Browsing by Author "Sifullah, Md. Khaled"

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E-Learning Experience of Indigenous Rural Communities in the Face of COVID-19 Crisis in Chittagong Hills Tracts Region, Bangladesh: A Qualitative Investigation
(Scopus, 2024) Sohel, Md. Salman; Sifullah, Md. Khaled; Hossain, Babul; Hossain, Md. Alamgir; Sarker, Md. Fouad Hossain; Hossain, Israfil; Hossain, Mohamed Emran; Uddin, Md. Rafiz
The COVID-19 pandemic brought about a significant transformation in the way education is delivered, with e-learning becoming the primary mode of instruction worldwide. In the Chittagong Hill Tracts region of Bangladesh, this shift posed unique challenges for indigenous rural communities. The present study endeavours to investigate, explore, and diagnose the e-learning experience of the indigenous rural community residing in the Chittagong Hill Tracts region of Bangladesh. The research employs a qualitative approach, and three specific areas from the aforementioned region were purposively selected for data collection. In order to accomplish the research objectives, a total of 60 semi-structured, in-depth interviews and participant observations were conducted. Data analysis used both a deductive method through thematic analysis and a hybrid integrated data-driven inductive approach. The Granheim method and Nvivo-12 software were used for data analysis, processing, and coding. The result revealed that the experiences of e-learning among indigenous students of Chittagong Hill Tracts have been suffering from technical illiteracy, insufficient equipment, and devices, poor network coverage, inattention in online classes, feeling isolation, moral degradation, and online addiction. Consequently, the majority of the indigenous students had unfavourable experiences with online teaching and learning techniques. Based on the results, the study recommends strategies to provide better access to e-learning resources, improve internet connectivity, provide access to devices, and enhance digital literacy for students in remote rural areas. Furthermore, the findings of the study will be crucial for academics, policymakers, stakeholders, and development practitioners in developing a stronger e-learning policy and practice for all, particularly for the indigenous rural community in Chittagong Hill Tracts.
Exploring Risky Health BehaviorBabul Hossains and Vulnerability to Sexually Transmitted Diseases among Transnational Undocumented Labor Migrants from Bangladesh: A Qualitative Study
(Springer Nature, 2024-05-08) Sohel, Md. Salman; Sifullah, Md. Khaled; Hossain, Babul; Sarker, Md. Fouad Hossain; Zaman, Noshin Tasnim; Obaidullah, Md.
"Background: In Bangladesh, remittances constitute a substantial portion of the country's foreign exchange earnings and serve as a primary source of income. However, a considerable number of Bangladeshi citizens reside overseas without proper documentation, exposing them to significant challenges such as limited access to healthcare and socioeconomic opportunities. Moreover, their irregular migration status often results in engaging in risky health behaviors that further exacerbate their vulnerability. Hence, this study aimed to investigate the risky health behavior and HIV/STI susceptibility of Bangladeshi irregular international migrants residing across the globe with undocumented status. Methods: Using a qualitative Interpretative Phenomenological Approach (IPA), 25 illegal migrants were interviewed who are currently living illegally or returned to their home country. The author used a thematic approach to code and analyze the data, combining an integrated data-driven inductive approach with a deductive approach. Concurrent processing and coding were facilitated by employing the Granheim model in data analysis. Results: The study identified four risky health behaviors among irregular Bangladeshi migrants: hazardous living conditions, risky jobs, suicidal ideation, and tobacco consumption. Additionally, the authors found some HIV/STI risk behavior among them including engaging in unprotected sex, consuming alcohol and drugs during sexual activity, and having limited access to medical facilities. Conclusions: The findings of this study can be used by health professional, governments, policymakers, NGOs, and concerned agencies to develop welfare strategies and initiatives for vulnerable undocumented migrant workers."
Factors shaping Bangladeshi students’ migration decision using push–pull theory: a focus group study
(2023-12-25) Zaman, Noshin Tasnim; Sohel, Md. Salman; Obaidullah, Md.; Hossen, Md. Sohrab; Md. Toufiqur Rahman; Sifullah, Md. Khaled; Sarker, Md. Fouad Hossain
In recent times, global student migration has been growing rapidly, including an increase in student migration from Bangladesh. However, the field of student migration from Bangladesh remains relatively neglected in migration research. Hence, this study aims to explore the factors which influence Bangladeshi students in their migration decision. This study employed a qualitative research design to investigate the research questions. Specifically, the data collection involved ten focus group discussions with university students in Bangladesh. Subsequently, the researchers conducted a thematic analysis of the data using the Granheim approach, which involved identifying patterns and themes in the data. The NVivo 12 software was utilized to facilitate the analysis. The present study employs the push–pull theory to shed light on the determinants of student migration decisions. The research findings elucidate the salience of push factors, such as corruption, discrimination, lack of good governance, political instability, and limited freedom of expression, which potent motivators students to leave their home countries. In contrast, the study identifies various pull factors that attract students to settle abroad, including better living standards, economic opportunities, as well as career advancement and social value that impact migration choices. The study outcomes have crucial implications for policymakers, stakeholders, and the Ministry of Education to formulate appropriate policies in this domain.
Household Waste Management Woes in Dhaka City: Current Challenges and Policy Directions
(2024-03-26) Sohel, Md. Salman; Shafiqul Alam; Adnan, Ziaul Haq; Hossain, Md Alamgir; Sifullah, Md. Khaled; Nessa Happy, Arafatun
In this study, the authors employed an Interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) using “Planned Behavior Theory” to comprehensively assess Dhaka's current waste management issues and propose policy directions for improvement. The study conducted 25 expert interviews with policymakers and stakeholders and followed a thematic analysis using NVivo12 and the Granheim approach. Our findings revealed five main challenges the municipal corporation authority faces in effectively managing household waste: ineffective legislation, lack of cooperation, overpopulation, financial constraints, and community behavior. These challenges hinder the proper operation and handling of household waste, exacerbating the waste management crisis in Dhaka. Based on the findings, the study recommends strengthening legislation and regulations related to waste management, improving cooperation among stakeholders, addressing overpopulation through urban planning and population control measures, allocating sufficient financial resources for waste management infrastructure and facilities, and promoting community engagement and behavioral change towards responsible waste disposal practices. This study contributes to the academic literature on waste management by providing insights into the challenges and potential solutions in the context of a rapidly growing megacity like Dhaka. The findings and policy recommendations may guide policymakers, urban planners, and other stakeholders in developing effective strategies for sustainable waste management in Dhaka.
Is e-business breaking down barriers for Bangladesh’s young female entrepreneurs during the COVID-19 pandemic? A qualitative study
(2024-05-27) Sarker, Md. Fouad Hossain; Farrukh Ahmed, Sayed; Kawser, Uzma; Hossen, Md Sohrab; Obaidullah, Md; Khan, Samiha; Sifullah, Md. Khaled; Sohel, Md. Salman
In Bangladesh, where women constitute more than 50% of the population, a disparity in their advancement compared to men persists due to numerous barriers. However, the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic saw a surge in women venturing into e-business as entrepreneurs. This study aims to investigate how e-business contributing to women empowerment in Bangladesh during the Covid-19 pandemic. Employing a qualitative interpretive phenomenological approach and a purposive sample of 30 women engaged in e-commerce, this research illuminates the pivotal role of e-business in empowering women in Bangladesh. Participants involved in e-commerce reported achieving financial independence and autonomy, experiencing a positive transformation in family dynamics, challenging traditional gender norms, and garnering recognition within their communities. E-commerce not only equipped them with technical and financial management skills but also provided access to diverse markets, transcending geographical boundaries, and enhancing their customer outreach throughout Bangladesh. The findings of this study hold significance for policymakers and contribute to the existing literature on women in e-commerce, offering insights into the transformative impact of E-business on women’s empowerment in Bangladesh.
Living on the Margin in Geneva Camp: Mapping Out Crisis and Coping Strategies of Bihari Refugees in Bangladesh
(2023-12-06) Sohel, Md. Salman; Sifullah, Md. Khaled; Zaman, Noshin Tasnim; Babul Hossain; Hossen, Md. Sohrab; Sarker, Md. Fouad Hossain
Bihari refugees from Pakistan who were stranded in Bangladesh during the 1971 liberation war became Pakistani citizens. In 2008, after extensive discussions and debates, the court approved their integration into Bangladeshi society. This research aims to address two crucial inquiries: RQ-1: How do Bihari refugees residing in the Geneva refugee camp in Dhaka experience challenges related to their livelihoods? RQ-2: What common coping strategies do the Bihari community employ to survive in the refugee camp? Using an Interpretative Phenomenological Approach (IPA), this study delved into the lived experiences of various groups of Bihari individuals. The research included twenty semi-structured interviews, five Key Informants' Interviews (KIIs), and five months of participant observation. The data was analyzed, processed, and coded inductively using the Granheim approach and Nvivo-12 software. Different themes were employed to classify the life stories and experiences of the participants in the camp. According to the study, the Geneva camp faced significant challenges such as a severe housing crisis, inadequate sanitation, a scarcity of fuel, water, and electricity, massive unemployment, poor medical arrangements, and inadequate education facilities. Consequently, the Bihari refugee developed some adaptation strategies, such as doing odd jobs to reduce unemployment. As a means of generating additional income for the family, their child was sent to work. Additionally, early marriages for their daughters were arranged to address the housing shortage. In light of these findings, it is crucial for the government, stakeholders, policymakers, NGOs, and development practitioners to take necessary actions to alleviate the suffering and enhance the quality of life for Bihari refugees in Bangladesh.
Living on the Margin in Geneva Camp: Mapping Out Crisis and Coping Strategies of Bihari Refugees in Bangladesh
(Springer Nature, 2023-12-06) Sohel, Md. Salman; Sifullah, Md. Khaled; Zaman, Noshin Tasnim; Hossain, Babul; Hossen, Md. Sohrab; Sarker, Md. Fouad Hossain
Bihari refugees from Pakistan who were stranded in Bangladesh during the 1971 liberation war became Pakistani citizens. In 2008, after extensive discussions and debates, the court approved their integration into Bangladeshi society. This research aims to address two crucial inquiries: RQ-1: How do Bihari refugees residing in the Geneva refugee camp in Dhaka experience challenges related to their livelihoods? RQ-2: What common coping strategies do the Bihari community employ to survive in the refugee camp? Using an Interpretative Phenomenological Approach (IPA), this study delved into the lived experiences of various groups of Bihari individuals. The research included twenty semi-structured interviews, five Key Informants' Interviews (KIIs), and five months of participant observation. The data was analyzed, processed, and coded inductively using the Granheim approach and Nvivo-12 software. Different themes were employed to classify the life stories and experiences of the participants in the camp. According to the study, the Geneva camp faced significant challenges such as a severe housing crisis, inadequate sanitation, a scarcity of fuel, water, and electricity, massive unemployment, poor medical arrangements, and inadequate education facilities. Consequently, the Bihari refugee developed some adaptation strategies, such as doing odd jobs to reduce unemployment. As a means of generating additional income for the family, their child was sent to work. Additionally, early marriages for their daughters were arranged to address the housing shortage. In light of these findings, it is crucial for the government, stakeholders, policymakers, NGOs, and development practitioners to take necessary actions to alleviate the suffering and enhance the quality of life for Bihari refugees in Bangladesh.
Mapping Out the Vulnerabilities of Migrant Women in the Informal Sector: A Qualitative Investigation in Dhaka City
(Elsevier, 2023-10-12) Sifullah, Md. Khaled; Sohel, Md. Salman; Sarker, Md. Fouad Hossain; Islam, Muhaiminul; Ahmad, Maruf; Rahman, Md Motiur
The current study seeks to explore the vulnerabilities typically encountered by female migrants in the informal sector in Dhaka city. It used a qualitative research approach, purposively selecting four areas from Dhaka city. Twenty-five semi-structured in-depth interviews during eight months of participant observation were conducted to accomplish the study objective. The authors used the capability approach theory to elucidate the phenomenon of vulnerability experienced by female migrants in the informal sector. The thematic data analyses were performed using the Granheim approach and NVivo 12 software. The findings of this study suggest that migrant women who work on the street face a number of significant challenges. These challenges include sexual assault and harassment, social stigma and cultural barriers, financial obstacles, and extortion and bribery. The authors recommend that governments provide access to state credits, social security, health insurance, and other forms of social protection for informal sector workers. The finding revealed that informal workers are often excluded from these essential benefits, making it difficult for such workers to expand their businesses or have a safety net in case of illness, unemployment, or other shocks.
Navigating Vulnerabilities: The Untold Story of Informal Households in Dhaka, Bangladesh During the COVID-19 Pandemic
(2024-12-26) Obaidullah, Md.; Sohel, Md. Salman; Zaman, Noshin Tasnim; Sifullah, Md. Khaled; Abu Horaira, Gazi
The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted adversely on lives and livelihoods worldwide. As a developing country, Bangladesh has already experienced a widespread income shock, job loss, food insecurity, health complications, educational institute closure, etc., because of the pandemic. But the consequences are more severe for poor people, including informal workers. Understanding the vulnerability of livelihoods due to pandemics is an urgent need in the current moment. Therefore, this article aims to explore the COVID-19 experience and the vulnerability of informal households in Dhaka, Bangladesh. The study adopted a Qualitative Longitudinal Research (QLR) approach by interviewing sixty-six informal households three times during twelve months of participant observation in Dhaka city. Thus, the study has revealed six central themes and ten sub-themes and found that COVID-19 has a profound impact on informal households’ income and occupation, food security, children’s education, housing and health status. The findings will be helpful for policymakers, NGOs and related agencies preparing welfare arrangements for vulnerable informal households.