MD. AMINUL ISLAM Dept. of Disaster Management (original) (raw)

Papers by MD. AMINUL ISLAM Dept. of Disaster Management

Disaster risk perception and risk appraisal are essential in formulating an appropriate disaster ... more Disaster risk perception and risk appraisal are essential in formulating an appropriate disaster risk reduction policy. This study examines the actual vs perceived drought risks by constructing risk indices at the household and expert levels using survey data from the lower Teesta River Basin in northern Bangladesh. The survey data were collected from 450 farmers using a structured questionnaire conducted between August and September 2019. A composite drought risk index was developed to understand households' perceived and actual risks in the designated areas. The results show that the actual and perceived risk values differ significantly among the three case study sites locally known as Ganai, Ismail, and Par Sekh Sundar. The risk levels also differ significantly across the households' gender, income, occupation, and educational attainment. People with insolvent socioeconomic status are more prone to drought risk compared to others. Results also reveal that the mean level of perceived risk agrees well with the actual risk, whereas females perceive comparatively higher risk than their male counterparts. Expert views on drought risk are similar to the individual household level perceived risk. The outcomes of this study would assist the policymakers and disaster managers to understand the concrete risk scenarios and take timely disaster risk reduction actions for ensuring a drought-resistant society.

The purposes of the study were to identify the causes and impacts of riverbank erosion on livelih... more The purposes of the study were to identify the causes and impacts of riverbank erosion on livelihood of Saheber Alga union at UlipurUpazila of Kurigram District. Questionnaire survey, key information interviews (KII) and focus group discussion (FGD) were conducted for data collection. The major causes of river bank erosion in the study area are flood, current storm, heavy rainfall, illegal sand extraction, shallow less of the river and geographic location. About 42% respondents suggested that flood is the main causes of riverbank erosion. The riverbank erosion has long term impact on livelihood and changes the livelihood pattern of people. About 32% respondents are suggested the main impact of river bank erosion is loss of land. From the study respondents also suggested the structural and non-structural measures to reduce the impacts of river bank erosion. About 51% respondents are suggested that embankment is the major structural measures of river bank erosion and 39% respondents are suggested that tree plantation is a best option of non-structural measures river bank erosion. Increased awareness, planned land use and implementation of the governmental policy that also helpful to combat the impact of riverbank erosion in the study area of Bangladesh.

The study was conducted at the ten govt. as well as private health care units (HCU) in Bogra town... more The study was conducted at the ten govt. as well as private health care units (HCU) in Bogra town of Bangladesh to find out the impacts of noise levels associated with health effects during the period from October 2017 to March 2018. Multi-Function Environmental Meter was used for measuring noise levels in the selected health care units. From the study the highest and lowest noise level were found in 2017 at Shahid Ziaur Rahman Medical College Hospital (107.7±4.37 dB) during the month of October and Annesha Clinic (60.3±1.81 dB) during the month of October, respectively. On the contrary, the highest and lowest noise levels in 2018 were found at Shahid Ziaur Rahman Medical College Hospital (109.7±4.7 dB) during the month of February and Modern Dental Care (59.5±1.11 dB) during the month of March, respectively. However, all of the recorded noise levels were exceeded the acceptable limit of 45 dB set by the DoE for day time in case of silent area. Concurrently a survey study was conducted with doctors, students, nurse/staff and patients. Most of the common problems occurred from noise pollution were identified as conversation, headache and hearing problems. To resolve the problem maximum respondents emphasized on awareness of visitors, banning of hydraulic horn, making sound barriers, and controlling visitors. However, the role of NGOs, researchers and professionals, media and concerned individuals is significant in minimizing the environmental hazards of noise pollution.

Fine particulate matter (PM 2.5) has become a prominent pollutant due to rapid economic developme... more Fine particulate matter (PM 2.5) has become a prominent pollutant due to rapid economic development, urbanization, industrialization, and transport activities, which has serious adverse effects on human health and the environment. Many studies have employed traditional statistical models and remote-sensing technologies to estimate PM 2.5 concentrations. However, statistical models have shown inconsistency in PM 2.5 concentration predictions, while machine learning algorithms have excellent predictive capacity, but little research has been done on the complementary advantages of diverse approaches. The present study proposed the best subset regression model and machine learning approaches, including random tree, additive regression, reduced error pruning tree, and random subspace, to estimate the ground-level PM 2.5 concentrations over Dhaka. This study used advanced machine learning algorithms to measure the effects of meteorological factors and air pollutants (NO X , SO 2 , CO, and O 3) on the dynamics of PM 2.5 in Dhaka from 2012 to 2020. Results showed that the best subset regression model was well-performed for forecasting PM 2.5 concentrations for all sites based on the integration of precipitation, relative humidity, temperature, wind speed, SO 2 , NO X , and O 3. Precipitation, relative humidity, and temperature have negative correlations with PM 2.5. The concentration levels of pollutants are much higher at the beginning and end of the year. Random subspace is the optimal model for estimating PM 2.5 because it has the least statistical error metrics compared to other models. This study suggests ensemble learning models to estimate PM 2.5 concentrations. This study will help quantify ground-level PM 2.5 concentration exposure and recommend regional government actions to prevent and regulate PM 2.5 air pollution.

The quality of water used for irrigation is one of the major threats to maintaining the long-term... more The quality of water used for irrigation is one of the major threats to maintaining the long-term sustainability of agricultural practices. Although some studies have addressed the suitability of irrigation water in different parts of Bangladesh, the irrigation water quality in the drought-prone region has yet to be thoroughly studied using integrated novel approaches. This study aims to assess the suitability of irrigation water in the drought-prone agricultural region of Bangladesh using traditional irrigation metrics such as sodium percentage (NA%), magnesium adsorption ratio (MAR), Kelley's ratio (KR), sodium adsorption ratio (SAR), total hardness (TH), permeability index (PI), and soluble sodium percentage (SSP), along with novel irrigation indices such as irrigation water quality index (IWQI) and fuzzy irrigation water quality index (FIWQI). Thirty-eight water samples were taken from tube wells, river systems, streamlets, and canals in agricultural areas, then analyzed for cations and anions. The multiple linear regression model predicted that SAR (0.66), KR (0.74), and PI (0.84) were the primary important elements influencing electrical conductivity (EC). Based on the IWQI, all water samples fall into the "suitable" category for irrigation. The FIWQI suggests that 75% of the groundwater and 100% of the surface water samples are excellent for irrigation. The semivariogram model indicates that most irrigation metrics have moderate to low spatial dependence, suggesting strong agricultural and rural influence. Redundancy analysis shows that Na +, Ca 2+ , Cl − , K + , and HCO 3 − in water increase with decreasing temperature. Surface water and some groundwater in the southwestern and southeastern parts are suitable for irrigation. The northern and central parts are less suitable for agriculture because of elevated K + and Mg 2+ levels. This study determines irrigation metrics for regional water management and pinpoints suitable areas in the drought-prone region, which provides a comprehensive understanding of sustainable water management and actionable steps for stakeholders and decision-makers.

Operational small-scale coal mining (OSCM) is one of the most significant sources of chromium (Cr... more Operational small-scale coal mining (OSCM) is one of the most significant sources of chromium (Cr) and lead (Pb) pollution in Bangladesh. Attempts to minimize or lessen the use of Cr and Pb in OSCM have shown unsatisfactory results, mainly because they need to address the sociotechnical complexity of pollution concerns in OSCM. This research adopts a multidisciplinary, sociotechnical approach to addressing Cr and Pb problems, coupling soil sampling for Cr and Pb with questionnaires of miners' and inhabitants' perceptions of pollution and its distribution. The study was undertaken in the Barapukuria coal basin in northwest Bangladesh. Except for mining areas (average of 49.80 ± 27.25 mg/kg), Cr levels in soils exceeded the world average in the periphery (73.34 ± 24.39 mg/kg, ~ 1.2 times) and residential areas (88.85 ± 35.87 mg/kg, 1.5 times the world standard of 59.5 mg/kg). Pb levels in soils exceeded national and global averages in mining (53.56 ± 37.62 mg/kg, ~ 1.9 times), periphery

The world has experienced unprecedented challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The present stud... more The world has experienced unprecedented challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The present study is designed to explore the strategies taken by the Bangladesh government and other countries to manage this pandemic. The study observed that several factors like government initiatives, soundness of medical centers, capacity, and preparedness, past experiences, economy, technological support, demographic structure, culture, social sentiment, attitude towards safety measures, and sensitivity to obey instructions, etc. are responsible for the successfully prevent and mitigate pandemic in Bangladesh and other countries. It was revealed that different countries responded COVID-19 pandemic differently. Bangladesh's government did not strictly follow draconian policy as most of the people need to work for livelihood. Several national programs were postponed to avoid mass gatherings. But during the lockdown, people enjoyed it as a public holiday. Again, people's attitude toward using safety measures was not satisfactory. There had an inadequacy of dedicated hospitals, tracing facilities, and PPE but telemedicine programs played a significant role. Based on analyzing the current status of health, the economy, and people's attitudes, it is recommended that the government of Bangladesh should be proactive in taking preventive measures for managing pandemics. Again, pandemic management capabilities such as health-facilities, dedicated doctors and staff, related testing facilities, people's knowledge of the pandemic, and incentives need to be increased.

This study examined the rainfall variability among Aus, Aman and Boro season from 1990 to 2020 in... more This study examined the rainfall variability among Aus, Aman and Boro season from 1990 to 2020 in Rangpur district of Bangladesh. In this study, rainfall data (1990-2020) was used which gathered from Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD). To investigate the seasonal rainfall variation, linear trend analysis was employed. The result of the study exposed that diurnal, monthly and seasonal variation of rainfall were found much anomalies, where annual rainfall increased in Aus and Boro season but decreased in the Aman season. The findings of this research ensure that rainfall has had significant changes in Aus, Aman and Boro season. These changes could have an unfavorable impact on rain-based agriculture in Bangladesh. For sustainable agriculture, various environmental techniques, thresholding, and nationwide rainfall analysis can be useful to support adaptation planning for the rain-driven agricultural economy in Bangladesh.

This study aims to identify the influencing elements and adaption techniques of slum residents wh... more This study aims to identify the influencing elements and adaption techniques of slum residents who moves due to climate change. From two slum areas in Rangpur district, a data base of 120 respondents was gathered using structured questionnaires in order to learn about the people's adaptation and migration processes as well as their current way of life. Most of the respondents (43.32%) only completed their primary education, and 54.15 percent of them have annual incomes of less than 1000 taka. Nearly 77% of people live in tin shacks. Due to river bank erosion, several respondents abandoned their village. Nearly 19% of them were from Mymensingh. Farmers made up about 45% of the respondents. However, as a result of losing their lands, more people, or around 63%, now work as a daily laborer. After migration they were forced to engage themselves in unskilled jobs like day laborer and rickshaw puller. Because of their educational status they couldn't afford themselves into better housing status but also they engaged their children to work to meet their daily need which was costlier than their native place. Due to this dilemma a larger number of the respondents' second generation were involved in an unskilled job also. This study is the baseline of the climate migrants' status because there's no research has been done regarding this issue in the north western region of Bangladesh. Since the city is developing recently so the city planner and policy makers should consider these people to involve them in skilled job so the society can get the maximum benefit from them and also improve their status of life.

The present study was designed to assess the biodiversity status at Ramsagar National Park (RNP) ... more The present study was designed to assess the biodiversity status at Ramsagar National Park (RNP) in Dinajpur district, Bangladesh period from June 2019 to August 2020. Data on the diversity of the floral and faunal species were gathered using the KII and FGD by forest-responsible persons especially bit officer and forest rangers. A total of 100 residents of the research area participated in a questionnaire survey to perform the study. The study's findings revealed that 10.09% of climber species, 31.95% of herbs, 13.45.1% of shrub species, and 44.51% of tree species made up the total floral diversity. According to the study, Ramsagar National Park's strong floral variety status was reflected by the Simpson's diversity index value of 0.97. On the other hand, 74.23% aves, 13.78% amphibians, 5.31% reptiles, 6.68% mammals and cultivated different types of fish species in the aquatic body were found in Park. According to the result of Simpson's diversity index, the status of the faunal diversity is very rich and diverse which was 0.93. In the park, there were various barriers to the conservation of biodiversity and the growth of ecotourism viz. poor planning and management, disregard for management authority, etc. The report recommended that the responsible government authority quickly take necessary action to increase staffing, obtain strong authorization, include the media, execute policies and regulations for conserving its biodiversity.

The study was conducted to investigate the relationship among Boro, Aus and Aman rice production ... more The study was conducted to investigate the relationship among Boro, Aus and Aman rice production with rainfall variation in Rangpur district of Bangladesh. In this study, rainfall and rice production data (1990-2020) were used which gathered from Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) and Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute (BARI), Rangpur, Bangladesh Rice Research Institute (BRRI), Rangpur and Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS). To investigate the relationship into rainfall and rice production, linear regression method was employed. The findings of this research ensure that rainfall has had significant effects on rice production but these effects diverge among three rice crops. Rainfall has a statistically significant effect on Boro and Aus rice and unfavorable effects on Aman rice production due to modern agricultural practices, improvement of technologies, irrigation pattern and use of proper fertilizers.