Thesis & Dissertation (Postgraduate Programs in Disaster Management)
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Item Factors and impacts of water logging in the city life of Malibagh, Dhaka(BRAC University, 2025-09) Yasmin, Faria; Bhuyan, Md. RashedDhaka, the capital city of Bangladesh and one of the world’s most densely populated mega-cities, is situated along the northeastern banks of Buriganga River. Rapid urbanization puts immense pressure on Dhaka resources. The urban expansion has led to numerous challenges, including traffic congestion, air and water pollution and waste management. One of the significant problems in Dhaka is waterlogging, particularly during the monsoon season. Reported contributing factors include poor drainage infrastructure, lack of maintenance, natural siltation, and waste accumulation blocking drainage paths. However, detailed account of the impact of waterlogging in everyday life in Dhaka often remain ignored in the literature. This study explores the factors of seasonal water logging and their impacts on the city life of Malibagh area, Dhaka. Media and newspaper coverage suggested to identify the study and a reconnaissance survey helped to finalize the study area of this research. This study follows qualitative research approach in conducting data collection to understand concepts, opinions, or experiences of the citizens of Malibagh area. The study uses observation, questionnaire survey and interview as forms of data collection. Collected data were analyzed to identify the main factors of waterlogging in the study area. Findings show that the consequences of waterlogging are far-reaching – disrupting daily life, causing traffic jams, spreading waterborne diseases, damaging roads, and increasing construction and maintenance costs. Waterlogging in the study area not only harms the environment and society but also imposes significant economic costs. The findings suggest improved drainage systems, effective waste management & regular cleaning, water flow regulation in natural drainage channels as ways to mitigate the multifaceted impacts of waterlogging in Dhaka.Item Vulnerability assessment due to salinity intrusion in Koyra, Khulna, Bangladesh: a multi-dimensional analysis of environmental and socio-economic factors(BRAC University, 2026-01) Rahimu, Tunazzina; Mannan, Md. AbdulKoyra upazila in Khulna, located in the southwestern region of Bangladesh, is facing an escalating vulnerability to salinity intrusion due to climate change-induced sea-level rise and other environmental stressors. This research aimed to assess the multi-dimensional vulnerabilities of Koyra to salinity intrusion by developing an index and later suggest future adaptation strategies. The study employed a comprehensive methodology integrating thorough data collection and robust analysis with a mixed method approach. Scientific data have been utilized to analyse the physical and environmental characteristics of the area, while different surveys were done to gather information on primary socio-economic vulnerabilities which was further validated. A total of 47 indicators related to social, economic, physical, institutional, health, gender, agriculture and environmental aspects were identified and then sorted into vulnerability components exposure, sensitivity and adaptive capacity. Statistical tools and triangulation methods have been used to analyze the data and then with the IPCC and UNDRR framework, a qualitative vulnerability index was developed through which 04 major aspects were categorized into high, moderate, and low vulnerability levels. The study showed that environmental exposure is excessively high and over 50% of the residents reported a significant increase in salinity over the past decade which is reflected on the health sensitivity. Almost 80% people reported recurring occurrences of waterborne diseases while at the same time over 60% residents reported the healthcare facilities are quite poor. The agricultural sensitivity is high- over 90% of farmers reported notable loss in crop yield and profit. Around 45% provided positive feedback on salt-tolerant seeds. Early warning access is rather high with 80% of people revealed getting frequent warnings. Many farmers have resorted to alternative livelihoods and crop diversification. Yet over 60% of the population feel financially insatiable and the recovery rate is slow. Disaster frequency and duration in Koyra is utterly high and institutions to fight this are in doubt of efficacy which is shown when only 15% of the residents reported local government to be thoughtful of community needs. There is a high dependency ratio within families but high social cohesion among neighbours. All the data determined that the overall vulnerability in Koyra is high to very high. Based on the findings, 03 adaptation strategies were pointed out which are moulded to address the context-specific vulnerabilities in Koyra and these are community owned rainwater harvesting, upscaling and maintaining of supply chain of government subsidized salt-tolerant seeds and facilitating SME loans to women to promote alternative livelihoods and training, skill development and knowledge building.Item Reality versus fiction: a crunch model-based analysis of the portrayal of vulnerability in Bangla disaster film(BRAC University, 2025) Khan, Ananna; Ghani, Shams MansoorFilm is a powerful medium for shaping audience perceptions and beliefs, particularly in disaster studies, where it can effectively disseminate information on disaster management and risk mitigation to build resilient communities. While the disaster film genre is well-established in Hollywood and other industries, Bangla disaster films remain underdeveloped and under-researched. Despite the prevalence of war films in Bangladesh and West Bengal, few have been examined from a disaster management perspective. This study aims to fill that gap by exploring how the progression of vulnerability is portrayed in Bangla disaster films through the lens of the Crunch Model. Two Crunch Models, real-event-based and fiction-based, were generated for comparative analysis. The study employs a qualitative case study approach, analyzing Bangla disaster films through qualitative content analysis. Initially, a broad analysis was conducted to understand the portrayal of disasters, followed by the selection of eight films categorized into natural and human-induced disasters. The selection ensured inclusivity of vulnerable populations, with a focus on analyzing the progression of vulnerability. Unlike international disaster films that rely on spectacular visuals and sound effects, Bangla disaster films resonate emotionally, evoking a sense of emptiness and melancholy. Real-event-based models provide macro-level insights into systemic and structural factors like historical contexts, governance failures, and socio-economic disparities contributing to vulnerability. In contrast, fiction-based models offer a micro-level perspective, emphasizing human and emotional dimensions. Most films focus on unsafe conditions during the immediate disaster phase, with some referencing past events and dynamic pressures but often neglecting root causes. This study serves as a baseline for future research on Bangla disaster films and highlights the potential of films to shape audience perceptions. It concludes with a call for a multidisciplinary, collaborative approach among stakeholders to foster resilience in Bengal’s challenging context.Item Women's vulnerability: exploring the condition of earthquake in Qadis district, Badghis, Afghanistan(BRAC University, 2025-09) Hashemzadeh, Shahin; Kabir, Md. HumayunGender roles in disasters often reinforce existing inequalities, exacerbating the vulnerabilities faced by women and perpetuating discrimination. Traditional societal expectations often limit women's access to resources, decision-making power, and protection during and after disasters. The division of labor often assigns men to physically demanding tasks, while relegating women to caregiving and domestic roles hinders women's participation in disaster response and reduces their agency. This study aims to explore the contrasting conditions of women's vulnerability in the context of an earthquake in the Qadis district, Badqis province, Afghanistan. Earthquakes pose significant risks to human life and infrastructure, but the gendered dimensions of vulnerability remain underexamined. By examining the experiences and challenges faced by both men and women in the aftermath of an earthquake, this research sheds light on the unique vulnerabilities and coping strategies employed by each gender. The paper utilizes a mixed-methods approach, incorporating qualitative interviews and surveys to gather comprehensive data. The research examines the accessibility and effectiveness of existing disaster management and response mechanisms in addressing both genders' specific needs and concerns. The study concludes with recommendations to enhance earthquake preparedness and response strategies that address the unique needs and vulnerabilities of both men and women. It emphasizes the importance of promoting gender mainstreaming and inclusive decision-making processes in disaster management policies. By understanding and addressing gender-specific vulnerabilities, policymakers, NGOs, and community organizations can contribute to more equitable and effective disaster mitigation, response, and recovery efforts in Qadis district, Badqis province, Afghanistan.Item Assessing climate vulnerability and resilience among urban female adolescents: a study in Dhaka’s Korail slum(BRAC University, 2025-05) Syed, Md. Abu; Rahman, Md. Mijanur; Ferdaus, MuhammadAccess to safe and clean water is a critical challenge in the saline-affected coastal areas of Bangladesh, particularly during emergencies such as natural disasters. Rising sea levels, storm surges, and cyclones frequently cause salinity intrusion, contaminating freshwater supplies and exacerbating water scarcity, thereby posing a threat to public health. Conventional water delivery systems are often disrupted, leading to an increase in the incidence of waterborne diseases among local communities. Without prompt intervention, communities may resort to using contaminated water sources, resulting in health issues and socioeconomic stress. In this regard, this study aims to assess the coverage and effectiveness of existing clean water interventions in the study area during emergencies, evaluate people's knowledge, attitudes, practices, affordability, and choices regarding these options, and identify the gap between policy and practice regarding safe water options in saline-prone coastal areas. To conduct this research, a cross-sectional study was designed using a mixed-methods approach, incorporating both quantitative and qualitative methods. In this regard, both primary data collected through questionnaires, key informant interviews, focus group discussions, and secondary data, sourced from relevant literature, journal articles, and government reports, are used here. Stratified random sampling for quantitative approach and purposive sampling for qualitative approach are employed to conduct the research. The study finds that access to safe water during emergencies is significantly hindered due to the limited efficacy of essential water technologies, including rainwater harvesting systems (RWHS), Pond Sand Filters (PSFs), and desalination plants, which often malfunction during disasters caused by salinity intrusion, flooding, infrastructure damage, and power outages. More than ninety-nine percent of respondents indicated a scarcity of potable water during emergencies, with women and children disproportionately burdened by the necessity of retrieving water from extensive distances. Notwithstanding the presence of community initiatives like rainwater harvesting and desalination plant, these efforts are hindered by insufficient knowledge, poor maintenance, and limited institutional support. Despite the prevalence of waterborne infections, numerous individuals refrain from pursuing clean water. Although non-governmental organizations (NGOs) significantly contribute to the establishment of water infrastructure, over fifty percent of these systems become nonfunctional during disasters. A comprehensive strategy should be formulated that incorporates implementing hybrid and climate-resilient water infrastructures, safeguarding freshwater sources, investing in mobile desalination units, enhancing community training and disaster committees, and undertaking initiatives to improve infrastructure and multi-stakeholder coordination to ensure sustainable and equitable access to safe water during emergencies.Item Guided incrementalism: informal spatial adaptation and the future of migrant housing in Bangladesh(BRAC University, 2025-09) Sharma, Rakesh; Reza, Mohammad HabibEnvironmental migration is transforming the built environment of cities in the Global South. As a universal adaptation strategy, migration often arises when other forms of adaptation fail in response to socioeconomic uncertainty and environmental pressure. However, migration to major cities often contributes to the proliferation of substandard housing within informal settlements, raising a housing question. Although formal initiatives to rehabilitate the landless, homeless, and displaced population are not uncommon, such top-down, neoliberal developments frequently lead to gentrification. Furthermore, traces of informality in the planned housing environment indicate a necessity for a bottom-up approach. In this background, this study examines the morphogenesis of the settlements and how migrant communities in vulnerable settlements adapt their housing environments to cope with social dynamics, economic pressure, and environmental change. The study presents lessons from the housing transformation and spatial adaptation at Sri Krishnapur Ashrayan Project (planned resettlement as sample site) and Jogen Babur Maath (informal settlement as target site), in the Dinajpur district of Bangladesh. In doing so, the study has undertaken a mixed-methods approach combining non-participant observation (n=4), semi-structured interviews (n=14), and focus group discussions (n=2). The morphologies are classified, themes are identified, and their spatial patterns are analyzed. Findings reveal incremental and heterogeneous housing development across sites. The typologies of setback, aligned, setback-aligned, setforward, and aligned-setforward are dominant forms. While these small-scale adaptations allow for greater household adaptability and multifunctionality, they also limit sociability and accessibility. Sri Krishnapur Ashrayan Project displays limited but structured adaptations, while Jogen Babur Maath demonstrated organic growth with stronger socioeconomic adaptation outcomes. Emerging themes, such as social adaptations, included horizontal and vertical extensions, appropriation of space for multifunctionality, and independent access to services. Economic adaptations included multifunctional spaces for livestock, small shops, and home-based enterprises. Environmental adaptations stressed structural upgrades using permanent materials. Some strategies overlapped, such as toilets and tubewells, which serve both social benefits (privacy) and environmental needs (water, sanitation, and hygiene during flood). Spatial analysis shows that highly integrated households displayed grid layouts (ring-like), while households with low integration followed a linear (tree-like) spatial arrangement. Central rooms, foyers, verandas, and circulation nodes are highly integrated, while peripheral toilets, storage, and wash areas are less integrated. Incremental development hinges on transitional spaces such as central rooms, verandas, and stairs, which support expansion but often create circulation bottlenecks. Although most transformed houses showed well-integrated spatial evolution, many lack spatially sound layouts. Focus group discussions revealed infrastructure gaps, including poor drainage, waste management, and failing toilets, worsened by seasonal flooding. Residents also face social challenges such as drug abuse and weak law enforcement. Moreover, the limited success of institutional interventions at Jogen Babur Maath highlights the need for community participation in the decision-making process. Overall, the study critiques top-down resettlement policies and proposes a quasi-formal approach with an adaptive formal-informal continuum for housing development in marginalized communities. The findings underscore the agency of the inhabitants in shaping resilient urban morphologies and offer insights for participatory, sustainable adaptation planning in secondary cities of the Global South.Item Impacts of structural flood mitigation measure on livelihood: comparative study of three settlements in Tanguar Haor, Sunamganj, Bangladesh(BRAC University, 2025-08) Khan, Alvi Md. Ragib Nihal; Ghani, Shams MansoorTanguar Haor is in Sunamgonj, Bangladesh, adjacent to the Indian border. This area experiences flooding annually due to its geographical conditions and location. In the north lie the Meghalaya hills, from which the Haor receives several hill streams. During the monsoon, water from upstream flows north and fills the Haor area. During this flood, villages are submerged by floodwater. Specifically, the water-edge houses face the risk of floodwater and erosion. Every year, flash floods and seasonal floods cause damage to their household, cattle shed, and other properties, resulting in repair and rebuilding costs that impact their economy and growth. To prevent this damage and ensure a good livelihood, every village has a protection wall. Three types of protection walls, brick walls, concrete blocks, and earth-filled sack walls, are seen in the Tanguar Haor area. This is a Comparative study where three different villages are selected based on the types of protection walls; they have. The study examined which type of protection wall is more beneficial for sustained livelihood this will provide policymakers with vital knowledge for future interventions for flood mitigation in the Haor region. This study uses a mixed-method approach. Three villages, Nichodropur, Solaimanpur, and Anondopur, were selected for the study. where a triangular analysis will be conducted to validate the findings, incorporating the results from the Questionnaire survey, Focus Group Discussions (FGD), Key Informant Interviews (KII), and all points that can be obtained from the FGD, KII, and questionnaire for justification will be justified by creating a link based on the DFID and Rural Housing's Livelihood Framework. Among these three types of protection walls, brick protection walls were found to be the most effective, concrete blocks are moderately impactful, while earth-filled sack walls were the least beneficial to protect villagers’ livelihoods. By applying this knowledge, policymakers and various organizations can understand the results and implement this idea to improve the livelihoods of Tanguar Haor villagers.Item Alternative livelihood options for climate victims: a case study of farmer community of Munshiganj union at Satkhira district(BRAC University, 2025-05) Kamal, Md. Mostafa; Ghani, Shams MansoorDue to global warming the coastal area of Bangladesh is becoming threatened by frequent cyclones, heat wave, storm surges, tidal surges, floods and salinity intrusion. Like others coastal area of Bangladesh, Munshiganj Union in Satkhira is becoming more vulnerable particularly in agriculture-dependent populations. Climate change not only affects farmers' livelihoods, but also affects land use pattern, food security, loss of biodiversity The coastal agriculture is becoming more expensive because of require more money to buy salt-tolerant seeds, remove saline water from the land, supply fresh water and planting salt-tolerant seedlings and frequent climatic disaster. Farmers are therefore looking for alternative means of livelihood apart from agriculture due to impacts of climate change. This study analyzes these alternative livelihood possibilities utilizing a mix of quantitative and qualitative methods to gain a thorough grasp of the problem. The study was carried out in significant parts of the Munshiganj Union, including Harinagar, Garaze Bazar, Kultoli, Jelekhali, Kodomtola, Kachukhali, and Dhankhali. A total of 104 people were polled, including farmers, local leaders, government officials, and NGO representatives. Focus group discussions (FGDs) and in-depth interviews with key informants supplemented the survey data, providing qualitative insights into the socioeconomic effects of climate change and the efficacy of adaptation methods. The study indicated that most respondents (39.4%) were between the ages of 37 and 46, with a male majority (78.8%). Income data show that 45.2% of families earn between 10,001 and 15,000 BDT per month, with only 1.0% earning more than 25,000 BDT. Quantitative statistics show that 83.7% of respondents are pursuing alternative livelihoods, particularly shrimp farming (56.3%) and fishing (54.0%). The findings show that many farmers saw aquaculture as more resistant to environmental degradation, which 55.4% regarded as a crucial driver for this decision. Respondents also said that aquaculture provides greater economic stability, however it requires an initial investment and technical knowledge that few farmers have. Also, Water shortage was seen as a major difficulty by 67.3% of respondents and focus group discussions suggested that prolonged dry spells and saline water sources exacerbate the situation. Furthermore, soil salinity, which affects 59.6% of participants, has rendered traditional crops unsustainable, forcing communities to transition to salt-tolerant rice types. As a result, 72.1% of respondents stated that climate change has had a substantial influence on traditional occupations, prompting younger generations to seek non-agricultural employment in adjacent towns. Mulching (67.3%) and drip watering (65.4%) are popular adaptation tactics. However, qualitative research has revealed that these approaches are resource costly and not broadly available. NGOs, particularly Shushilan (66.3%) and Care Bangladesh (55.8%), play an important role in encouraging adaptation measures by offering technical training, financial help, and community mobilization. This study emphasizes the critical need for sustainable livelihood options and strong institutional assistance to address the socioeconomic vulnerabilities increased by climate change. The study's findings underline the necessity of community-specific difficulties being addressed through tailored interventions such as low-cost adaptive technologies and localized capacity-building programs. This study's findings serve as a platform for future initiatives aiming at increasing the resilience of farming communities in coastal Bangladesh.Item Integrating architecture in rainwater harvesting for climate and disaster resilience in coastal cities: a case study of Cox’s Bazar(BRAC University, 2024-07) Jahan, Israt; Kabir, Md. Humayun; Ferdaus, MuhammadWater scarcity is crucial global challenge due to rapid urbanization, population explosion, climate change and global warming. As a result, creative and sustainable methods of managing water resources are essential to ensure availability of sustainable, clean water sources and to create disaster resilient community. Cox's Bazar is a renowned tourist hotspot located in the southeastern region of Bangladesh. The main sources of water in the region are groundwater and surface water, both of which are encountering escalating difficulties. The excessive extraction of groundwater and the invasion of seawater, worsened by the increase in sea levels, have led to a notable problem known as salinity intrusion. The growing tourism sector exacerbates the pressure on freshwater resources, as the need for drinkable water rises due to the influx of tourists. Additionally, Cox's Bazar is situated in an area prone to seismic activity, which has led to worries about the possible risks of earthquakes, especially since there are a lot of Forcibly Displaced Myanmar Nationals (FDMN) living in refugee camps. Rainwater harvesting (RWH) has become a viable approach and alternative way to mitigate water scarcity, lessen reliance on conventional water sources and reduces future water scarcity. This study aims to find the prospective architectural design areas that can improve rainwater harvesting and build resilient communities to climate change and natural disasters. The research is based on a mixed method approach, including two phases. The first phase is to understand the vulnerable community responses with rainwater harvesting concept. And the second phase includes several architectural project analyses to find out the potentiality of integrating architecture with rainwater harvesting practices. The findings present that integrating rainwater harvesting into architectural design not only lessen the water needs but also helps to maintain the balance in urban water management system. Additionally, the study shows the adaptive design sectors can create resilience by reducing vulnerability to climate-related disasters. To lessen the negative effects of climate change and make coastal cities more adaptable so that urban sustainability, new approaches must be implemented.Item An inquiry into the causes of water logging and the coping strategies of the urban poor: a case of the railway slum, Khulna(BRAC University, 2024-04) Salam, Raisa Binte; Ghani, Shams MansoorDeveloping countries like Bangladesh frequently deal with various socio-economic challenges, especially urban poverty. Despite making an essential contribution to the national GDP, the urban poor population lacks proper housing, sanitation, safety, and security. Bangladesh's location and the shifting climate make it a hotbed for natural disasters. Furthermore, cyclonic storms, surges, sea level elevation, and saline encroachment exacerbate the housing predicament of urban impoverished communities, notably in coastal zones. Being a city in the coastal zone, Khulna experiences the outsized impact of storm surges, cyclones, and coastal floods. These hazards cause a persistent waterlogging problem, especially in low-lying slum areas. The Railway slum area is one of the largest slums in Khulna, and it has been experiencing frequent and prolonged waterlogging problems. With their limited means and a trialand- error process, the inhabitants of the Railway slum have learned and innovated to cope with the stagnant water. This research focused on two interrelated issues: the cause of waterlogging in the Railway slum and how the inhabitants cope with it. This case study-based research employs various methods to collect qualitative and quantitative data, including observation, photographic survey, key informant interview, household survey, and focused group discussion. Each method offers unique insights and perspectives that contribute to a comprehensive understanding of the subject under study. Triangulation was used to validate the findings. The results bring to light the causes of this prolonged waterlogging. The findings show the precautionary measures taken by the slum dwellers to reduce the impact of waterlogging conditions, as well as their coping strategies.