eISSN: 2789-2697, ISSN: 1563-0897 Khulna University Studies (abbreviated as KU Studies) is a peer reviewed journal published twice a year (June and December) by Khulna University. The journal publishes original research articles, reviews and short communications in the field of Arts and Humanities, Education, Fine arts, Law, Life Science, Management and Business Studies, Science, Engineering and Technology and Social Sciences.
Assessing the Influence of Housing Attributes on Rent in the Urban Context of Khulna
Rapid urbanization pressure is one of the major challenges of city corporation authorities in Bangladesh. House rents have become a major concern in Bangladesh. However, few studies have assessed the value of housing characteristics in the housing market in the southern region of Bangladesh. Hence, this study examines the value of housing characteristics on house rent in Khulna City, considering 180 respondents. The hedonic pricing method has been used to examine the value of four housing characteristics–structural, location, transportation, and neighborhood in the housing market. The study found that these housing characteristics explain the variation in housing rents significantly. Structural attributes–A shift of floor materials from tile to cement decreases house rent by 0.062 %, while a 1% increase in the number of rooms boosts house rent by 0.171%. Neighborhood characteristics–one discrete unit increase in a 5-point fire extinguishing system improvement scale from very poor to very good turnout, a 2.8% rent increase. Structural and neighborhood characteristics significantly influence the rental prices of both planned and unplanned areas. Further analysis showed that the rent of planned residential areas is more sensitive to noise pollution and school distance, whereas unplanned areas are more sensitive to income, bus stops, and the number of bedrooms. Furthermore, this study calculates the value of house attributes in the housing market of Khulna City. This study suggests that improving housing characteristics increases house rent, which in turn attracts effective urban planning and zoning regulations.
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Sociodemographic and Institutional Determinants of Subject Choice: A Case of Public University Students in Bangladesh
Subject choice is a critical decision in students’ academic and career trajectories, influenced by multiple determinants. This study was conducted to examine sociodemographic and institutional determinants that affect subject selection of the students at public university in Bangladesh. From 580 students, data were collected from a sample of 172 students using an online self-administrated questionnaire that was made available by multistage cluster random sampling method. The research recognized that parental education (p=0.045), employment (p=0.032), and wealth (p=0.023) had a good influence on the selection of science-related subjects by students. Equally, important institutional factors, including reputation (p = .045), subject status, and teaching quality (p = .004 and p = .012, respectively), were instrumental in predicting the subject(s) that were to be chosen. In this study the overall reliability of demographic index (DI) was Cronbach’s α = 0.558 whereas, for institutional index (II) it was Cronbach’s α = 0.939. However, the result of ANOVA suggested that the students those are studied in science and engineering faculty had relatively higher focus on socioeconomic status (p = 0.000) and institutional determinants (p = 0.002) than other faculty. Likewise, students from science background in HSC were more concerned on socioeconomic (p = 0.004) and institutional determinants (p = 0.009). The research suggests that authorities should increase financial support and provide necessary sustenance for the growth of pluralist and democratic educational environment in Bangladesh.
Framing Peace in Media Narratives and the Potential of Journalism in the Russia-Ukraine Conflict
The Russia-Ukraine conflict, intensified since 2022, has sparked polarized media coverage worldwide. This study investigates the role of peace journalism, a reporting style focused on nonviolent solutions and empathy, in the coverage of this ongoing crisis. Employing a content analysis of 100 news articles from four major international outlets (CNN, BBC, Russia Today, and Al Jazeera), the study assesses the prevalence and variations of peace journalism elements in Western and non-Western media. Results show that peace journalism features prominently in non-Western outlets, such as Al Jazeera and Russia Today, which often emphasize conflict resolution, people-oriented framing, and empathetic narratives. By contrast, Western outlets lean toward adversarial and binary frames, portraying Russia as an aggressor and omitting nuanced perspectives. Logistic regression analysis reveals that non-Western outlets and opinion articles are significantly more likely to incorporate peace journalism principles, suggesting structural and ideological influences on coverage styles. This study highlights how peace journalism may enhance public understanding of conflicts by fostering balanced narratives and promoting diplomatic solutions, especially in complex international crises like the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
Parental Awareness and Attitude towards Vaccination: A study among slum dwellers of Khulna City Corporation, Bangladesh
Childhood immunisation is vital for preventing fatal illnesses, yet disparities remain among urban slum populations in Bangladesh despite the Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI). This study examined vaccination prevalence, socio-demographic determinants, and parental knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions toward immunisation in Khulna City Corporation slums. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among parents in selected slum areas using semi-structured questionnaires. Data were analysed through univariate and bivariate methods. Almost half of parents (47.2%) could not identify vaccine names, reflecting a major knowledge gap. Neighbours were the main information source (55.7%), followed by healthcare providers (19.8%) and mobile alerts (11%). Government hospitals were the most common vaccination sites (87.3%). However, 12.7% of under-five children remained unvaccinated. Reported side effects included fever (10.2%), pain (6.4%), and rash (0.9%). Socioeconomic factors strongly influenced vaccination: male children (41.6%) were more likely to be vaccinated than females (14.8%). Higher parental education, marital status, and income were positively associated with uptake. Access to safe water, toilet facilities, and credible information sources further supported vaccination coverage. While immunisation is critical for reducing preventable diseases, gaps in awareness and socioeconomic inequalities hinder full coverage in slum communities. Strengthening education and awareness programs for low-income and less-educated parents, alongside addressing concerns about vaccine side effects, is necessary to improve vaccination uptake in urban Bangladesh.
Impact of Female-Unfriendly Sanitation on Adolescent Girls’ Well-being and Education in Khulna City
This study investigates the impact of female-unfriendly sanitation infrastructure on the health, dignity, and educational outcomes of adolescent girls in Khulna City, Bangladesh. Drawing on a cross-sectional survey of 150 students across public, private, and semi-government secondary schools, the research employs descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and correlation analysis to examine relationships between sanitation conditions and menstrual health, school attendance, and academic concentration. Findings reveal significant disparities in toilet cleanliness, availability of sanitary disposal facilities, and access to water and soap-conditions that disproportionately affect girls in private institutions. Notably, 38.7% of respondents reported discomfort during menstruation due to inadequate facilities, while 41.3% experienced reduced classroom concentration. Although all schools provided sanitary products, only two-thirds offered them free of charge, highlighting equity gaps. The study underscores the urgent need for gender-sensitive WASH interventions in school infrastructure, emphasizing the importance of clean, private, and well-equipped toilets to support girls’ health, reduce absenteeism, and promote inclusive education. Policy recommendations include targeted investment, inclusive budgeting, and participatory monitoring to ensure that schools become empowering spaces for all students.
Effect of Class Attendance on Academic Performance in the Higher Studies: A Case Study on the Department of Economics at Dhaka International University (DIU)
This study examines the impact of class attendance on academic performance among undergraduate students in the Department of Economics at Dhaka International University (DIU). Regular class attendance is crucial for academic success, fostering skills, knowledge, and engagement. Despite the importance of attendance, many students face challenges such as transportation issues, socio-economic constraints, and job commitments that hinder regular class participation. A sample of 181 undergraduate students from the DIU's Economics Department was surveyed between October 1 and October 20, 2024, to explore the relationship between attendance and academic performance, measured by Semester Cumulative Grade Point Average (SCGPA). Data were analyzed conducted through ordinary least squares (OLS) regression, revealing that both class attendance and engagement in extracurricular activities significantly contribute to higher SCGPA. Findings reveal a positive, significant correlation between class attendance and academic performance. Extracurricular engagement also positively affects SCGPA, while other factors like job status and study habits outside of class show no significant relationship. These results highlight the need for policies promoting attendance and support for students’ involvement in extracurricular activities.
Factors Affecting Academic Performance among Undergraduate Students at Khulna University
This study investigates how socioeconomic status and individual practices influence academic performance among undergraduate students at Khulna University, Bangladesh. Drawing on Human Capital Theory and Cultural Capital Theory, the research examines variables such as parental income, education, occupation, family structure, and students’ own behavioral traits. Using simple random sampling, a total of 155 students from diverse disciplines were surveyed. Tobit regression analysis was employed to assess the effects of both socioeconomic and behavioral factors on students’ Yearly Grade Point Average (YGPA). The findings reveal that parental education, income level, and occupational status significantly shape academic outcomes. Students from nuclear families and those with higher study hours and class attendance also perform better. Additionally, students financing their own education or coming from lower-income households show relatively lower academic achievement. The results underscore the multifaceted nature of academic success and emphasize the importance of targeted institutional and policy-level interventions to enhance educational equity in public universities. Future research could expand the scope to longitudinal designs and other institutional settings for broader generalizability.
Exploring the role of the One Stop Crisis Centre for supporting rape victims: A study in Dhaka Medical College Hospital
Rape is widespread in Bangladesh, and survivors often experience long-term physical, psychological, and social repercussions that are made worse by stigma and limited access to justice. The One Stop Crisis Centre (OCC) is the only government-created initiative in Bangladesh that offers rape victims one-stop assistance in different service categories, including health services, psychological counselling, legal advice, safe homes, and rehabilitation. Finding any gaps in the One Stop Crisis Centre's (OCC) service delivery is essential to effectively addressing the trauma experienced by rape victims and ensuring effective supports. Therefore, this paper investigates the role of the OCC of Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH) as a support centre for the rape victims in Bangladesh. Because of the sensitivity of this topic convenient sampling, purposive sampling and snowball sampling techniques were used. The study made use of qualitative techniques. To find out detailed information regarding the service delivery of the OCC, in-depth interviews (IDIs) and key-informant interviews (KIIs) were engaged as necessary research instruments In-depth Interviews were conducted on rape victims who had previously benefited from this OCC. The in-depth interviewees were questioned regarding the OCC’s service delivery, the attitude of the OCC personnel and the challenges the victims encountered. Caregivers who worked at the OCC for more than two years were regarded as key informants in assessing the program’s implementation status. The key-informant interviewees shared their work experiences, challenges they faced during service delivery and some recommendations for the betterment of this program. The study found that this OCC was capable of providing necessary medical services, counselling, and legal assistance. However, absence of 24/7 service, equipped lab, separate counselling room were the key impediments for rape survivors. Additionally, absence of trained female counsellors, female forensic examiners, and curtains during medical examination made their privacy in question. In the area of policy implications, this study suggested that providing one Stop service would be dynamic if the authority resolved issues such as insufficient staffing, poor staff capacity building, lack of trained professionals, inadequate awareness-raising programs and so on. Despite differences of opinion of the rape victims and their caregivers at the OCC of DMCH, this research concluded that OCC’s influence in supporting rape victims is commendable.
Climate Change, Cyclone AILA and Post-disaster Occupational Vulnerabilities of Fisherfolks: A Qualitative exploration in a South-west Coastal Upazila of Bangladesh
Climate change induced environmental conditions and disasters especially cyclone continuously create hostile effects on the livelihood of coastal people of Bangladesh. Fisherfolks are front line witnesses of climate changes on the coastal area. In coastal region, Dacope upazila is one of the most disaster-prone areas so this study aimed at to understand the climate change and post-cyclone induced occupational vulnerabilities of fisherfolks. Using a qualitative approach, qualitative research methods such as in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, and key informant interviews were used to collect data through face-to-face interviews from local fishers and community experts in Dacope of Khulna in Bangladesh. Respondents were selected through purposive sampling and the total sample size was 13 The results reveal that fisherfolks are struggling with numerous and prolonged occupational vulnerabilities. Climate change induced cyclones have led to the loss of fishing boats and equipment and forcing fishers to rent boats at high prices. Additionally, many have incurred significant debt to recover from the damages caused by these cyclones. Then, due to climate change effects like decreased fishing productivity, fisherfolk are catching fewer fish and experiencing a decline in fish variety than earlier. Increased salinity in the rivers, their fishing boats and equipment frequently get damaged and leading to high repair costs. Consequently, they are not earning enough by fishing, and they are being compelled to engage in secondary occupation, change occupation, and migrating to the urban areas. So, this study concludes at, to reduce vulnerabilities, government, Non-Government Organizations and associated authorities should work according to the needs, create social securities, and long-term disaster management activities are also needed.
Examining Levels and Social Correlates of Caregivers’ Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices toward Child Health Care Services in Khulna
The government of Bangladesh is striving to achieve the Sustainable Development Goal 3; however, Child Health Care (CHC) services continue to be a significant issue due to caregivers' insufficient knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAPs) toward CHC services. Despite various national health initiatives, gaps in awareness and utilization of CHC services persist, resulting in child morbidity and mortality. This study aims to examine the levels of KAPs of caregivers toward CHC services and its associated factors in Bangladesh. This study followed a quantitative approach, utilizing a survey method for data collection. A total of 280 respondents were selected by using a systematic random sampling procedure from caregivers of under-five children in Gadaipur Union, Paikgacha, Khulna who had used CHC services at least once and lived there for at least three years. Data were collected from the selected respondent’s in-person through an interview schedule in September 2023. Data management was conducted using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences software, and analysis involved descriptive statistics, including percentage distribution, as well as bivariate statistics, including significant value (p < 0.01, p < 0.05) of Spearman’s correlation. The study indicates that half of the caregivers exhibited low levels of knowledge, attitudes, and practices toward CHC services for their children. Significant (p < **0.01, p < 0.05) correlations were identified between caregivers' knowledge and various social factors, including age (.160*), education (.167**), income (.267**), and occupation (.227**). Positive associations were identified between caregivers' attitudes and various factors, including education (0.219**), income (0.174**), family income (0.211**), family expenditure (0.269**), and knowledge (0.460**). Positive correlations were also identified between caregivers' practices and various factors, including age (0.124**), family income (0.215**), family expenditure (0.223**), savings (0.339**), knowledge (0.379*), and attitudes (0.357**). To enhance caregivers' KAPs toward CHC services, strategies include promoting literacy through awareness programs, establishing a monitoring system, addressing socioeconomic barriers, and collecting caregiver feedback for improvements.
Risk Factors for Domestic Violence Against Women in South and Southeast Asian Countries: A Pooled Cross-sectional Study
Domestic violence against women encompasses actions or behaviors within an intimate relationship that inflict sexual, physical, and psychological harm on women. Domestic abuse is a scourge for women in underdeveloped countries. This study aimed to explore the risk factors associated with domestic violence against women. This study aimed to identify the risk factors associated with domestic violence against women. A total of 56,432 married women were selected from the DHS secondary data of nine developing countries for the study. Binomial logistic regression was employed for the analysis. The primary individual risk variables included a woman's age, education, professional qualifications, and exposure to parental abuse during childhood. Risk variables at the relationship level encompass cohabitation status (respondent's age when they started living with their partner), the partner's status regarding alcohol addiction and educational qualifications, and family structure. This study also identified several societal and community-level risk variables, including family inequality, social norms, media connectivity, women's religious status, and distinctions between rural and urban areas. The results focused on the multifaceted features of domestic violence. These insights are essential for formulating targeted interventions and public policies that advance gender equality, facilitate early prevention through education, and enhance community awareness.
Assessment of Livelihood Resilience in Hazard-prone Areas of Southwestern Bangladesh
This study examined the resilience of two unions (Uttar Bedkashi and Koyra) in Bangladesh's Khulna district to climate change-induced disasters concerning their livelihood sustainability. This study employed the Resilience Index Measurement and Analysis II (RIMA-II) methodology to assess the livelihood resilience of vulnerable populations in the southwest coastal region. A survey of 150 households in each union assessed their income, food accessibility, socio-demographics, agricultural and non-agricultural assets, farming practices and technologies, adaptability, sensitivity, and access to essential services. We conducted this study to determine their resilience capacities, encompassing their ability to adapt, absorb, and transform. After the data were merged, a composite index was used to compare the resilience scores. The findings of this study showed that Koyra was the most resilient in terms of income and food access, while Uttar Bedkashi may be resilient in terms of social safety nets. Overall, LRI revealed that Koyra union exhibited the highest resilience (0.46), while Uttar Bedkashi union demonstrated the lowest resilience (0.36). Providing loans, raising livestock, employing irrigation machinery, utilizing boats, applying fertilizers to agricultural fields, and relying on agriculture as the primary income source were recognized as key markers of resilience in the research area. To strengthen southwest coastal residents' resilience, local government, NGO, and public-private capacity-building programs should be developed. This study may help develop viable programs, adaptation strategies, and methods to improve southwestern coastal homes.
Using the Social Ecological Model to Identify Barriers and Facilitators to Adapting Disaster Risk Reduction Strategies by Southwestern Coastal Communities in Bangladesh: A Qualitative Investigation
Bangladesh has worked to improve disaster adaptation strategies in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 13 (climate action). Notwithstanding recognitions and efforts, Bangladesh's coastal villages continue to encounter numerous challenges and require assistance to manage natural disasters, which remain a largely underexplored field of inquiry due to the absence of epistemological scholarships incorporating a socio-ecological point of view. With that in mind, this study aims at identifying multiple-level barriers and enablers to adapting disaster risk reduction strategies by the coastal community at Sharankhola upazila in Bangladesh. Focus Group (FG) and In-Depth Interview (IDI) methods were used to collect data from the purposefully selected disaster-affected coastal community in Bangladesh. In this study, FGs and IDIs utilized an interview topic guide, which was constructed upon the principles of the Social Ecological Model (SEM). Data gathered from the three FG and six IDI participants were analyzed using Framework Approach underpinned by the SEM. Besides, the SEM has also been a cornerstone for preparing the conceptual blueprint of the study as well as organizing and interpreting the outcomes of the research. The findings related to barriers and facilitators to adapting disaster risk reduction strategies are discussed specifically under five broad themes: (i) individual-level, (ii) family-level, (iii) community and societal-level, (iv) organizational-level, and (v) policy-level barriers and facilitators. Barriers to adapting disaster risk reduction included inadequate knowledge about disaster adaptation, household financial instability, poor cyclone forecasting systems, inadequate cyclone shelters, and insufficient media exposure. By contrast, being younger, strong family ties, social cohesion among community members, relief assistance, and media outreach played supportive roles for coastal communities in adapting to disasters. This research identifies essential initiatives for improving adaptation strategies, including training to enhance coastal peoples’ adaptation capabilities, organizing community awareness programs to mitigate social stigma and gender-related issues, developing community infrastructure and security systems, and increasing mass media exposure.
Board Composition and Its Influence: The Role of Female and Independent Director in Promoting Financial Performance and CSR of Listed Banks and NBFIs
Board diversity with the participation of women and independent directors is believed to be beneficial for ensuring greater firm performance and promoting corporate social responsibility (CSR), which safeguards the interests of all stakeholders. This study examines the impact of female and independent board members on organizational performance and CSR in the financial sector of Bangladesh. The insights from this study will empower firms to design more strategic and effective board structures, fostering improved financial performance and sturdier stakeholder relations. To comprehend study aims, financial data from 34 listed banks and 23 listed NBFIs in Bangladesh were analysed for the period FY2018–FY2022. Firm performance was measured based on return on assets (ROA) and Tobin’s Q (TQ). The presence of independent directors provides mixed results in case of ROA and TQ. The study finds a meaningful negative impact of independent directors on ROA, while no significant relationship exists between board independence and TQ. Moreover, a gender diversified board has no noteworthy influence on the performance and CSR within the study context. These findings provide some recommendations to the firms to focus on strengthening board effectiveness by emphasizing expertise, engagement, and accountability rather than solely increasing diversity. Future research should explore additional factors, such as board engagement and governance quality, to better comprehend how board composition influences financial performance and CSR allocation.
Smart Banking App Adoption: Key Influences in Developing Countries with Rapid Tech Change
This study was intended towards analyzing the application of smart banking apps among banking customers and identifying the key factors influencing this adoption. Quantitative data were collected with close ended questionnaire. Variables were identified from concerned theoretical framework. A convenience sampling technique was employed, distributing questionnaires to 200 respondents. Various statistical tools and techniques were utilized to analyze the data. The main results indicate that performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence, facilitating conditions, price value, and trust are key factors influencing the use of smart banking apps. Additionally, the two most significant factors determining whether a consumer will use smart banking application services are effort expectancy and trust. Banks can gain valuable insights from this study regarding the variables that influence consumer acceptance and utilization of smart banking applications. Recognizing the key factors that impact user adoption and usage is essential for effectively designing, developing, implementing, and improving smart banking app services.
Climate Change Induced Vulnerabilities of Urban Poor in Small Coastal Towns: Experiences from the Mongla Port Municipality
Climate change is one of the most critical and alarming issues facing the world today, with Bangladesh being one of the most vulnerable countries. The rapid changes in weather patterns and related issues in the southern and southwestern regions of Bangladesh highlight the significant impact of climate change. While the effects on rural populations are well-documented, urban populations also face severe challenges, with the urban poor being particularly vulnerable. The dynamics vary widely and are different for small coastal cities than the large metropolitan cities. This study aims to understand the major challenges faced by urban poor populations and how these challenges are compounded by climate change in Mongla Port Municipality. It also seeks to explore their adaptation strategies, and the institutional structures supporting them. Mongla Port the second-largest seaport in Bangladesh, is taken as the case study. Primary data were collected through field surveys using random sampling methods. Five major categories of challenges—settlement, water and sanitation, road and drainage, health, and income with their micro-level difficulties were explored. Interviews with the relevant institutions were done to understand interventions to mitigate the challenges. The impact of climate change varies depending on their location, distance from the urban centre, the status of the surrounding slums, and the availability of embankments. The intensity of different disasters also varies by location, influencing the different adaptation strategies used by the urban poor. Interventions by different government and non-government organizations have been found case and event-specific, while structural adjustment and flow of resources are being found irregular and scant.
Prevalence and Factors Associated with Depression, Anxiety, and Perceived Stress among Khulna University Students, Bangladesh
Depression, anxiety, and perceived stress, these three considerable indicators of mental health are usually influenced by several socio-demographic and socio-economic factors which may vary among different clans, cultures, and countries. Hence, identifying influencing factors for different groups is an essential need. The objective of this study is to investigate the prevalence and determinants of depression, anxiety, and perceived stress among Khulna University students. A cross-sectional study was conducted by using a self-reported questionnaire at Khulna University, involving 365 students from various academic years. The study employed descriptive statistics and Chi-square tests to find the prevalence and identify significant connections between categorical dependent and independent variables. Binary logistic regression was performed to identify the potential influencing factors with 95% CI, and the significance level was set at p< 0.05. Depression, anxiety, and stress were present at a noticeable prevalence rate, where more than half of the students had depression and perceived stress. Father’s education was found to be a highly influential factor for all of depression, anxiety, and perceived stress. Poor health students, especially males, were highly exposed to depression and anxiety. Sleeping hours also influenced depression (AOR=3.01; CI: 1.21-7.51) and anxiety (AOR=0.54; CI: 0.31-0.93). Moreover, final-year undergraduate and postgraduate students were more likely to experience perceived stress (AOR=2.72; CI: 1.29-5.74) than first-year undergraduate students. Authorities and policymakers should adopt interventions that improve mental well-being as well as make students aware of healthy lifestyles, including sufficient sleeping habits, prioritizing the more vulnerable groups like male students with poor health.
Between Concrete and Crops: A Geo-Spatial and Qualitative Analysis of Ecological and Social Costs of Peri-Urban Growth in Khulna
Farmland decrease is a global phenomenon which is largely observed in peri-urban areas of a city. To explain the pattern and process of rapid urban transformation led impacts on farmers of Jalma Union of Khulna, this study followed a mixed method strategy. Using the state of art methodology, this study identified the pattern and process of sprawl from year 2011 to 2025 using a supervised classification algorithm, Random Forest in Google Earth engine platform. Furthermore, spatial analysis is conducted to identify the major urbanization impact zones. In qualitative part, field observations in terms of semi-structures interviews, discussion sessions with farmers, local residence, local elites, scholars provided valuable insights about the impacts (mostly negative) of peri-urbanization and policy discourses. Findings show that, peri-urbanization in Khulna is drastically changing the rural landscape over the last decade where it consumed around 1572 hectares of farmland between 2011-2025. Ecological cost of urban sprawl is staggering as it has caused a total decline of ecosystem value worth 3.83 million US $ ha-1yr-1 between 2011 and 2025, while losing of US $ 8.67 million in farmland. The interviews and discussions with the diverse respondents revealed five major themes persist in Jalma union related to rapid decline of farmland: land loss, displacement, land value inflation, water scarcity, and social segregation. Peri-urbanization in Jalma represents a “path-dependent” urban expansion characterized by institutional vacuum and speculative growth. Therefore, this study calls for robust, enforceable zoning regulations, equitable land-use planning, and targeted interventions that safeguard the rights and well-being of farming communities.
Comparative Analysis of Biophilic and Non-Biophilic Hostel Designs in a Tropical Climate: A case of University of Ibadan, Nigeria
Various strategies have been implemented to alleviate the effects of ozone layer depletion on household comfort in both tropical and other climates. Some approaches focus on building structures, while others investigate the airspace between roofing and ceilings, and some embrace biophilic elements. However, there is a lack of research on the effectiveness of biophilic elements, particularly in tropical regions like Nigeria, which this study aims to address. This research explores a comparative analysis of biophilic and non-biophilic hostel designs in a tropical climate, specifically at the University of Ibadan. The objective is to compare environmental parameters between biophilic and non-biophilic hostels in the study area. To achieve this, indoor air temperatures for high biophilic design (IT-HBD) and non-biophilic design (IT-NBD) were measured using K-type thermometers in accordance with ASTM E1 and E77 standards. Concurrently, indoor relative humidity for high biophilic design (IRH-HBD) and non-biophilic design (IRH-NBD) was measured using a digital psychrometer based on ISO 14644-16 standards. Data were analyzed statistically using graphical representation and a t-test at p<0.05. The indoor air temperatures for IT-HBD in the morning, afternoon, and evening were 29.9-27.9°C, 37.1-31.4°C, and 35.4-24.3°C, respectively, indicating high moisture content in the air, which leads to lower temperatures due to the influence of biophilic elements. In contrast, IT-NBD recorded temperatures of 32.5-30.5°C, 37.5-32.6°C, and 35.4-29.3°C, showing lower humidity and resulting in higher indoor temperatures. Similarly, IRH-HBD ranged from 60% to 77%, 55% to 65%, and 60% to 69%, indicating adequate moisture for indoor cooling. Conversely, IRH-NBD ranged from 60% to 68%, 55% to 64%, and 51% to 63%, reflecting lower humidity levels that contribute to higher temperatures. The statistical analysis revealed that the mean air temperature for NBD (Mean = 32.35, SD = 2.37) is significantly higher than that of HBD (Mean = 29.50, SD = 3.53).Comparatively, incorporating high biophilic elements in hostel design provides substantial benefits over non-biophilic designs. Therefore, designing residences with biophilic features can greatly enhance comfort in buildings. The findings of this study contribute valuable insights into how indoor comfort can be achieved through biophilic elements.
Towards Resilient Urban Governance: Integrating the Bangladesh Army in Earthquake Disaster Management
This study provides a critical examination of the feasibility and necessity of incorporating the Bangladesh Army into the nation’s disaster management architecture, specifically targeting the seismic vulnerability of its urban centres. While Bangladesh has achieved global recognition for its resilience against hydro-meteorological hazards such as cyclones and floods, its urban governance structures remain dangerously unprepared for high-impact, low-frequency seismic events. This paper interrogates the “governance gap” between the military’s logistical prowess, characterised by rapid deployment and discipline, and the civilian administration’s policy frameworks, which currently relegate the military to a reactive role. Utilising a hybrid thematic analysis of secondary data, including government reports, military doctrines, and international comparative studies, this research identifies systemic institutional bottlenecks: specifically, fragmented civil-military coordination, a lack of specialised Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) doctrine within the armed forces, and political hesitancy regarding the militarisation of civilian governance. The analysis reveals that while the Bangladesh Army is the de facto first responder for major crises, its current capabilities are optimised for surface-level logistics rather than the technical complexities of extracting victims from collapsed urban infrastructure. The study proposes a revised National Plan for Disaster Management (NPDM) that institutionalises the military’s role through pre-authorised “Aid to Civil Authority” mandates, focusing on heavy resource mobilisation and engineering support. By synthesising lessons from the Indonesian TNI’s “Military Operations Other than War” and the Japanese “Self-Defence Force” integration with local prefectures, the research suggests that Bangladesh must move beyond ad-hoc arrangements to a formalised partnership that leverages military strength while preserving democratic civilian oversight.
Automated Class Scheduling: Ensuring Conflict-Free and Optimized Timetables
Class scheduling is a crucial task for academic institutions. It requires careful allocations of classes of different courses while avoiding conflicts. Manual scheduling is often time-consuming, requires multiple revisions for optimization, and is difficult to manage when conflicts arise. In this paper, we propose an automated class scheduling system that ensures conflict-free schedules while maximizing gaps between consecutive classes of the same course, where possible. Our system takes into account key scheduling constraints, such as class duration, the number of classes per course per week, the gap between the classes of each course, conflicts from overlapping classes within the same semester or for the same course teacher, and the avoidance of scheduling classes during breaks or after the designated end time of the academic day. We validate our approach using real-world academic data from a discipline at Khulna University, demonstrating its practicality and efficiency. The results show that our system effectively eliminates scheduling conflicts and reduces administrative workload. Our solution is ready for immediate implementation in any academic institution.
Bacteriological quality assessment of drinking water from different sources within Khulna University
Water is a vital element for the survival of every being on earth including humans. However, many people fall into illness and even face death due to the unavailability of safe drinking water. Therefore, a cross-sectional study was carried out to isolate and detect the microbial contamination in drinking water from 10 different sources (including water from five residential halls, three academic buildings and two tea stalls behind the life science school) within Khulna University. Drinking water collected from Khan Jahan Ali Hall (KJH) showed the highest total coliform concentration (7.2×103 CFU/100ml), whereas the lowest value (0.33 ×103 CFU/100ml) was in water from Bongomata Begum Fazilatunnessa Muijb Hall (BFH), indicating the contamination of the water. Moreover, fecal coliform (Escherichia coli is 2 × 10³ CFU/100 ml) was also present in drinking water of BFH source. Conversely, water samples collected from three academic buildings showed no bacterial growth, likely due to the use of filtration systems. This absence of contamination may explain the greater preference for water from these sources, reflecting a higher level of trust in its quality. The microorganisms responsible for the observed microbial contamination were identified as Yersinia spp., Klebsiella spp., Salmonella spp., Escherichia coli, Shigella spp., and Vibrio spp. This study concludes the presence of gram-negative bacteria in several water sources within Khulna University necessitates water treatments to ensure safe drinking water.
Climate Change Stressors and Adaptive Responses in Shrimp Farming: A Systematic Review of Emerging Synbiotic Technologies
Aquaculture faces significant challenges due to climate change, with shrimp production particularly jeopardized by the vulnerability of shrimp physiology and immune responses to climatic fluctuations. Emerging synbiotic technology in aquaculture combines probiotics and prebiotics to enhance animal health, promote growth, and increase disease resistance. Following a systematic review of the literature, Boolean search method was performed to explore how climate-induced stresses influenced shrimp production performance and synbiotic technology improve shrimp production. This systematic literature review adhered to PRISMA 2020 and employed a Boolean search method within the Scopus database to acquire 161 articles. A systematic thematic synthesis of 80 peer-reviewed articles published between 2015 and 2025 was performed after the application of inclusion and exclusion criteria. The findings indicate that prolonged rainfall, fluctuating salinity, and temperature fluctuations directly hinder shrimp growth, enzyme functionality, and immune responses, destabilize the gut microbiome, and increase susceptibility to illnesses. Environmental stress leading to physiological deterioration primarily stemmed from mineral ion imbalances and oxidative damage. Mitigating adverse conditions by improved aeration, optimized water management, and selective breeding offers partial remedies; however, novel microbial technologies have emerged as particularly promising options. The synbiotics exhibited synergistic benefits by increasing antioxidant defenses, stabilizing gut microbiota, and upregulating immune genes, thereby improving the shrimp's tolerance to climate stress. This review highlights the application of synbiotics as a novel strategy for sustainable and climate- resilient shrimp production.
Chitosan Coating Maintains Postharvest Quality and Extends Shelf Life of Dragon Fruit (Hylocereus spp.)
Although dragon fruit is gaining popularity worldwide, its postharvest management remains a major challenge due to rapid quality deterioration under ambient conditions. This study investigated the effect of chitosan coating on the postharvest quality and shelf life of three dragon fruit varieties (pink-, white-, and yellow-fleshed) using four concentrations of chitosan solution (control, 0.1%, 0.3%, and 0.5%) in a Completely Randomized Design with three replications. Significant variations were observed in physico-chemical parameters, including weight loss, firmness, total soluble solids, titratable acidity, vitamin C, total flavonoid and carotenoid contents, antioxidant activity, and shelf life. At 9 days after storage, pink-fleshed fruits coated with 0.5% chitosan exhibited the best quality attributes—lowest weight loss (3.2%), lowest TSS (10.67 °Brix), and highest firmness, vitamin C, flavonoid, carotenoid, and antioxidant levels—resulting in a shelf life extension to approximately 17 days, compared to 9 days in uncoated fruits. The findings highlight the novel use of 0.5% chitosan as a natural, biodegradable coating for maintaining the quality of dragon fruits under ambient storage, offering a practical and sustainable alternative for postharvest management where cold storage facilities are limited.
Antibiotic Use Pattern in Dairy Cattle and Farmers' Perception of its Impact on Public Health in a Selected Area of Khulna District
This study examined the pattern of antibiotic use in dairy cattle and farmers’ perception of its effects on public health in a selected area of Khulna District, Bangladesh. Data were collected from sixty (60) farmers associated with dairy farms through survey using interview schedule. About one-third of farmers used antibiotics, typically on advice from informal practitioners rather than veterinarians. About half of dairy farmers used antibiotics to treat sick animals while the remaining portion applied it for various purposes like growth promotion and boosting of milk yield. More than two-third of the dairy farmers in the studied area were not aware of the adverse effects of antibiotics residue on human health. Similarly, a large portion of them (85.71%) were ignorant of the removal period. The results highlight the necessity for awareness training, strict implementation of antibiotic rules, and enhanced veterinary regulation to mitigate public health hazards rising from antibiotic residues in milk.
Application of Chitin Nanofiber as A Nitrogen Source Improves Growth and Yield of BRRI Dhan28
Rice is the principal crop, a key component of food security, and a cultural staple of Bangladesh. However, growing rice requires a lot of urea, which is easily lost through denitrification, volatilization, leaching, and runoff. A pot experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of chitin nanofiber (CNF) as a nitrogen source on the growth and yield of BRRI dhan28 at the Nursery of Forestry and Wood Technology Discipline, Khulna University, Bangladesh, from February to May 2022. Four CNF concentrations—0.1%, 0.2%, 0.4%, and Control (without CNF)—were used in the completely randomized design (CRD) trial, which was duplicated seven times. Before and after transplanting, varying amounts of CNF were added to the soil. CNF application to the soil had a statistically significant effect on total biomass and leaf chlorophyll content index at 64 days after transplanting (DAT), tiller number hill-1 at 41 DAT. In comparison to the control treatment, which typically produced lower values, the experimental results showed that 0.4% CNF produced numerically higher plant height (87.88 cm), tiller number (26.00 hill-1), grain yield (10.08 g hill-1), total filled grain (580.50), straw weight (40 g hill-1), total biomass (50.08 g hill-1), 1000-grain weight (17.22 cm), and panicle length (21.05 cm). Heat stress was likely the cause of the low growth and yield characteristics, such as grain yield and harvest index. Thus, 0.4% CNF may be considered for rice cultivation based on the results. In Bangladesh and other countries, this knowledge may contribute to improved rice cultivation practices and a reduction in chemical fertilizer use; however, further research is warranted.
Reviewing the Abolishment of the Death Penalty in Bangladesh through the Lens of Human Rights
In Bangladesh, the death penalty has been a topic of controversy and discussion. This study evaluated the death penalty-related legal provisions existing in Bangladesh from the point of view of international human rights and empirically explored the prospects and main challenges or barriers to abolishing the death penalty in Bangladesh. This study employed the interpretative approach of the quantitative method for data analysis. Data was retrieved from secondary sources for the purpose of studying and evaluating the death penalty-related legal provisions. In an interpretative approach, data was retrieved from 30 general people and 20 legal experts by interviewing them with two distinctive sets of questions for each. Such demonstrations led the study to find that the general public lacks knowledge regarding human rights. After analyzing the data, the author found that while the majority of respondents said that Bangladesh should not abolish the death penalty, they did believe that life in prison could serve as an alternative and more suitable punishment. However, putting life in prison requires stability in the country's socioeconomic structure, which puts forward a barrier to Bangladesh's abolishing the death penalty.
Accessing the Views of General People on Regarding the Rights to Inheritance of a Hindu Daughter: A Study on Girls of Khulna University
Women typically do not receive a share of their parents' and spouses' property under the existing Hindu inheritance law, or if they do, it is not to the same degree as male family members in most cases. Our nation forbids Hindu women from inheriting their fathers' property. The government's political barriers or restrictions imposed by religious leaders are just two of the challenges Hindu women striving for their rights may encounter. The essay aims to identify the causes of the prejudice and injustice experienced by Hindu women. In order to prove women's rights to inheritance in Bangladesh, the study will also present the psychological and sociological elements of women. To find out why Hindu women are not allowed to own property, the study's author interviewed several female students at Khulna University.
Gender, Society, and Expression: An Analysis of the Subject Matter of Bangladeshi Visual Women Artists
This study investigates how societal influences shape the subject matter and artistic expression of Bangladeshi women artists, addressing the underexplored intersection of gender, identity, and sociocultural norms in the context of contemporary Bangladeshi art. Despite increasing participation of women in the arts, limited research exists on how societal expectations and gender roles affect their creative decisions and professional development. To bridge this gap, the study adopts a qualitative, phenomenological methodology, employing thematic analysis of in-depth interviews and artworks. The research explores how women artists internalize, resist, or reinterpret socio-cultural pressures through their work, revealing that art often serves as a psychological coping mechanism and a means of social commentary. Findings highlight that these artists navigate complex intersections of personal identity and societal expectation, using art both as self-expression and as a tool to challenge normative structures. This study contributes to a deeper understanding of the sociocultural dynamics influencing women artists in Bangladesh.
Students’ Attitude and Experience towards CAELL: A Case Study on Social Science School, Khulna University
This paper reveals undergraduate students’ attitudes to and experiences of Computer Assisted English Language Learning (CAELL) at Social Science School, Khulna University. Because of the advancement of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, teachers prefer digital tools to teach English language. Besides, English is the medium of instruction at Social Science School. So, students’ attitudes to and experiences of using computer to learn English are worth studying. This study is based on a mixed-method approach and its data is collected through a multi-stage random sampling. It incorporates two research tools: a questionnaire survey where 391 students participated and an interview strategy where 21 students responded. Data analysis and tabulation are accomplished by Stata. The theoretical basis of this study is on the interaction account of the SLA. The findings of the study expose that students have positive attitudes towards and neutral experiences in CAELL. Besides, the students face some challenges like lack of materials and resources; absence of language lab and multimedia classrooms; uninterrupted internet connections; and want of training sessions and workshops. Hence, this study recommends how to overcome these impediments and help students through Computer Assisted English Language Learning.