Climate change has wrought multifaceted impacts on the lives of individuals residing in
the southwestern region of Bangladesh, encompassing challenges related to food
security, malnutrition, income, and more. Consequently, communities in the southwest
have grappled with heightened levels of unemployment, exacerbating their already
fragile livelihoods in the face of extreme weather events.

In response to these challenges, LEDARS, a research-driven development
organization, has embarked on a mission to mitigate the adverse effects of climate
change through comprehensive research and dissemination of information. As part of its endeavors, LEDARS has initiated a program offering scholarships to researchers
tasked with investigating local issues prevalent in the coastal areas of Bangladesh. By
collaborating with LEDARS, these researchers conduct in-depth studies aimed at
highlighting previously overlooked concerns at both national and international platforms,
with the support of scholarships provided for their endeavors.

Recently, LEDARS issued a call for research grant applications, receiving a substantial
number of submissions. Following a rigorous selection process, LEDARS identified four
promising proposals, culminating in the signing of agreements with the chosen
researchers on April 23, 2024.

The recipients of these scholarships and their respective research topics are as follows:

Md. Habibur Rahman from Khulna University, whose research centers on the
“Climate Change Adaptation Strategy of Coastal Indigenous Community in
Southwestern Bangladesh.”
These esteemed researchers are poised to delve into their respective topics, offering
valuable insights and potential solutions to the issues plaguing their communities. We
extend our best wishes for the success of their endeavors, confident in their ability to
contribute meaningfully to the discourse surrounding climate change and its
ramifications on vulnerable populations.

Md. Rayhan Kabir Shuvro from the University of Liberal Arts Research, whose
study focuses on the “Impact of Climate Change on Marital Relationships of
Munda Community in Satkhira.”

Md. Ismael, representing the National University, whose research delves into the
“Challenges Faced by Disabled Students to Pursue their Education in
Bangladesh.”