Union Parishad is a century old rural institution in Bangladesh, which has been instituted, grown, and maintained by the people of the rural areas. It is a longstanding popular service delivery center, which people trust highly at the village level. Since its establishment, the Union Parishad has been linked with informal justice systems like the Shalish, which is compatible with rural population being keen on using accessible, fast, and cheap systems of resolving disputes as opposed to the time-consuming and costly processes of the formal courts. In an attempt to enhance the shortcomings of the traditional Shalish, Village Courts were formally established in the mid-1970s in an effort to enhance the delivery of justice in rural areas. In the long run, Village Courts were ineffective with poor functioning and institutional problems. In this regard, the current research was carried out in rural settings to consider Village Courts as an alternative to justice in Bangladesh. The paper adopted a mixed-method research design, where both quantitative and qualitative methods were used. The information was gathered using in-depth interviews of 30 respondents who were selected and 9 case studies using a structured checklist. According to its findings, it can be stated that despite existing limitations and operational weaknesses, Village Courts still have the significant role in resolving the local disputes and ensuring that the social peace and harmony within the rural communities. The research claims that the Village Courts can be a viable alternative to the formal justice system when they are properly reformed and supported by the institutions. The main areas of difficulty are; lack of implementation capacity, ineffective record management, and lack of knowledge in the personnel concerned. Government and non-government bodies must strengthen supervision, capacity building, training and awareness programs so as to increase the effectiveness of the Village Courts.
Although Bangladesh has made great strides in female education, graduate women continue to face unemployment in large numbers, suggesting an extreme gap between education and job opportunities. This paper examines the socio-cultural, economic and institutional causes underlying the unemployment of graduate women. It particularly targets to find out the current trends in female education and female employment, and analyse the most significant obstacles to ensure that educated women can find appropriate jobs. Data were collected using a qualitative methodology, and data were collected in the form of in-depth and key informant interviews with unemployed and employed female graduates and employers at Dhaka University and Jagannath University. The analysis of the interviews employed in the study helped identify two broad groups of barriers, including common and indigenous, including, but not limited to, males-dominated interview boards, discrimination based on marital status, focus on physical appearance, and job and education mismatch; and indigenous, including family favouritism to sons, bribery, politicised recruitment, Dhaka-centric job examination, and question paper leakage. These results explain how the education level is not enough to find a job among women since the stereotyping of genders and the dysfunction of the system multiply the disadvantages. The research provides contextualised knowledge on female graduate unemployment in Bangladesh, and the examination proposed measures towards combating unemployment based on evidence, such as decentralizing job exams, gender balance in hiring committees, encouraging women to take up technical courses and implementing anti-discriminatory measures. By narrowing the education to employment gap, the study supports the values of structural and policy changes to enhance gender inclusive development and increase the involvement of women in the labour market.
The study aims to explain the community-level restorative functions carried out by restorative justice agencies to reduce community-based criminal victimizations. It selected two restorative justice agencies (RJA) from different areas to examine the actions taken by restorative justice practitioners (RJP) in minimizing criminal activities and involvement. Restorative justice (RJ) is viewed as a community-centered justice approach where the accused and survivors are encouraged to heal the pain and trauma caused by criminal acts. The study reviewed relevant literature and the theoretical framework to understand restorative actions within community settings. As a qualitative research, twelve community stakeholders from various categories were interviewed to gather data about restorative practices. Victims and offenders often played opposing roles after criminal acts and disputes. According to community-based ethics, community members live and interact based on shared customs and practices. This relationship is disrupted when a crime occurs, creating divisions between the victim and offender. A pre-tested interview schedule was used to gather data from community stakeholders, aligned with the research objectives. Additionally, twenty family members, comprising victims and offenders, were asked about the effectiveness of restorative justice, and the post-impact of RJ was assessed through a qualitative framework covering various restorative interventions. The data collected were categorized by characteristics, and a cluster–based design was applied to present the information and respondents' comments. Ethical considerations were properly maintained, including conducting interviews and explaining the data in relation to the research topic. Policy recommendations were made to expand restorative justice and interventions, aiming to reduce trauma and foster a stronger community life.
The street children in Bangladesh are one of the most vulnerable populations, and are often subjected to various types of violence which affect their physical, emotional and social health. This paper undertakes the exploration of the prevalence, pathogenesis and possible interventions toward the prevention of violence against street children. Using a mixed method, quantitative data was collected using 120 street children in four city corporations of Dhaka, Khulna, Rajshahi, and Chattogram, and the qualitative data was collected using eight in-depth case studies and four focus group discussions with street children, guardians, NGOs, and human rights activists. Results indicate that 86.67 percent of street children were verbally abused, 85.00 percent physically abused, 81.67 percent psychologically abused and 18.33 percent sexually abused, with other forms of abuse being coerced to engage in crime (20.00 percent) and engage in politics (25.00 percent). The major causes of violence are family instability, poverty, unemployment, inadequate education, social discrimination, poor enforcement of the law, and political lapse. Qualitative accounts emphasize the cumulative nature of structure, family, and socio-economic risks on the everyday life of children. The research suggests multi-level interventions that include family support, community awareness, education access, social protection initiatives, law enforcement reform and rehabilitation services. These are set to end the cycle of exploitation, protect rights and create a situation where street children can grow in a safe and dignified environment. The study provides empirical data to policy makers, NGOs and community members aiming at formulating comprehensive and locally based approaches in ensuring that street children are not victimized in Bangladesh.
Probation is a legal, non-custodial alternative designed to rehabilitate offenders while reducing prison overcrowding. In Bangladesh, despite a formal framework under the Probation of Offenders Ordinance, 1960 and Children Act, 2013, probation remains underutilized, with operational, institutional, and social challenges affecting its effectiveness and the reintegration of offenders into society. This study aimed to explore (i)how probation laws and rules are operationalized (ii) capacity and coordination gaps, and (iii) prospects for scaling probation in Bangladesh. This study utilized qualitative approach where four (04) probationers and two (02) key informants (legislators, probation officers) were selected purposively for case studies and key informant interviews. Alongside, collected data were analysed thematically with NVivo software. This study findings reveal that probation laws exist but are inconsistently applied, particularly for adult offenders. Juvenile cases receive stronger procedural adherence, while DSS officers face staffing shortages, high caseloads, limited training, and manual record systems. Weak inter-agency coordination, insufficient infrastructure, and social stigma further constrain compliance and reintegration. Probationers’ experiences highlight delays, inconsistent supervision, and economic barriers. Despite these challenges, both probationers and stakeholders recognize probation’s potential to decongest prisons and facilitate rehabilitation. Effective scaling requires institutional strengthening, integration with other non-custodial measures, NGO partnerships, and public awareness to enhance acceptance and practical implementation. Probation in Bangladesh is legally established but operationally constrained. With targeted reforms in staffing, training, coordination, and community support, it can become a viable, rehabilitative, non-custodial justice mechanism.
Microfinance refers to low-cost financial funding, services and goods that are particularly beneficial for empowering women in Developing and Least Developed Countries (LDCs) like Bangladesh, India, Sri Lanka etc. The study's overarching goal was to investigate the current status of microfinance and its effectiveness in empowering women in rural community. The purpose was also to understand how effective microfinance was in empowering women and in reducing poverty level in the rural society and to understand the strengths and weaknesses of the microfinance. Both qualitative and quantitative research methodologies have been used in the study. Dhaka City and two Jashore Sadar villages in the Khulna division have been purposefully chosen as study areas. Microfinance Beneficiaries, NGO personnel, social experts, teachers, students, and the general people are all involved in the study. The outcomes of the study revealed that the majority of the respondents mentioned the high interest rate as a mainproblem for microfinance in Bangladesh. Although most of the respondents also believe that micro financing is more poverty-friendly than the Mahajan(Landlord) loan oppression. The study also revealed that the negative attitude of people towards micro-finance is not a myth but a fact. Subsequently, the promising results of the study revealed that microfinance has been used in unfertile zones in rural community. Because of this, microfinance borrowers occasionally misplace their possessions and final remaining life-savings. However, individuals who make appropriate use of this chance might readily showcase their own businesses and entrepreneurial endeavors.
While the broad literature on migration documents women’s vulnerabilities and men’s occupational risks in Bangladesh, relatively few comparative studies have systematically traced how labour markets, housing, and mobility regimes jointly and differentially structure these dimensions of vulnerability and risk. The extant comparative studies, at best, isolate certain sectors or identities and do not engage with how one dimension of vulnerability may connect with another. This paper fills this gap by interrogating the gendered dimensions of survival strategies employed by internal migrants in metropolitan Bangladesh and seeks to understand if urban precarity is a common or a gender-structured experience. Based on comprehensive qualitative interviews among twenty respondents, it conceptualises survival through two patterned orientations, “fight” and “manage”, to capture differential configurations of risk, autonomy, and compliance. Using thematic analysis within the frameworks of feminist political economics and intersectionality, this study shows that while men typically maintain higher levels of autonomy and bargaining power, women face much higher risks of exploitation and mobility constraints. Which, coupled with relational responsibilities, further compound the challenges of survival. With parallel narratives of men and women, this paper argues that migration precarity is not an individual phenomenon but a structurally gendered one shaped by gender norms and labour market segmentation. By focusing on mechanisms rather than outcomes, the paper advances migration scholarship and argues for integrated policy approaches addressing labour protection, housing security, and spatial rights.
As a strategy for empowering women and reducing poverty, microcredit programs (MCPs) have received much attention in Bangladesh. This study aims to investigate MCPs’ contributions to advancing women in Magura District, Bangladesh, through the Rural Mother Center (RMC) program. Women face significant social and economic barriers for many reasons, especially in rural areas. Interviews, focus group discussions, and participant observations with female RMC recipients were used to gather data through a qualitative research method. Magura district was chosen as a case study because it is representative of the socio-economic challenges rural women face in Bangladesh. This study highlighted the unique experiences and outcomes of women engaged in the RMC program in a challenging socio-economic context, focusing on the Magura District. The results show women have established and grown their enterprises with the help of the RMC program, increasing their income and empowering them financially.
This paper conducts a comparative literary content analysis of Bidrohi (The Rebel) by Kazi Nazrul Islam and A Madman’s Diary by Lu Xun, focusing on the two as the masterpieces of the modern Asian literature, although they are set in different historical, cultural, and political settings. The background of the writing of Bidrohi is the British colonial rule in Bengal and it is a furious poetic protest and declaration of identity both personal and social. On the contrary, the image of the Madman was used in A Madman’s Diary, produced in the period when May Fourth Movement in China occurred, and it helps to criticize the feudal tradition and unveil the cannibalistic character of the social order. Although they are different in terms of literature form- poetry and prose, they join at some point in terms of themes, revolution, resistance, identity, and social transformation. Both the Bidrohi (The Rebel)and the Madman become symbolic metaphors against oppression, reflecting the events of their time and speaking with a vision of the future of freedom. This paper will analyze the works of Nazrul and Lu Xun to understand how they can bridge national lines to provide information on cultural awakening, anti-oppression, and human freedom in the twenty-first century world.
The objective of this paper is to explore the livelihood challenges that the Dalit communities in Bangladesh face. To understand livelihood challenges, it is essential to listen to and learn from the lived experiences of the people directly affected. Therefore, this study employed a qualitative approach, using a case study design to delve deeply into the issue. The study selected 20 diverse cases and explored them in depth, collecting data through face-to-face, in-depth interviews with each participant. The findings of the study show that social exclusion due to untouchability, which stems from their caste-based identity, limits their access to livelihood assets. Their identity as untouchable or filthy not only bars them from entering white-colour jobs but also from accessing various resources known as livelihood assets, such as natural, human, financial, physical, and social capital and forces them into low-paying, menial jobs. As a result, their options for a stable livelihood are limited. Therefore, there is an urgent need to address the structural barriers Dalit communities face and ensure their equitable access to livelihood opportunities.
In urban Bangladesh, obesity is a fast-growing problem in adolescence girls owing to poor dietary habits, consumption of fast food, and lack of physical activities, especially among adolescent girls in Dhaka City. The purpose of the study was to evaluate food habits, fast-food consumption, and physical exercise among obese adolescent girls in Dhaka City, and to identify the behavioral and lifestyle determinants of obesity. The study was mixed-method cross-sectional research that involved a survey of 384 obese adolescent girls, five (05) Focus group Discussions (FGDs), ten (10) Key Informant Interviews (KIIs), and five (05) in-depth case studies. Semi-structured questionnaires were used to collect data. Quantitative data were determined descriptively using SPSS software, whereas qualitative data were coded and thematically analyzed using NVivo software. The average age of the participants was 16.81 (±1.95) years; older adolescents were more represented (especially 19-year-olds, 25.3%). The majority of the respondents were in the secondary level (61.5%). Bread (75.4%) and rice (34.1%) were the main breakfast foods, whereas protein consumption was minimal (meat 18.9%, fish 17.8%). Lunch foods were mainly rice (94%), fish (82.8%), meat (77.1%), dal (66.4%), and vegetables (76%), and 27.9% took soft drinks. Rice (78.9), vegetables (64.1%), fish and meat (61.1%), and dal (50.7%) were also dinner items. Foods consumed had a broad take-up, with fast-foods being the most consumed (fuska 70.8%), followed by ice-cream (56.8%), soft drinks (56.3%), and chocolate (56.3%). Physical inactivity was also evident, with the majority of the respondents having not cycled (77.9%), swam (76.6%), or played football (83.4%). Inactive lifestyles, such as frequent use of social media (58.6%) and watching TV (53.4%), were prevalent. Carbohydrate-based diets and high-frequency fast-food intake, as well as sedentary lifestyles in Dhaka City, are closely linked to obesity in adolescent girls, which puts the emphasis on the combination of nutrition and physical activity programs.
Community based education is an important strategy in shaping students' social skills, leadership, and responsibility. One example of this is the Community Based Project (CBP) program implemented at Global Islamic Boarding School (GIBS) Junior High School. This study aims to describe the implementation of the CBP program, including its planning, implementation, and evaluation. The research method used was qualitative with a descriptive approach. Data collection techniques were carried out through observation, in-depth interviews, and documentation, then analyzed qualitatively through data reduction, data presentation, and conclusion drawing. The results of the study show that:(1) CBP planning is carried out collaboratively between teachers and students, taking into account the needs of the school and the community; (2) CBP implementation is divided into three groups of activities, namely routine (CBP administration, reading stalls, waste banks, Adiwiyata program, Qur'anneration), periodic (CBP member bonding, Organizational Management Seminar, Student Camp, Student Teacher, Tree Planting), and annual (Basic Leadership Training, Leadership Program, orphanage visits, social service flea market, Ramadan Sharing), which are carried out systematically and structurally; and (3) evaluations are carried out periodically to assess the sustainability of the program and provide feedback for improvement of activities. The conclusion of this study confirms that the implementation of CBP at GIBS Junior High School has proven successful in increasing student involvement in social, educational, and environmental activities, as well as providing direct experience in leadership development, literacy, social awareness, and independence. This program can be a reference for other schools in developing community based learning that is relevant to the needs of the community.
This research focuses on the security in the use of QRIS (Quick Response Code Indonesian Standard) as a digital payment system by traders in Lok Baintan Floating Market. QRIS was introduced to create cashless transactions that are safe, efficient, and transparent, in the context of traditional markets that operate on water, transaction security is a major concern because the risk of losing cash, miscalculating, and receiving counterfeit money is quite high. This research uses a descriptive qualitative approach with data collection methods through in-depth interviews, observation, and documentation with traders, tourists, as well as village government and related agencies. The results showed that QRIS is considered capable of increasing security in transactions. Funds go directly to the merchant's account, reducing the need to carry cash, and minimising the risk of loss. In addition, QRIS encourages regularity in recording transactions digitally. However, there are technical obstacles such as weak internet signals at some points and a lack of digital literacy in some merchants. In general, QRIS provides better security than cash transactions and is a digital payment solution that should be expanded in traditional markets.
Mbah Man's White Tofu Factory is a micro-business that employs traditional yet consistent marketing strategies. This study aims to analyze the implementation of the marketing mix, which includes product, price, place, and promotion aspects, as applied by Mbah Man's White Tofu Factory in Gang Pangeran Suryanata, Banjarmasin. This study uses a qualitative descriptive approach with data collection techniques through observation, interviews, and documentation. The informants in this study consist of the factory owner, production manager, employees, and distributors. The results of the study indicate that: The product aspect shows that the factory maintains consistent tofu quality with a soft, dense texture that does not easily crumble; The price aspect is implemented through competitive pricing and adjustments based on fluctuations in raw material prices; The place or distribution aspect is carried out through a direct distribution system and trust between producers and distributors; The promotion aspect is carried out simply, namely through direct communication, customer testimonials, and verbal promotion. The conclusion of this study is that the marketing mix strategy consistently applied by Mbah Man White Tofu Factory is able to maintain business sustainability, increase customer loyalty, and strengthen competitiveness amid intense local market competition.
The floods that hit Tajau Landung Village have had a significant impact on agricultural land and the lifestyle of the community, especially farmers who have experienced a decrease in income. The agricultural sector, with paddy rice cultivation as the main commodity, has a central role in the national economy and food security. Frequent flooding in the village poses a serious threat to farmers' livelihoods and local food security. The geographical condition of the village, which is located in a tidal lebak swamp area, makes agricultural land very vulnerable to inundation, especially during the rainy season. This research was conducted to gain in-depth knowledge on how this disaster affects agricultural productivity and the lives of farmers. This study used a qualitative method using interviews, observation and documentation. Data analysis was processed through presenting a comprehensive picture of the contribution of farmer groups in building food security and agricultural recovery efforts after the flood. The results show that annual flooding causes sub-optimal harvests, pest infestations such as rats and golden snails due to waterlogging, and increased acid content in the soil that interferes with rice growth. These direct impacts cause material losses to farmers, with average incomes declining by 50% during major floods. Overall, the high frequency of flooding not only damages crops and land, but also significantly threatens agricultural production and community food security in Tajau Landung Village.
Social studies teachers at the junior high school level face problems in the use of innovative digital technologies, especially Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR). The results of the initial identification show that most teachers in Banjarmasin City do not have adequate skills in using AR/VR, even though this technology can increase student interactivity and motivation to learn on disaster materials. Therefore, this community service activity aims to improve the competence of social studies teachers in integrating AR/VR as a learning medium on the topic of disaster mitigation. The method used is qualitative with a participatory training approach. The activity was held on September 19, 2025 and was attended by 30 social studies teachers who are members of the Banjarmasin City MGMP. Data was obtained through observation, pre-test and post-test, as well as participant evaluation questionnaires. The results showed a significant increase in teacher understanding, with an average pre-test score of 56.3 increasing to 84.7 in the post-test (an increase of 50.4%). As many as 92% of teachers stated that the training was very useful, and 85% of teachers felt ready to apply AR/VR in social studies learning. In addition, participants showed high enthusiasm in the practice of creating simple AR/VR-based media. In conclusion, this training succeeded in increasing digital technology literacy of social studies teachers and was relevant to support disaster mitigation learning. This PkM activity makes a real contribution in strengthening teacher capacity while enriching technology-based interactive learning media.
The malabuh ritual is one of the forms of local cultural heritage that is still maintained by the Banjar people who live in the Kelayan riverbank area, Banjarmasin City. This cultural practice not only reflects the spiritual and social values of the local community. It also shows the continuity of rituals in the life of the people living along the Kelayan river. This research aims to describe the implementation of the malabuh ritual. The results revealed that the malabuh ritual is still carried out by the community as a form of expression of gratitude and respect for the existence of the river. The implementation of this ritual includes a number of important elements that are full of symbolic meaning, including the determination of the time of implementation at the fall of the sun, a sacred location on the riverbank, and the use of certain materials that have symbolic value in local culture. More than just a ceremonial activity, the malabuh ritual also acts as a medium for transmitting social and cultural values to the younger generation, in addition to contributing to fostering collective community awareness of the importance of environmental conservation, especially river ecosystems as a source of life.
The tomb of Habib Basirih remains a popular destination for religious tourism to this day. This is driven by its designation as a tourist village on June 3, 2022, as well as the community's belief in the miraculous powers and spiritual authority of Habib Basirih, and their respect for his efforts in spreading Islamic teachings. The presence of this religious tourism has a positive impact on the surrounding community by enabling them to engage in trade. This can help their economy. However, the issue that arises is that the area around the house is littered with trash due to visitors' low awareness of cleanliness, as well as the limited management of the dome area, which does not provide separate spaces for male and female visitors. This study aims to describe the profile of the religious tourism area at the Habib Basirih Mausoleum in Banjarmasin City and the religious tourism activities at the Habib Basirih Mausoleum in Banjarmasin City. Using qualitative methods, the research findings indicate that the religious tourism at the Habib Basirih Mausoleum is equipped with adequate facilities and has managers residing in the religious tourism area. Additionally, there are numerous tourist activities that visitors can engage in, such as grave visits, recitation of Surah Yasin and tahlil, prayer, and religious commemorations such as the anniversary of Habib Basirih, the Prophet Muhammad’s birthday (Maulid Nabi Muhammad saw.), and the Isra’ Mi’raj.
Equitable access to quality education remains a major challenge in Indonesia, particularly in peripheral areas where learning facilities and infrastructure are limited. This condition is evident in schools across Hulu Sungai Selatan Regency, where restricted internet connectivity and scarce digital learning resources hinder effective teaching and learning processes. Practical solutions are therefore needed to overcome these contextual constraints. This article reports the outcomes of a community service program that applied the Understanding by Design (UbD) approach in developing locally-based learning modules for Social Studies (IPS). The stages included needs analysis, activity planning, Phase I implementation, and Phase II implementation. The findings reveal that teachers have begun to grasp the core principles of UbD, emphasizing the formulation of learning objectives, assessment design, and the development of learning activities aimed at deep understanding. Most teachers demonstrated the ability to apply engaging instructional strategies, although many struggled to articulate these strategies explicitly within their modules. To address this issue, supplementary training was provided on the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support the development of locally grounded UbD-based modules. Evaluation results indicate that 70% of participating teachers successfully developed modules aligned with UbD principles and local wisdom, while the remaining teachers still require further mentoring in utilizing AI effectively—particularly in crafting appropriate prompts for content generation.
Waste management has become a major challenge in urban areas of Indonesia, including Banjarmasin. The increasing volume of waste, which is not proportional to existing management capacity, has led to environmental and social problems. One of the solutions initiated is the establishment of Bank Sampah Induk Baiman, a community-based waste management initiative. However, the program faces sustainability challenges, as it requires active involvement and consistent participation from the community. This study aims to describe the waste management activities at Bank Sampah Induk Baiman in Banjarmasin. The research employed a qualitative approach with a descriptive method. Data were collected through observation, documentation, and interviews with bank sampah administrators, customers, and government representatives. The findings reveal that waste management activities are carried out through two main aspects, namely reduction and handling. The reduction efforts are based on the 3R principle (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle), which has not yet been fully implemented optimally. The principle of reduce is applied through awareness programs, reuse through the utilization of waste materials into ecobricks, and recycle not directly processed but distributed to recycling industry partners. Handling efforts are carried out through routine activities such as transportation, sorting, shredding, washing, and packaging of waste for sale.
