The fundamental objective of this research paper is to examine how interfaith dialogue can be an effective mechanism to combat the forces of radicalization and extremism in Bangladesh. To unveil the answer to this question, this study has explored the nature of the politicization of Islam and the scope of Islamic fundamentalism in Bangladesh. Reviewing the existing pieces of literature, this research paper has identified that there has been a rise in Islamic extremism since the beginning of the 21st century, which evolved throughout the last two decades changing in its nature and intensity. It has illustrated that after the military coup of 1975, the military rulers and the following democratic governments of Bangladesh carried on the tendency of politicizing religion and have used state mechanisms to Islamize Bangladeshi society. However, to address this recent trend of rising militancy, interfaith dialogue can be an effective approach that will shrink the potential of radicalization and extremism in Bangladesh. This study proposes incorporating an interreligious curriculum in the education system of Bangladesh and the engagement of religious preachers as well as mass people of different faiths including various sects of each religion in such interfaith dialogue initiatives to improve understanding and compassion. Social Science Review, Vol. 40(1), Jun 2023 Page 165-184
Private television is the most popular mass media in Bangladesh with a vast audience of both news and programs. However, research on private television and its news media has not advanced sufficiently. Analysing available research on different databases this study identifies general trends in Bangladesh’s private television and its news media research which shows that in addition to low volume of research, most of the study focused on some common aspects resulting in many significant areas unexamined. Finally, this article suggests new agendas in news media research with particular focus on the role of the state, ownership and news labour—three key stakeholders of the private television news media. This investigation will contribute to the scholars and industry insiders to identify the gap in private television research, especially in relation to the news media, and take necessary initiatives. Social Science Review, Vol. 39(2), June 2022 [Special Issue] Page 79-98
The purpose of this study is to explain the relationship between perceived quality of local service delivery performance and citizens’ satisfaction through confidence at urban local government level in Bangladesh. A mediation model was framed to test the indirect relationship between perceived quality of service delivery performance and citizens’ satisfaction. Data was collected through a survey during April 2014 – June 2014. The survey included ten Paurashavas (Municipality) while the participants (n = 706) were selected based on gender ratio and Ward of the Paurashavas. Multilevel path analysis was conducted using MPLUS 8 to examine the mediation model. The results showed that citizens’ confidence partially mediates the relationship between perceived quality of service delivery performance and citizens’ satisfaction. Social Science Review, Vol. 38(2), December 2021 Page 117-133
Everything that human beings do from the time of their birth, is a way for them to deny the inevitability of their death. A person adopts a myriad of ways to transcend the fear of death from their life and consciousness. This paper examines how the artistic medium of Bengali cinema provides insights into this existential issue and offers ways to overcome anxieties associated with human decay. Employing the Terror Management Theory (TMT) and film narratology, the study analyses two of Srijit Mukherji’s films, Baishe Srabon (2011) and Hemlock Society (2012), that involve plots where the characters explicitly encounter the fear of death. Both films substantiate TMT’s stance that humans seek immortality by establishing a “cultural worldview” and “self-esteem”, which provide individuals with an illusion of symbolic existence that will last even after their death. Social Science Review, Vol. 38(2), December 2021 Page 159-174
The biomedical treatment of infertility has spread throughout the world rapidly, though the cultural understanding of its techniques stagger in various cultures and societies. The local moral ideologies and cultural urge of fertility have treated the infertile people miserably. In Bangladesh, biomedical treatments of infertility are being introduced, and many are approaching it, depending upon not only their affordability but also on various socio-cultural factors. The cultural interpretation of in-vitro fertilization (IVF) depends on various social components, like patriarchy, moral values, and belief system related to childbirth. Thus, the social exposure and moral pioneers of the recipient of treatment play significant roles in postulating the conception of IVF. This paper identifies the cultural interpretation of IVF among the infertile couples of urban Dhaka through their experience in addressing biomedical infertility treatment. Social Science Review, Vol. 40(1), Jun 2023 Page 41-55
Dependent on liberal ideologies , the democratic peace theory assumes that democracies rarely wage war on one another than non- democracies. But critics argue that merely being democratic in nature may not be the main reason for peace between democracies. Throughout the 21st century, we have witnessed the “War on Terrorism” after 9/11, the rise of multipolarity, several buffer zones underpinning major powers’ divisive politics and reflection of national leaders’ decisions on regional cooperatives and international institutions, etc., which have had varying effects on international politics. Therefore, this study begs a question that whether the implications of democratic peace theory are justified in the 21st century or not. Answering this question required a thorough review of the arguments put forward by democratic peace theorists and detractors. This article examines the justification of democratic peace theory by focusing on the remarkable political phenomena in the 21st century. The method of this study is based on the thematic literature review and in-depth study of the documents and summaries comprised of articles and journals. This study found that authoritarianism, democratic backsliding, the rise of populism, contentious politics, border and regional conflicts, violent annexation, etc. have become critical issues in democracies where neither the values of democracy are protected, nor the liberal ideology is followed in the state mechanisms. Social Science Review, Vol. 39(1), June 2022 Page 211-229
A social movement is a planned attempt by many individuals to influence or oppose certain significant aspects of society. They have impacted laws, regulations, and even political structures. Recently, it has been observed that both the mainstream media and new media play crucial roles in developing social movements.. The new media can accelerate the recruitment and mobilisation of social movements. It can influence and set the agenda concerning any movements for the traditional media. However, movements based on new media platforms could only sustain if they received the support of the mainstream media. This paper uses the Shahbagh movement as a case study to examine how mainstream and new media played a crucial role in bringing it to the public’s attention. This article argues that the Shahbagh movement has shown that new media can influence mainstream media’s agenda and the development of a social movement in Bangladesh. It contributed to accelerating the resource mobilisation and recruitment of the Shahbagh movement and made it the leading news for the traditional media. At the same time, this paper also examines how the Shahbagh movement lost its ability to be newsworthy. Social Science Review, Vol. 39(1), June 2022 Page 57-73
This article concerns ethnicity and identity politics in Chittagong Hill Tracts of Bangladesh. This article used the power relation approach of Foucault, Althusser, and Mills, Barth’s idea of ethnicity and boundary maintenance, primordial and instrumentalist approaches to ethnicity, and primordial and socia-constructionist approaches to identity. The politics of identity formation and movements of Bangalee, Chakma, and Tripura ethnic communities are associated with multidimensional issues. Some of these are - collectiveness, struggle for existence, ensuring rights, protecting traditions, and securing land and natural resources of the hills. The study used qualitative data collection methods such as observation and participation, key informant interviews, life history, case studies, and narratives. Data analysis followed the qualitative technique by interpreting various aspects or layers of meaning and relationships among ethnic communities. The findings further show that Chakma and Tripura communities bear a nationalist and political ideology through the term Jumma, while Bangalees have a reconstructed image of the hill Bangalee. This article, thus, critically examines the politics of identity formation in CHTs, focusing on inter-ethnic relations of power and political practices. Social Science Review, Vol. 39(2), June 2022 [Special Issue] Page 1-17
The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a master plan to achieve a sustainable future by 2030, and the government of Bangladesh has been working relentlessly to achieve its targets. Since each country is supposed to take ownership of the goals and tailor policies according to their needs, in the localisation process of the SDGs, the local government institutions play a significant role in implementation. Similarly, in Bangladesh, Rural Local Government Institutions (RLGIs) are likely to play an essential role in the localisation of the SDGs, since they remain close to the most marginalized and often vulnerable rural people and can impact them directly. However, the RLGIs have not made a notable contribution in the localisation of the SDGs so far, and the deadline is approaching. This paper aims to understand the limitation of localising the SDGs by the RLGIs in Bangladesh by exploring the challenges they face that lead to policy implementation failure. From qualitative data collected from six different RLGIs, the paper finds that RLGIs suffer from four broad challenges: financial, political and administrative, behavioural and planning challenges that are causing SDGs localisation implementation failure. The paper concludes that these issues are unlikely to be overcome in a short time, so the future of SDGs localisation within the given timeframe is questionable. Social Science Review, Vol. 39(3), Dec 2022 Page 93-111
The education system is vital to eliminating societal inequalities. Internet-based learning systems launched in low- and middle-income countries by providing an equity vibe; however, Bangladesh's reality differs from this philosophy. Bangladesh adopted an e-learning strategy to perk up its literacy rate during the COVID-19 lockdown. However, the current situation has become complex due to insufficient internet network and technological setup, the market-generated welfare policy, little accountability of the state, and inadequate fund release to accommodate this new learning system. Disabled students got few benefits from the system; for instance, it reduced mobility crisis; hence financial, societal, and cultural blockades become uniquely problematic to some extent. The current article will analyse existing secondary literature to understand disabled students' academic future in Bangladesh, relevant policy, and practices to determine their citizenship rights. Social Science Review, Vol. 39(3), Dec 2022 Page 73-91
It is widely known that women’s economic empowerment can lead to economic growth. Information communication technologies (ICTs) have been promoted as tools for national development. In this context, women have been promoted themselves as entrepreneurs through connecting more people by using ICT tools effectively. This paper mainly focuses on the role of ICT for women entrepreneurship development in Bangladesh. It also represents different social, cultural barriers women face in using ICTs in their business purposes. To make the study more effective questionnaire method was used. For this study 100 women have been selected from different online business pages and sent them the questionnaire. Among them 20 women entrepreneurs respond the questionnaire which included questions on role of ICT, training on ICT, mostly use of device, monthly income, availability of ICT institutions, access of ICT, barriers of using ICT and so on. It is argued in the study that women are becoming adapt themselves with technology especially in their business purpose and lead to contribute to the country’s economy. Lack of awareness, social, cultural structure are the major barriers to bring them as entrepreneurs and change their life. Social Science Review, Vol. 39(3), Dec 2022 Page 17-35
Following the recent 2017 Rohingya influx, Bangladesh now hosts nearly one million Rohingyas. Being persecuted by the Myanmar state machinery and some local vigilantes, they fled for safe refuge in Bangladesh’s Cox's Bazar. Bangladesh sheltered them in 34 overcrowded camps located in the Teknaf and Ukhiya sub-districts of Cox’s Bazar. At present, Rohingyas are counted more than double compared to the local host population in these two areas. This study makes efforts to explicate why and how these stranded Rohingyas can be a security threat to Bangladesh. Theoretically, the study relies on security discourse; ecological and resource scarcity model; and relative deprivation theory. Under the qualitative research approach, the researchers conducted semi-structured interviews mainly with key informants and subject experts to gather field data. The study brings out that this overpopulation has perplexed the security milieu of the country and forecasts multifaceted internal security threats. Thus, the study offers salient policy recommendations to ameliorate the crisis response by neutralizing the identified and forecasted conflictual issues. Social Science Review, Vol. 40(1), Jun 2023 Page 89-107
The highest importance is given to right speech in Buddhism. It plays a vital role in the present day context. There are enormous examples of speech to inflame violence and make separation among the people and even the world communities. It is hard to find out the path of peace and harmony among the society. Right speech can contribute significantly to building a harmonious and sustainable society to achieve SDG’s. Social Science Review, Vol. 40(1), Jun 2023 Page 151-163
This article aims to portray the impact of agricultural credit on agricultural production in Bangladesh using the Johansen co-integration method. However, the Johansen co-integration test requires the concerned variables to be in the same order of integration. Augmented Dickey-Fuller (ADF), Phillips Perron (PP), and Kwiatkowski, Phillips, Schmidt and Shin (KPSS) tests have been performed to check whether the variables contain a unit root. ADF, PP, and KPSS tests suggest that all variables- the natural logarithm of agricultural production, agricultural credit, fertiliser use, and agricultural employment- follow the integration of order one. The test results show that credit disbursed in agriculture and fertiliser usage significantly increase agricultural production in the long run. However, our study suggests that agricultural employment has a negative long-run effect on agriculture employment. Regarding post-estimation, we did not find any serial correlation in the Vector Error Correction Model (VECM) model, and residuals of the VECM model are also normally distributed. Our findings suggest that credit disbursed in the agricultural sector facilities needs to be augmented to increase and sustain agricultural output. Social Science Review, Vol. 40(1), Jun 2023 Page 109-128
The One Stop Shop (OSS) is a global concept that accelerates public and private service at the doorstep of citizens. Developing and developing countries have followed this approach to make public service citizen- cantered, inclusive and participatory. The government of Bangladesh has launched the one-stop-shop approach in the name of the Union Information and Service Center (UISC) as part of a partnership program. Over time, the number of one-stop shops has grown at Union, Paurashava and City Corporation level in Bangladesh. The objective of the study is to understand the existing one-stop-shop status in Bangladesh by analysing the role of One Stop Shop in promoting the provision of electronic services at the urban and rural levels. However, the study followed a qualitative design to achieve the goal of the study. Secondary data is collected through content analysis of relevant literature, books, journals and articles, etc. The study finds that there is a manpower (entrepreneurs) shortage and a lack of innovation in services in UDCs, PDCs and CDCs. Bangladesh has not been able to make significant progress and innovations to deliver dynamic public service at urban and rural level through the UDC, PDC and CDC. The study recommends initiating the provision of application-based public and private services through the UDCs, PDCs and CDCs. Social Science Review, Vol. 39(1), June 2022 Page 91-102
Recently, there has been a significant interest among the researchers to investigate the impact of Covid-19 pandemic on different economies of the world. While most of those studies focus on mac ro-economic perspective and are based on the western and developed economies, this study aims to investigate the impact of the pandemic on the money market of a developing economy (e.g., Bangladesh), the series of steps undertaken by the policy makers of the country and the consequences of those interventions on the liquidity of the money market based on the data from July 2018 to June 2021. Our analysis shows that the central bank of the country, Bangladesh Bank, without any delay implemented an expansionary monetary policy to ease the financial stress caused by the pandemic. We identified the policies adopted by the authorities included injecting liquidity, reducing interest rates, easing inflows of inward remittance, reducing CRR requirements, increasing Repo facilities at lower rates, reducing Annual Development Programme (ADP) implementation, borrowing from foreign channels instead of domestic markets etc. We also discussed the consequences (e.g., the record Foreign Exchange Reserve, a huge inflow of BDT liquidity in the market etc.) of the series of those interventions and outline the theoretical implications drawing on the findings. Social Science Review, Vol. 39(1), June 2022 Page 179-198
The emancipation of Bangladesh occupies a significant place in world history. Both men and women of Bangladesh valiantly participated in the liberation struggle and consequently, in the nation-building process. However, throughout the long period, liberation has been constructed as an exclusively male endeavour that ignores the contribution made by women in the process of bringing the nation into being. As women played an active and significant role in the process of constructing this nation, the need is now to reconstruct the traditional ways of representation as well as to see the role of women's leadership in the emergence of Bangladesh with a special focus on the life of Bangamata Sheikh Fazilatunnesa Mujib. In this regard, accommodating qualitative research methodology, more specifically the feminist research approach, this paper aims to explore the leadership of Bangamata by adorning the ‘Behavioural Theory of Leadership’ along with ‘Transformational Leadership Theory’ that emphasizes the actions, not on mental or inner characteristics of a leader. These theories centre on how an individual's surroundings structure that person into a leader. This paper has depicted the leadership of Bangamata in the creation of Bangladesh and its political-economic journey onwards. Social Science Review, Vol. 40(1), Jun 2023 Page 1-20
Motherhood, which generally relates to a combination of joy, pleasure, and fulfilment, frequently defines the social status of women within their families and communities. Although as a social institution, motherhood provides women with expanded authority and responsibilities, these are frequently defined by gendered social norms and behaviours. As a result, there is a significant disparity between the myths and celebratory appeal of motherhood and the everyday realities that mothers encounter. Particularly, among Dhaka’s middle-class, where professional mothers are expected to strike a balance between their personal and professional roles, the challenges and constraints of motherhood double. In Bangladesh, the societal pressure on women to become mothers and fulfil their obligations results in a gendered division of labour and multifaceted problems that hardly received adequate attention in existing feminist literature. This empirical study explored the meanings and manifestations of motherhood, as well as the tension, role conflict, and dilemma that middle-class mothers in Dhaka encounter in everyday personal and professional lives. Guided by the principles of feminist research methodology, this qualitative study employed twenty-five Life History Interviews (LHI) and two Focus Group Discussions (FGD) with professional mothers in Dhaka. The results of this ethnographic study indicate that professional mothers in Dhaka experience challenges with household chores, caregiving roles, and professional responsibilities, which add a triple burden to their everyday lives. Social Science Review, Vol. 40(1), Jun 2023 Page 57-72
This research intends to explore the complex dynamics between fatherhood and masculinities, and how these dynamics are shaped by different structural factors, which hinder the enactment of involved fatherhood in two generations of Bangladeshi fathers. It accumulates the voices and experiences of older and younger fathers living in Dhaka, Bangladesh. The findings demonstrate how the construction of fatherhood is influenced by Connell’s (1987) “hegemonic masculinity” ideology, where specific male identities – protectors and providers – are valued, at the cost of not performing involved or compassionate fatherhood. In addition, this study illustrates how the social expectations create pressure for men to fit in the prescribed categories; although, an attention is given towards the fluidity of hegemonic masculinity, and the challenges it faces from both generations’ fathers with the changing norms, and due to the practice of alternative masculinities – mostly by the young fathers. This research follows qualitative research methodology employing in-depth interviews and Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) to have a deeper insight of what happens when structural factors, masculinity and fatherhood collide. The study concludes that both generations fathers are opening towards involved fatherhood, yet traditional fatherhood still dominates the domestic spheres. Social Science Review, Vol. 39(3), Dec 2022 Page 113-131
Promoting entrepreneurship is a key approach to reducing youth unemployment and enhancing economic development. This paper aims to explore skill mismatch as a constraint to entrepreneurship in the leather sector of Bangladesh. The paper is a conceptual study and follows the worldview of critical realism. This study used one-to-one interviews and a survey based on a non-probability sampling procedure to supplement the conceptual analysis. The empirical findings were considered complementary evidence to the conceptual discussion. The study was designed to explore the issues related to skill mismatch through a conceptual analysis instead of aiming to make generalizable statistical inferences. The paper had two major findings. Firstly, the ability to develop ‘political connections’ is considered an important skill that entrepreneurs look for in their business partners and managers, especially at the early stage of business capital formation. Other forms of skills mismatch impose a high amount of cost on the entrepreneurs and function as an entry barrier to entrepreneurship. Secondly, entrepreneurs are not well incentivized to invest in training and up-skilling their workers due to the high risk associated with such investments. Social Science Review, Vol. 39(1), June 2022 Page 103-123
