frailty (medical conditions) than the pre-elderly age group (55–59 years). Female participants were more vulnerable (adjusted OR = 1.487, 95% CI: 0.84–2.64, p < 0.0174) to frailty (medical conditions) than male. Also, older adults who had higher family income (Income>$473.3) found a lower risk (adjusted OR: 0.294, 95% CI: 0.11–0.76, p < 0.011) of frailty (poor health).ConclusionOur study results confirm the prevalence of frailty-related disorders in Bangladeshi older adults and highlight the importance of targeted clinical and community-led preventive care programs.

Assessing Healthcare Waste Management Scenario in Sylhet City: A Comparative Study of Government and Non-government Establishments

Healthcare waste contains hazardous contaminants which may be responsible for dreadful diseases. Due to inadequate waste management practices, healthcare waste presents a high risk for the physician, nurses, technicians, sweepers, patients, and visitors. It poses serious threats to human health and our surrounding environment. For health safety, it requires specific treatment and better management from the source of generation to the final disposal. For this reason, this study was carried out to assess the present management system of hospital waste from the point of generation to the final disposal in different healthcare establishments (HCEs) of the Sylhet City Corporation (SCC) area. In addition, it was aimed to compare the rate of waste produced in different private and public HCEs. Regarding this, the study included empirical field observation and field level primary data collection by using a questionnaire survey, and formal and informal interviews. It was found that all the HCEs do not follow the environmental safety rules. There is a lack of a dedicated waste management system at all levels of the HCEs. Also, statistical analysis showed the comparison of hazardous and non-hazardous waste production in different HCEs. It was observed that private HCEs are comparatively well in the management system than in government HCEs. Finally, a better management technique was suggested for developing a hospital waste management system in all HCEs in Sylhet City Corporation.

The water quality and pollution sources assessment of Surma river, Bangladesh using, hydrochemical, multivariate statistical and water quality index methods

Currently, the water pollution is an important issue in Bangladesh as well as in the world. The Sylhet city in Bangladesh is suffering from lack of structured sewerage and drainage systems with somehow improper management of solid wastes. Consequently, such wastes are discharged into the nearby Surma river through different sources responsible for degrading the quality of water. Thus, this study focuses on exploring the present water quality of Surma river applying the hydrochemical, multivariate statistical methods, and also with the help of the Water Quality Index (WQI) analysis. Also, recognize the potential pollution sources of water in the study area. The outcomes show that the average values of some components such as pH, Dissolved Oxygen (DO), Iron, Total Dissolved Solid (TDS), and Total Solid (TS) are found within the standard limit. Whereas, the Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD), Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), Total Suspended Solid (TSS), Carbon di-Oxide (CO2) and turbidity are found higher than the standard limit. The Pearson correlation coefficients reflect some strong positive associations with moderate to negative correlation, suggesting the heterogeneous sources and pathways of the contaminants and ions. The highest factor loading values recorded against TDS, DO, BOD, COD, pH, and turbidity suggests them as a key environmental contaminants. The WQI value suggests that the poor water quality exist in the river. Particularly, the middle stream of the river is much polluted as this area largely covered by the Sylhet City Corporation (SCC). This study recommends that there should be a strong management plan with monitoring cell for maintaining the water environment in the SCC area.

Modelling improved efficiency in healthcare referral systems for the urban poor using a geo-referenced health facility data: the case of Sylhet City Corporation, Bangladesh

BackgroundAn effective referral system is critical to ensuring access to appropriate and timely healthcare services. In pluralistic healthcare systems such as Bangladesh, referral inefficiencies due to distance, diversion to inappropriate facilities and unsuitable hours of service are common, particularly for the urban poor. This study explores the reported referral networks of urban facilities and models alternative scenarios that increase referral efficiency in terms of distance and service hours.MethodsRoad network and geo-referenced facility census data from Sylhet City Corporation were used to examine referral linkages between public, private and NGO facilities for maternal and emergency/critical care services, respectively. Geographic distances were calculated using ArcGIS Network Analyst extension through a “distance matrix” which was imported into a relational database. For each reported referral linkage, an alternative referral destination was identified that provided the same service at a closer distance as indicated by facility geo-location and distance analysis. Independent sample t-tests with unequal variances were performed to analyze differences in distance for each alternate scenario modelled.ResultsThe large majority of reported referrals were received by public facilities. Taking into account distance, cost and hours of service, alternative scenarios for emergency services can augment referral efficiencies by 1.5–1.9 km (p < 0.05) compared to 2.5–2.7 km in the current scenario. For maternal health services, modeled alternate referrals enabled greater referral efficiency if directed to private and NGO-managed facilities, while still ensuring availability after working-hours. These referral alternatives also decreased the burden on Sylhet City’s major public tertiary hospital, where most referrals were directed. Nevertheless, associated costs may be disadvantageous for the urban poor.ConclusionsFor both maternal and emergency/critical care services, significant distance reductions can be achieved for public, NGO and private facilities that avert burden on Sylhet City’s largest public tertiary hospital. GIS-informed analyses can help strengthen coordination between service providers and contribute to more effective and equitable referral systems in Bangladesh and similar countries.

Assessment of ground water quality in the vicinity of Sylhet City, Bangladesh: a multivariate analysis

Water, the most naturally abundant and the simplest molecule on the earth, is crucial for the existence of all flora and fauna on this planet. Groundwater chemical composition can change the suitability of the aquifer system. The aim of the study was to provide an evaluation of water quality with respect to different water quality parameters in the north-east part of Bangladesh using multivariate techniques. It also tried to identify the vital sources that control the groundwater resources in the aquifer. All samples were collected during the pre-monsoon season in March 2019 from 20 pumps of Sylhet City Corporation area. Correlation analysis has been used to assess the overall groundwater quality and the degree of the linear relationship between parameters. Multivariate statistical techniques have been used to interpret the water quality of the selected pumps and to provide some meaningful results that are not possible while investigating the data at a glance. The average concentrations of major ions in groundwater of Sylhet City Corporation area are in the following order: cations—Magnesium (28.43) > Sodium (11.45) > Calcium (8.47) > Potassium (1.36); while, anions—Bicarbonate (87.70) > Chloride (37.20) > Sulfate (1.80) > Nitrate (0.95). The correlation matrix shows that the basic ionic chemistry is influenced by pH, EC, TDS, K+, Na+, Mg2+, and SO42−. These characteristics of the water samples indicate that, in addition to fresh recharge water of CaHCO3 type, the groundwater are dominated by the dolomite (CaMg(CO3)2), calcite (CaCO3) and halite (NaCl) rock-forming minerals. PCA extracted three components, which are accountable for the data composition explaining 71% of the total variance of the data set and allowed to set the selected parameters according to regular features as well as to evaluate the frequency of each group on the overall variation in water quality of Sylhet City Corporation area. The factors have been identified as “freshwater and halite minerals interaction”, “anthropogenic influences”, and “anthropogenic-rocks interaction effect”. Hierarchical cluster analysis grouped the 20 sampling stations into five groups, the values of pH and HCO3− concentration increase gradually from cluster 1 to cluster 5, i.e., from the eastern part to the western part of the city. The western part is relatively on the downward side and thus, the recharge water of CaHCO3 type is comparatively affluent in this area.

Assessment of Water Quality of Surma River and Its Impacts on Urban Residents: The Case of Sylhet City Corporation

This study intends to assess the current water quality of the Surma River alongside Sylhet City and its impacts on urban residents. The water quality has been assessed by laboratory analysis considering a total of seven water quality parameters, viz. pH, DO, BOD, COD, TS, TSS and TDS and water samples were collected from four stations. The impacts of water quality on human health, fishing, the soil, agriculture and the surrounding environment are analyzed based on primary data collected through questionnaire survey covering a total of 200 respondents who resides at the bank of the river. The average values of parameters are DO 11.15 mg/l, BOD 1.77 mg/l, COD 25.27 mg/l, pH 7.2, TSS 131.5 mg/l, TDS 26.47 mg/l and TS 158 mg/l. Among of them only pH is within standard value. Respondent of the study area opined that they have no waste dumping station where they can put their waste. For that reason they compelled to dump waste into the river.Inadequate waste management system and lack of proper waste management initiatives accelerating the pollution exponentially. The scenario can be improved by implementing the recommendations made by the study, which can have the positive changes in the human and aquatic life, environment and ecosystem of the river area.

Water Quality Assessment of Ponds and Charas of Sylhet City based on pH, DO and BOD

At present, the condition of surface water is much declining and the quality of water is a vital concern for mankind. It is directly linked with human security. Greater part of people is still not aware of it. So, improvement of the condition of surface water is a crying need. Surface water is often physically contaminated due to unhygienic practices. Discharges from various contaminated sources are very common thing in city life which deteriorates the water quality and necessary treatment is required to make water usable. The investigation is based on laboratory tests on water samples obtained from seven Ponds and three Charas of Sylhet City Corporation. The selected parameters for assessing the water quality are PH, Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) and Dissolved Oxygen (DO). The present condition of Ponds and Charas water are not up to the mark and it is declining day by day. Proper initiatives need to take regarding the control of surface water pollution in Sylhet.