Research

This study examines how land use/cover (LULC) changes influence habitat quality and rarity on Saint Martin’s Island, a fragile coral ecosystem in the Bay of Bengal. Using satellite imagery (2014-2024) and the MOLUSCE tool, future LULC patterns for 2034 were projected, while the InVEST Habitat Quality Model evaluated current and predicted ecological conditions. Results indicate declines in vegetation, farmland, and coral reefs, alongside increases in built-up and bare land. Habitat quality is projected to decline, while rarity increases, especially in the southern and northern-central zones with coral colonies and inland water bodies. Request full text.

This study evaluates sector-wise vulnerability and capacity in Hizla, a climate-vulnerable island in Bangladesh, with a focus on exposure to cyclones, floods, and river erosion. It identifies key vulnerability indicators, including health, shelter, and ecosystem impacts, while assessing the community's capacity to respond to these threats. The results reveal that vulnerability outweighs resilience, with significant weaknesses in health infrastructure, shelter, and food security. Strengths include access to sanitation facilities, knowledge of water purification, climate/disaster management, irrigation practices, and diversified income. Read full article.

In this work, we analyzed historical climatological data (temperature, rainfall, wind speed, and humidity) from 1961 to 2019 for Barishal, a south-central coastal region of Bangladesh. The analysis identified clear trends of rising temperatures, declining rainfall, and slight increases in wind speed and relative humidity. The annual average maximum and minimum temperatures increased by 0.0055°C and 0.0087°C per year, respectively, while rainfall showed a decreasing trend, particularly during the monsoon and pre-monsoon seasons. These climatic shifts highlight growing challenges for agriculture and urban development in the region. Read full article.

Using the Statistical DownScaling Model (SDSM) with CanESM2 data, this study projects temperature and rainfall in south-central Bangladesh under RCP 2.6, 4.5, and 8.5 for the early, mid, and late 21st century. Results indicate rising temperatures and rainfall across most stations, except Barishal, where rainfall may decline despite warmer conditions. By the 2080s, Khepupara could see a 585 mm increase in annual rainfall, while Patuakhali’s maximum temperature may rise by about 1°C. These projections highlight the region’s climate vulnerability, emphasizing the need for targeted adaptation strategies in agriculture, water management, and public health.

This research analyzes two decades (2002-2022) of satellite imagery to evaluate morphological changes, shoreline dynamics, and coastal stability on Bhasan Char Island in the northern Bay of Bengal. The island expanded from 5,997 ha to 12,822 ha, gaining about 12.7 km of shoreline through erosion-accretion processes influenced by the Ganges-Brahmaputra-Meghna river system and tidal forces. Despite frequent cyclone exposure and shifting sediment patterns, Bhasan Char has demonstrated resilience and structural stability. The findings offer valuable insights for sustainable coastal management, disaster risk reduction, and refugee resettlement planning.

We developed a Coastal Vulnerability Index (CVI) for the western coastal region of Bangladesh, an area highly sensitive to cyclones, floods, erosion, and saline intrusion. Using eight criteria, the CVI was generated through spatial analysis of multiple thematic layers. The results indicate that ~64.28% of the coastline (79 km) is highly to very highly vulnerable, mainly due to low elevation, gentle slopes, storm surges, sandy beaches, high erosion rates, and sea-level fluctuations. Around 21.43% is moderately vulnerable, characterized by lower erosion and higher elevation, while 14.29% is classified as low vulnerability, with limited erosion and higher elevations.

We analyzed land use and land cover (LULC) changes in Barishal City Corporation from 1980 to 2020 using geospatial analysis and socio-economic data. The built-up area grew nearly tenfold, while agricultural and fallow lands declined by about 1,355 ha and 947 ha, respectively. Urban expansion was concentrated in the eastern, southeastern, and northwestern parts of the city. Population growth and migration (89%) were the primary drivers of urbanization, with employment opportunities (37%) and business needs (37%) identified as key migration factors. These findings highlight the urgent need for sustainable urban planning and land management.

This study analyzes 48 years (1972-2020) of morphological change in the Kirtonkhola River using geospatial and geotechnical data. Erosion dominated, with a net loss of 739.77 ha and a gain of 569.67 ha. The right bank was predominantly erosional, while the left bank was accretion-dominant. The increasing sinuosity index (SI) indicates greater meandering, making some areas more vulnerable to instability. Geotechnical analysis shows how variations in bank materials and river characteristics contribute to this instability. The results highlight the need for effective riverbank management to mitigate erosion and safeguard communities, infrastructure, and agriculture.

In this project, we applied a GIS-based Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) framework to identify suitable landfill sites in Barishal, Bangladesh, by evaluating eight spatial and environmental factors: land use, slope, groundwater depth, upper clay thickness, and proximity to roads, buildings, surface water, and the airport. The results indicate that 43.5% of the city area is restricted, with the existing dumping site located within this zone. The most suitable sites lie in peripheral, sparsely populated areas characterized by stable geology and good accessibility. The findings provide a scientific basis for sustainable waste management in Barishal.