19/06/2025
ULAB GED Students experienced climate adaptation observing the culture of resilience of Manta community through recent field trip to Jorakhal, Bhola
Dated : February 21-22, 2025
Destination: Jorakhal, Manta/ Bedey Fisherfolk community, Rajapur, Bhola
Conducted by: General Education Department (GED), University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh (ULAB),
Supported by CQS ULAB & Lokojog Team
Led by : Ahmed Abidur Razzaque Khan Ph.D. Assistant Professor, course instructor, SSC 2146, Globalization, and lead research of CQS project on Manta
From February 20–22, 2025, 29 students of the Spring 2025 “Globalization” course (SSC 2146) at the University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh (ULAB), led by Dr. Ahmed Abid, conducted a field trip to Jorakhal, Rajapur, Bhola. The purpose was to study the climate resilience and everyday challenges of the Manta (Bede) fisherfolk community. The trip was supported by the General Education Department (GED), Centre for Qualitative & Critical Studies (CQS), and partner organization JAGO NARI, with additional guidance from experts Dr. M. Asaduzzaman, Lucy Tripti Gomes, and Jakir Hossain.
The students engaged directly with around 24 families, conducting interviews and observations on issues such as health, sanitation, education access, and the effects of climate change. A large community consultation involving 120 families was also organized, leading to a consensus on establishing a pre-primary school for Manta children.
This research-focused visit was part of a larger CQS project supported by the Ministry of Cultural Affairs (MoCA), aiming to promote inclusive development through education, policy awareness, and climate action. The student groups are now preparing final research presentations based on the data collected.
Here are the relevant SDG numbers included in this initiative:
✅ SDG 1: No Poverty
The study explored the economic conditions of the Manta community and sought solutions for livelihood security.
✅ SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
The field trip investigated health and sanitation issues faced by the community, especially vulnerable groups like children and women.
✅ SDG 4: Quality Education
The community consultation resulted in the decision to establish a pre-primary school for Manta children, ensuring access to early education.
✅ SDG 5: Gender Equality
The trip included gender-focused researchers, and the role of women in education and resilience was highlighted.
✅ SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
Access to safe drinking water was identified as a major community need and discussed in the consultation.
✅ SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
The project worked to highlight the social marginalization of the Manta/Bede community and promote inclusive development.
✅ SDG 13: Climate Action
The trip directly addressed climate change impacts on fisherfolk livelihoods and community adaptation mechanisms.
✅ SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
The project was a collaborative effort among ULAB, CQS, JAGO NARI, Lokojog, and supported by MoCA — demonstrating multi-stakeholder partnership for sustainable development.