Thesis and Dissertation (Masters in Development Studies)

Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://hdl.handle.net/10361/5178

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Open Access
Productive vs. unproductive borrowing: insights from HIES data on household consumption patterns
(BRAC University, 2026-03) Geet, Geetasree Podder; Mahmood, Sakib; BRAC Institute of Governance and Development
This research focuses on the contrasting effects of productive and unproductive borrowing on household welfare in Bangladesh, and it utilizes the data from the Household Income and Expenditure Survey (HIES) 2022, which is nationally representative. It is generally assumed that income‑generating loans are allocated to building up capital, such as micro business opportunities, crop agriculture, or human capital, which brings long lasting households welfare development. By contrast, immediate consumption loans create social obligations and are associated with increased vulnerability and dependency on debt. The study analyses 4,895 households that received loans and adopts ordinary least squares (OLS) regression as the method to understand the loan type impact on three vital aspects of outcomes: regular households consumption expenditure, non-crop asset formation, and income of total household member. Another 4,740 households subsample with concentrated loan of 75% or more of their total credit is being used to investigate the borrowing behavior patterns. Indications from the analysis are that households having the maximum portion of the debt as productive will have monthly consumption (919.164 BDT/month) significantly larger, value of the asset (28,086.94 BDT) higher, and income of the households (39,276.87 BDT) more comparing to the unproductive loans holders when other parameter are under control. The findings portray that households with a major share of efficient loans contains much better monthly consumption, non-crop capital accumulation, and income of total household comparing to unproductive credit. Purpose of the loan has a vital hook in the financial outcomes, with income producing borrowing being associated with monetary resilience. There is an argument that not all loans create equal impact on welfare, the investigation sheds light on the policy debate on targeting of credit and alleviation of poverty. Such mechanisms is essential to put in place that not only promote borrowers to utilize the loan productively but also addressing the barriers in structure that leading to loan diversion and obligation
Open Access
Intersectionality in human capital development of indigenous women in Dhaka: mapping the journey in education, employment, and choice of partner
(BRAC University, 2023-04) Khaing, Myat Moe; Jabeen, Huraera; BRAC Institute of Governance and Development
The research recognizes the emerging phenomenon of Indigenous women moving away from the geographical confinements of their homeland and long-held association with informal employment. It seeks to understand their journey in education, employment, and choice of partner, considering various identity markers such as ethnicity, gender, age, location, and socioeconomic status. Using the framework of Stereotype Content Model (SCM), the study identifies the perception held towards the study group by both Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities. The study confirms a divergence of their experience from that of Indigenous men and non-Indigenous women. It highlights the complexity of issues affecting Indigenous women, emphasizing that these issues cannot be understood as single, isolated phenomenon. Acknowledging Indigenous women as valuable assets to their communities and society at large, the research aims to contribute to the creation of more inclusive and equitable policies that support the empowerment of Indigenous women.
Open Access
Intersectionality in human capital development of indigenous women in Dhaka: mapping the journey in education, employment, and choice of partner
(BRAC University, 2023-04) Khaing, Myat Moe; Jabeen, Huraera; BRAC Institute of Governance and Development
The research recognizes the emerging phenomenon of Indigenous women moving away from the geographical confinements of their homeland and long-held association with informal employment. It seeks to understand their journey in education, employment, and choice of partner, considering various identity markers such as ethnicity, gender, age, location, and socioeconomic status. Using the framework of Stereotype Content Model (SCM), the study identifies the perception held towards the study group by both Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities. The study confirms a divergence of their experience from that of Indigenous men and non-Indigenous women. It highlights the complexity of issues affecting Indigenous women, emphasizing that these issues cannot be understood as single, isolated phenomenon. Acknowledging Indigenous women as valuable assets to their communities and society at large, the research aims to contribute to the creation of more inclusive and equitable policies that support the empowerment of Indigenous women.
Open Access
Livelihood of tea garden laborer: a study on selected tea gardens of Bangladesh
(BRAC University, 2023-05) Kairy, Barsha; Das, Narayan Chandra; BRAC Institute of Governance and Development
The main objective of this study was to determine the livelihood adopted by the tea workers in the selected tea gardens. The study was conducted at tea gardens of Sreemangal Upazilla of Moulvibazar districts. Data were collected from 160 people by simple random sampling, using household survey on 50 families, and interview. The study examines the livelihood of the tea workers, wages, education, food, ration and possible work source etc. The study generates new and updated knowledge on tea plantation workers life to identify and implement appropriate responses to ensure fair remuneration, education, good earning etc. In the study it is observed that most of the tea workers had very poor living and wage. Their level of education is also frightening and child labor exists inside the tea gardens. Tea garden people have already adopted some new profession as van driver, CNG driver, day labor outside the garden etc. other than working in the gardens. Most of the people work long hours throughout the month. Only 9% of the workers can earn more than Tk. 10,000 per month. 80% of the people have mentioned that they will prefer to work and stay inside the garden. One third of the people expressed their intention to leave the tea garden if get any chance of working and living outside. Very few of the tea workers can have breakfast regularly. Non-salary benefits are not as huge as it is claimed by the tea garden authority. They want to change their condition by including themselves with the labor force outside of the tea garden, with the help of authority and government. The article also explores the thought of the tea people about their future work force. It also presents some policy recommendations which can help in making changes in their lives.
Forest Governance at the Local Level: A study on Social Forestry Institutions in Dhaka Forest Division, Bangladesh
(BRAC University, 2008-11) Chowdhury, Ruhul Mohaiman; Mandal, Dr. M. A. Sattar; BRAC Institute of Governance and Development
Since early 80s Social Forestry has achieved special focus in Bangladesh forestry sector. It has brought a significant shift in forest management through bringing both the conservation of forest reserves and poverty reduction in development strategies. National policy papers viz, national forest policy 1994, forestry sector master plan 1993, The Forest (Amendment) Act 2000 and Social Forestry Rules 2004 unanimously put emphasis on people-oriented forestry programme. Many scholars and development practitioners also recognized the crucial role of local people in natural resources management (Marks, 1984; McCay and Acheson, 1987; Ostrom, 1990; Poffenberger, 1990; Hecht and Cockburn, 1990; UNFAO, 1990; Blockhus et al., 1992; Bromley et al., 1992: Ascher, 1995; Agarwal,2000). Hence in pursuance of social forestry programme in Bangladesh, local level social forestry institutions like participants' groups, social forestry management committee (SFMC), tree farming fund committee, Upazilla environment and forest development committee (UEFDC) were founded during early 90s. These institutions are playing vital role to implement Social Forestry (SF) programme in association with the existing local level FD institutions namely forest ranges and forest beats. On the other hand, Forest governance, as a recent development discourse, entails clarifying the relationships, rights, responsibilities and incentives among various actors on the direction and nature of forest uses in a sustainable way (Recoftc, 2005) and IIED (2005) views it as decisions and actions that remove the barriers and install the policy and institutional systems, which spread local forestry success. l-he study focuses on the legal foundations and performance of the local level forestry institution, their compliance to the principles of good governance and overall implication of forest governance in sustainable forest management. This study is contextual to the social forestry programme in Sal forests of Bangladesh. Study reveals that two local level social forestry institutions viz. social forestry management committee (SI'MC) and Upazilla environment and forest development committee (UEDFC) have the potentiality to ensure governance in forest management through collaboration of local forest dependent communities, local public agencies, NGOs, civil societies and forest department as legal custodian of forest reserves. At this point, these actors demonstrate a structured initiation in ensuring governance through participation of a wide range of stakes, in a visible consensus manner, towards some set strategic visions, and effective mechanism of guaranteeing rule of law. The study also reveals that the committees display a positive drive through their efficiency, accountability and transparency in transactions with the stakeholders. However, there are some challenges yet to be resolved. These are selecting right and the most eligible local dependents as SF participants, building capacity of both the rights holders and duty bearers, conflict resolution and devolution of financial and administrative power to these institutions. lt is largely evident that FD as land owning agency and local elites (administrative and political) still play dominant role in SF programme implementations, which often impede ensuring good forest governance, Furthermore, though the tree farming fund (TFF) is acknowledged for sustainability of SF programme, the institutions in practice, are neither capable to handle the funds nor transparent in its transactions. The study concludes with ranking the institutions in a gauge of l-51, with respect to five principles of good governance (adopted from Graham et. al. 2003) and found that UDEFCachievedanaggregaterank of 2.5 i.e,rightinbetweengood (2)and moderate(3) and the SFMC ranks at 2.69, i.e. closer to moderate (3). This implies that LJE,FDC's performance is better than the SFMC in ensuring good forest governance through the social forestry programme. Consequently, more emphasis should be given to make the SFMC more functional and effective since it paves the basis of SF programme as well as the most vital starting point towards ensuring forest governance. However, the progress so far achieved in the SF programme in the country is a reflection of external backstopping from donors, project supports and policy makers; and made the space for local actors to create demand for further refinement, update and improving social forestry to meet their needs as well as preserving biological diversity in the forest reserves. Although the study exhibits a fragmented scenario of social forestry programme and localized in context, it may be a food for thought for the actors in social forestry programme and would be useful for directing further research by the academicians.
Open Access
Impact of Covid-19 on the migrant remittance flow of Bangladesh
(BRAC University, 2021-12) Jyoti, Jannatul Ferdaus; Chowdhury, Afsan; BRAC Institute of Governance and Development
This study examined the impact of COVID-19 on Bangladesh's migrant remittances, based on the highest remittance received during the pandemic, with in-depth interviews with key informants to explore various explanations, using newly acquired combined data from a purposively designed survey of 171 migrant families from three districts of Bangladesh, namely Shariatpur, Madaripur, and Brahmanbaria. The patterns and determinants of remittances during the pandemic are also examined in this study. The method of remittance transfer process is another important considering factor in this paper. Remittances, which are a key source of foreign exchange, also contribute to Bangladesh's poverty reduction. It also assists Bangladesh by easing foreign exchange limits, maintaining the rate of exchange, and making it easier to buy much-needed raw resources, intermediate products, and industrial goods. As per the World Bank, global remittances would plummet by around 20% in 2020 as a result of the economic disaster precipitated by the COVID-19 epidemic and shutdown. Although remittances were projected to drop in Bangladesh, they actually increased. In 2020, it earned $21.8 billion. However, an examination of causes shows it probably occurred due to a). workers bringing back all their savings home as they would be returning after a job loss or similar reasons. b). The informal channels of remittance dried up due to the GOB decision to reward those using the formal channel through incentives and less profit offered by the informal sector.
Open Access
Socio-economic constraints in re-entering the labour market during COVID-19 crisis and the resilience of female workers living in urban informal settlements
(BRAC University, 2021-12) Nur, Jahid; Jabeen, Huraera; BRAC Institute of Governance and Development
COVID-19 has disproportionately impacted women globally, especially their livelihoods. In Bangladesh, female workers in the informal sector not only lost their livelihoods at a higher rate compared to their male counterparts but are also facing greater challenges in re-entering the labour market. These challenges are multifaceted for the female workers living in urban informal settlements. The pre-existing socio-economic constraints have been reinforced by the COVID-19 crisis, affecting their ability to cope with the loss of livelihood. This research aims to explore and analyse the socio-economic constraints that the female workers living in urban informal settlements in Dhaka city are experiencing in re-entering the labour market during COVID-19; furthermore, examine the strategies they are adopting to cope with the challenges engendered from their struggle to secure livelihoods. The research used case studies and key informant interviews to explore how the pre-existing socio-economic constraints around gender norms, gender roles, occupational sex-segregation, lack of education and skills, informality and restricted mobility shaped themselves to create challenges for the female workers living in urban informal settlements in re-entering the labour market during the pandemic. Moreover, the research identified that these workers adopted short-term strategies such as reducing consumption, relying on social capital, taking loans, using savings and depending on aids and supports from different entities to cope with the challenges. The findings of this research are expected to inform policies for creating access to livelihood for the female workers who are living in urban informal settlements and are engaged in the informal sector in both during and post-pandemic situations.
Open Access
Impact of COVID 19 on Bangladesh's environment and climate change trajectory and SDGs goals
(BRAC University, 2021-12) Tahsin, Faiza; Kamal, Rohini; BRAC Institute of Governance and Development
Human activities have long impacted the earth’s environment and climate. Whereas environmental impacts have been a part of policy concern for some decades, climate change (CC) concerns are a more recent phenomenon and have in recent years become the defining issue for humanity. The recent pandemic of COVID 19 has clarified how fragile the world is right now in terms of the environment and economy. This paper tries to tackle the burning question of how has COVID 19 impacted Bangladesh's environmental and climate change trajectory, especially in terms of our SDG goals. In the past two years, another crisis in the form of Covid 19 has dominated our news. For developing countries like Bangladesh, how has Covid 19 impacted the country’s environmental and climate change trajectory? In this thesis, I attempt to first assess what are the pathways through which Covid 19 pandemic can impact the environment and climate change. What do theories tell us about the possible direction of impacts? Then I assess if there has been an impact of Covid 19 on Bangladesh’s environment and climate change trajectory. Furthermore, more importantly, how can Bangladesh properly prepare for a twin crisis? Given that we are facing a dual disaster of Climate change and the Covid pandemic, which is the most serious issue of our time. In doing so I wish to identify recommendations for the future to better prepare for the dual crisis of Covid 19 and climate change. To answer the questions, the paper looks into the data pool of environment and CC of the country to assess the impact, build a bridge with the economy or assess the available pathway of the impacts of CC and economy with the pandemic. Therefore, the paper first analyzes the 20-year data of the environment and CC with the performance of the economy. Environmental pollution is usually an added pollutant to the natural environment, whereas climate change is a shift in climatic pattern and so has a more complicated and less visible set of contributing causes. We understand that COVID is a financial shock for developing countries. As Bangladesh is still the least developing country (LDC) it needs more time to get back on its feet compared to most countries. Thus, I look into anthropogenic impacts massive on the environment. The pollution has caused disruptions in the general reformation state of the earth and caused more heat by several harmful gases. These gases have damaged the ozone layer, severe damage in health for the animals and humans as well as the scarcity of resources by eliminating the natural producers. We see that a few key factors are impacting Bangladesh’s environment and climate change trajectory. The first is economic activity. Without any policies such as taxation of polluting industries, or regulation, increased economic activity is associated with increased production of pollutants. The lead theories include- Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC), depicting the inverse relationship of economic activities and environment, and the theory of Externality, talking about the social benefit of one polluter's actions. An economic theory such as the EKC posits this to be true for developing countries such as Bangladesh. EKC theory predicts that as a country develops further and per capita income rises beyond a certain level that the extra income will then go into improving the environment. Thus, after a certain level of development pollution will go down. For Bangladesh though, given the level of development, the prediction is that pollution will increase with economic activity. With the interruption in economic activities brought about by the pandemic we see less pollution is some of the indicators, but more pollution in others from medical waste. Looking globally, while we see this is the relation predicted by EKC to be true for some pollutants and some countries, for climate change the polluting factors are greenhouse gas emissions, which are highest for developed countries. Moreover, a reduction in pollution in developed countries has also come about through moving the polluting industry overseas, usually to developing nations. The findings indicate there is no simple relation, but rather point to the importance of policy. Then the paper looks into the available major agreements of the country on the global platform and the local laws regarding CC and the environment. The hypothesis of the paper consists of a visible relationship of the pandemic with the economy and climate change. I look into the variables of Air Pollution, Water Pollution, Green House Gases, and Resource Constraints. Among these variables, the thesis selects a few sub-variables that are suitable for the study. Then the hypothesis is tested by establishing the trend in environment and CC in Bangladesh. The paper finds the hypothesis is partially true for the country as there are mixed results. Some sub-variables have no change, some positive and some negative. The paper next explains why there are mixed results. In explaining why there are mixed results, we hope to illustrate what we can do in the future. The first chapter introduces the environmental impacts I am assessing in the thesis, with a particular background on the new challenge of climate change. The second chapter looks at the pathways through which Covid 19 pandemic could impact a country’s environment and climate change trajectory. Covid 19 had brought about a halt in economic activities in Bangladesh. Therefore, the main pathway of impact has been through the interruption of economic activities. I thus review theories linking economic activities and the environment, including climate change. I then look at the impact of environmental policies particularly with the advent of the Sustainable Development Goals. In the next chapter, I present the variables that capture Bangladesh’s environment and climate change trajectory. Then I present the findings of how this trajectory has been impacted by the pandemic and different policies. I find that the pandemic impacted the country’s trajectory in environment and climate change through firstly the economic slowdown, secondly increased medical waste, thirdly lack of funds and human resources to tackle issues such as increased medical waste. Moreover, proper regulation around waste and emissions, along with implementation plays a big role. I conclude with a discussion on the findings and put forth future recommendations, highlighting available mechanisms through which to do so, as included in economic theory and international policies. Moreover, the paper discusses the SDG achievements in terms of CC and environment with gaps and ways of filling these gaps. The paper concludes by examining the nature of the two issues of CC or environment and COVID, physical resources, and policy reformations. By reviewing the laws and agreements the paper dictates the impact of COVID on the resources of the country as the country lacks human resources. Sudden health crisis made the country vulnerable to any shock and thus the country ended up in a big pit of poverty with an ever-growing environmental crisis. Going forward the paper ends with solutions that are based on development economic framework such as polluters pay principle, internalizing externalities, increasing funds for local eco-friendly products, and investments in research for eco-friendly innovations.
Open Access
Exploring the challenges of the implementation of public health directives that Bangladesh faced during the Covid-19 pandemic
(BRAC University, 2021-12) Khan, Tanzim; Hassan, Mirza M.; BRAC Institute of Governance and Development
Before the identification of the first case of COVID-19 in Bangladesh (on March 8th, 2020), the healthcare system of Bangladesh was already struggling with multiple challenges and limitations. Therefore, with a weaker healthcare system and one of the highest population densities, it was assumed that Bangladesh was going to face an immense challenge in handling the upcoming pandemic crisis (Jamal, 2021). Like many other countries, the spread and surge of COVID-19 cases in Bangladesh have been devastating. It has not only created a health impact but also has harmed the socio-economic situation and therefore, controlling the spread of the virus is very important. Public health directives such as wearing a face mask, maintaining social distancing, and avoiding public gatherings are very effective measures in restricting the spread of the virus. However, despite knowing the effectiveness of the public health directives and the deadly nature of the virus, the general people are very much unwilling to observe such directives. The state of the pandemic is ongoing for more than a year and still, the government of Bangladesh is facing difficulties in implementing public health directives (Haq, 2021) because of which Bangladesh is facing a challenge to restrict the spread of the virus. Therefore, it raises the as to why Bangladesh had faced a challenge in implementing public health directives. The conception of pandemic governance has emerged after the spread of the SARS virus and during the COVID-19 pandemic, we saw how South Korea and Japan was successful in implementing policies & healthcare directives by following those governance protocols. However, we also saw the other side of the spectrum where such governance strategy was ignored and countries like the USA and India had struggled to implement policies and health-care directives. In this research, we will try to explore the case of Bangladesh. We will look at how the country tried to handle the pandemic crisis, what strategies were planned and how they were implemented and what challenges were there in implementing the healthcare directives. We will also try to understand how those challenges created a problem in implementing public health directives and thereby, understand why pandemic governance was necessary for implementing public health directives.
Open Access
Return and reintegration experience of Bangladeshi domestic migrant workers during Covid-19 pandemic
(BRAC University, 2021-12) Chowdhury, Akib Haider; Reza, Selim; BRAC Institute of Governance and Development
Many Bangladeshi female domestic migrant workers working abroad returned home during the COVID-19 pandemic. There were many causes for the return of these migrant domestic women workers. Short-term and long-term challenges that these returnee women faces are still not thoroughly examined. This thesis is an attempt to examine how these migrant workers experienced their return and what were the key challenges in reintegrating them in Bangladesh. Empirical data has been collected from a total of 20 female migrant returnees through a structured questionnaire which included a total of 4 research questions that explored the main causes for their return, immediate and long-term challenges, types of reintegration measures introduced by the government, and the kind of assistance provided by NGO’s. In addition to these, a total of 4 Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) comprising of experts from this field were conducted. Empirical evidence shows that the causes for their return included the end of contracts, non-renewal of visas, business closures, violence and sexual assault etc. The immediate challenges that women returnees face is the need for psychosocial support in addition to challenges at the airport and complex documentation process. NGOs engaged in advocacy work, provision of psychosocial support, awareness raising campaigns etc. In terms of social acceptance, most of the returnee women have experienced various forms of mental abuse. The thesis argues that there are not enough policies in place to tackle these problems.
Open Access
Women migration in Bangladesh: returnee migrants and re-migration challenges during COVID-19
(BRAC University, 2021-12) Chowdhury, Soujannita; Reza, Selim; BRAC Institute of Governance and Development
In Bangladesh, women mostly migrate as unskilled domestic worker and a small number of semi-skilled and skilled women workers migrate to other work sectors. Unskilled migrant workers face vulnerability during any crisis as they face information constraints and a lack of other services in their workplace and in the home country as well. During COVID-19, many migrant workers were forced by their host countries to return to Bangladesh and many came to visit their family with an intention to return. However, while most of the female migrants were eager to go back or re-migrate to a new place due to the economic difficulties faced in their home country, some did not want to migrate and wanted to stay in Bangladesh no matter how much struggle they were doing in here. While there were reasons behind such decision, women who wanted to return to their workplace and re-migrate, faced many difficulties during COVID-19 pandemic. This study attempted to explore diverse experiences and obstacles women migrants go through during their re-migration journey and how COVID-19 induced restrictions have added various dimensions of difficulties to that. This also examines why the highest portion of income as remittance sending group of Bangladesh go through such a situation and the deep-rooted cause behind their suffering. The question why and how women migrant workers are facing difficulties regarding their re-migration are addressed in the study. This study followed a qualitative method and used in-depth interview and key-informant interview methods to gather primary data. Data were analyzed through building themes and identifying patterns in their responses. The study finds that, knowledge gap regarding recruitment process, involvement of various recruitment actors, law and policy implementation gap as the most prominent theme that make re--migration difficult for women migrants and along with these issues, COVID-19 pandemic has created numerous difficulties like visa expiration, cancelation of flight, vaccination problem, financial difficulties for quarantine, passport renewal difficulties and so on. Despite the government taking various measures during the pandemic to send back the remittance earners, most of the women migrants were unaware of various information related to their return and rely on their local agents mostly. Moreover, the findings were analyzed in light of laws and policies taken by GoB and gender lens and found out that along with their gender identity as a women and their social class as an unskilled migrant worker, the loopholes in proper policy implementation creates different modes of discrimination and obstacles in their re-migration.
Open Access
The COVID 19 implication on plastic pollution in Bangladesh
(BRAC University, 2021-12) Mostafa, Ayesha Tasnim; Khan, Niaz Ahmed; BRAC Institute of Governance and Development
Bangladesh has one of the world's highest population densities. The country was just named one of the world's most polluted emerging countries. Despite its poor air quality, the country's overall environmental situation is improving significantly. Bangladesh increased its ranking in environmental pollution control from 179th to 162nd out of 180 countries, according to the Environmental Performance Index (EPI 2020). However, the ongoing COVID19 (new coronavirus illness 2019) pandemic has resulted in a public health crisis and socioeconomic disaster in every country. As a result, plastic management programs must be strengthened, with a particular emphasis on preventing the entry of micro and nano plastics into the environment and food chain. It is much more critical to understand how much plastic garbage is generated and how different countries manage their plastic waste in the current epidemic condition. To combat the COVID-19 pandemic, individuals used a variety of non-pharmacological therapies, including medical masks, goggles or face shields, gowns, and other respiratory protection equipment. During the pandemic, this equipment has already generated increased volumes of hazardous waste, which will undoubtedly have an influence on the country's inadequate waste management and overall environmental performance. The research is conducted using primary and secondary sources, as well as contemporary evidence. Additionally, this review paper proposes additional analysis and extensive documenting of Bangladesh's biomedical waste problem, which is crucial for remedial action. How worldwide plastic production increased during COVID-19 and how this increased output would have both short- and long-term environmental implications have been discus in this paper. Moreover, plastic pollution will increase GHS emissions from incineration facilities during a pandemic. This review will assist individuals in comprehending the use of plastic and its ensuing environmental repercussions during a pandemic such as COVID-19.
Open Access
Covid-19: digital divide and its impact on the educational lives of the secondary students in Bangladesh
(BRAC University, 2022-01) Purbasha, Audrika Eshna; Sultana, Razia; BRAC Institute of Governance and Development
Ever since the widespread use of ICT, the digital divide has been prominent across different socioeconomic groups and gender in Bangladesh (Zahan, 2021). Moreover, the digital platform being the only medium to study during the school closure period, many students have been found to have a hampered educational life. A recent study jointly conducted by the PPRC and BIGD found that 19 percent of primary students and 25 percent of secondary students are at learning loss risk (Rahman & Matin, 2021). Nevertheless, several studies have been conducted which targeted to understand the child marriage and involvement in paid work as contributing factors to impacting educational lives of secondary students including learning loss risk but not much light had been shed on the in-depth investigation of the relation of the digital divide and the educational lives of the secondary students. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to explore how DAD (digital access divide) and DCD (digital capability divide) are impacting the educational lives of secondary school students during the school closure phase of the Covid-19 pandemic. Using a qualitative case study method this research conducted 10 in-depth interviews (IDI) with the variation of rural-urban and male-female secondary school students from Mymensingh, Sylhet, and Dhaka divisions. Two KII were also conducted where the Key Informants were from academic and government policy levels. The initial observations suggest that most of the secondary school students of both rural and urban areas do not have access to digital devices (smartphones, computers, etc.) to be used for educational purposes. Besides, female students are more comfortable with non-interactive (TV, radio) platforms while male students prefer interactive platforms. Another observation suggested that students are now finding it difficult to understand their lessons after reopening of the school. Figuring out any existing gap would thereby aid in future policy implications and appropriate interventions.
Open Access
Pandemic, returned female migrants and the question of reintegration: precariousness and possibilities
(BRAC University, 2022-01) Lubaba, Maisha; Ahsan, Abu; BRAC Institute of Governance and Development
COVID-19 has made life even more precarious for Bangladeshi female migrant workers. During the pandemic, they faced unfair treatments, wage theft, and other forms of exploitation in the host countries. A large number of women became the victims of mass deportation. Within these circumstances, the question of immediate reintegration became critical for policymakers and non-governmental organizations working with returnees. Building on the qualitative approach and Feminist Standpoint Epistemology, the study seeks to gather in-depth information and holistic insights concerning the reintegration challenges of female returnee migrants during the pandemic. It demonstrates how factors such as social stigma, limited access to the correct information, unemployment, and the ripple effect of unproductive investment work in deepening the precarious human condition of female returnees. Nonetheless, the study also makes visible layers of possibilities. The extended period of international migration and movement can positively impact women's intellectual and emotional maturity. The majority of research participants demonstrated a higher capability to make decisions and act independently on their behalves. The study proposes that policymakers take note of the active agency of female returnees along with their susceptibilities. It explains the implication of the dual policy focus in designing a more appropriate and gender-friendly model of reintegration.
Open Access
Women’s perceptions towards ride-sharing services: The case of Dhaka city
(BRAC University, 2020-08) Nowshin, Nahela; Eusuf, M. Abu; BRAC Institute of Governance and Development
The global ride-sharing industry is booming and Bangladesh is no exception. Today, it makes up almost a quarter of Bangladesh’s transport sector. It has increased the mobility of the middle class in big cities such as Dhaka. By adopting a mixed-methods research technique, this research study sought to explore the varied perceptions, experiences and concerns of female users of ride sharing services in Dhaka city. The results showed that women opt for ride-sharing services primarily due to convenience, time-saving, cost effectiveness, safety and comfort. Women face a number of problems such as cancellation of trips, reckless driving, and sexual harassment by drivers. Findings suggest that these problems can be addressed by ride-sharing companies by hiring more female and skilled drivers, activating hotlines and boosting security measures. BRTA should play a stronger role in monitoring the ride-sharing industry to maintain service quality and safety.
Open Access
A microhistory of a mass mobilisation: Peasant agency and solidarity in the 1990 anti-shrimp movement of polder 22, Khulna
(BRAC University, 2020-09) Mahtab, Moyukh; Priyadarshini, Aanmona; BRAC Institute of Governance and Development
Karunamoyee Sarder was killed in November, 1990 while leading a protest against shrimp aquaculture in Polder 22 of Paikgacha, Khulna, Bangladesh. Karunamoyee and other landless protestors were attacked with guns and bombs by goons hired by a local shrimp farm owner. Following her murder, the continued mobilisation of the peasants of Polder 22 evolved into a mass movement against shrimp aquaculture. To date Polder 22 has remained a shrimp-free zone and thousands of peasants continue to gather each year to commemorate her as a martyr. Using oral and textual sources, this microhistory of the movement highlights the complexities of peasant agency and solidarity, aspirations and motivations, that constitute their initial act of resistance. It also demonstrates how wider alliances with political parties and civil society organisations, within the specific context of 1990s Bangladesh, propelled the local resistance into a mass movement. Through these, it explores how Karunamoyee and the movement have today become symbols embodying peasant rights and struggles beyond the immediate context of the movement for the people of Polder 22.
Open Access
Urban mobility & inequality in public services in Dhaka city: An analysis of accessibility of transportation for people with disabilities (Pwds)
(BRAC University, 2019-12) Nahar, Noor-E-Fayzun; Hossain, Dr. Md. Shanawez; BRAC Institute of Governance and Development
Dhaka city lacks accessible, available, acceptable, reliable, safe, comfortable and affordable transportation system for people with disabilities creating barriers to their mobility. The study, through secondary sources, not only identified the main global and national policies that exist for the people with disability (PwD) but also found major gaps in the policies. Due to these gaps in the policies or due to the inefficient implementation of the laws the PwD face inequality in accessing the public services, especially the public transport and infrastructure. The findings from primary data show that PwDs are facing infrastructural and social barriers hampering their mobility and creating inequality in the public services. Therefore, this study has provided strategies to remove the infrastructural and social barriers, which mainly includes to train the transport providers regarding the services that needs to be given to PwD.
Open Access
Prolonged digital screen effect on preschool children: an analysis from the perception of parents of Dhaka
(BRAC University, 2018) Sadri, Asif Mohaisin; Hossain, Md. Shanawez; BRAC Institute of Governance and Development
Availability of devices with display screen are increasing rapidly even in developing countries like Bangladesh. Little or no concern is usually given to regulate a healthy guidelines for children’s device use. Parents are the first educators of their children and they play a primary role in regulating screen time. A perception analysis from parents’ observation provides the proper visualization regarding the behavior patterns of device use by children. This study commenced in order to finding out the existing conditions of gadget use by children in Dhaka. Quantitative method was used in this study and data was collected through a developed questionnaire from a sample of parents having young children (between 1 to 10 years old) residing in Dhaka city to investigate the nature of device usage by children. Existing studies show significant link between excessive device usage and health issues in children. Behavior pattern suggested that children use devices almost 2 hours per day and viewing of smartphone and tablets from a close distance is most common in children’s of Dhaka. This study showed that parents faced many behavioral issues that link with the existing studies done in different countries. Study findings also reflected the same behavioral issues that arose due to excessive device usage. Parents being properly aware and based on their willingness it is pertinent that there is a need for interventions to create a substantial awareness programs.
Open Access
Women’s decision making from men’s view: a perception analysis from the city of Dhaka
(BRAC University, 2018-12) M. Salim, Radiyah; Hossain, Md. Shanawez; BRAC Institute of Governance and Development
The ability of women to make decisions that affect the personal circumstances of their own lives is an essential aspect of empowerment and serves as an important contributor to women’s overall welfare. There has been progress towards the equal representation of men and women in decision-making in the past ten years. Economists often believe that the family decision-making process is the outcome of conscious choices of each spouse, and the decision-making power of each spouse is determined by economic as well as non-economic factors. The gender status is a vital aspect that influences the decisions of men and women in any family, and the factors that influences the power that husbands, or wives wield in a family determines the decision-making process of the unit. The study was an attempt to dig into the men’s mind to understand how they perceive women’s participation in decision making in their households, and the influencing factors for their perceptions. Mixed method was used in this study using data collected through a questionnaire and focus group discussion from a sample of middle class married men to investigate the nature and freedom of women decision making from their view. Findings of this study suggested that majority of the surveyed men believe higher education is the most important socioeconomic factor for women to have decision making capability. The findings also reflect an interest by the respondents to be more involved in the lives of their children and in their domestic life.
Accessing to the contraception among educated urban youth
(BRAC University, 2018) Habib, Anika Binte; Hossain, Dr. Md. Shanawez; BRAC Institute of Governance and Development
Every year, a significant segment of population is entering into adult life in Bangladesh; this population is vulnerable to their overall reproductive health. Bangladesh does not have any nationally representative data, which sheds the light on the knowledge level on Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) among the young population. While this poses a challenge, there are other sources of data, which measure comprehensive knowledge on HIV that points the low levels of knowledge among young people. In Bangladesh, young people bear many health burdens such as early marriage to unintended pregnancy, unsafe sex, and recourse to abortion as a consequence of non-use of contraceptives or method failure. There is a lack of focus on the unmarried young people who also are much vulnerable to the unsafe sex. Due to socio-cultural barriers, they often face challenges to access to the contraception. Young women are more vulnerable to this because of the patriarchal structure of the society. Despite of Government of Bangladesh’s many efforts to expand contraceptive access among young people; very few were considered on young people living in Dhaka. This study was done to identify knowledge and challenges remaining accessing to the contraceptive methods among educated urban young people living in Dhaka. The study uses both qualitative and quantitative methodologies. Eighty-five young people living in Dhaka were surveyed and three Focus Group Discussions were organised. Other than that, literatures related to current situation of young people living in Bangladesh were reviewed. Result shows, unmarried young people are also trying to access to the contraceptives. The study identifies the challenges which urban educated young people face to access contraceptive methods in Dhaka because of socio-cultural factors, religious factors, taboo and stigma. The result suggests that young people are also willing to try new contraceptive methods if these are available and affordable for them without any judgement and stigma.

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