M. Rezaul Islam

University of Dhaka · Institute of Social Welfare and Research

The Oxford Handbook of Power, Politics, and Social Work is an attempt to develop evidence-based literature on how social work evolves and performs in a particular political system. This handbook brings together 51 chapters from 32 countries that represent different regions and regimes. In several chapters, the authors provide an overview of the fac...

In the study, we aimed to assess the public perceptions of the prevalence, satisfaction and challenges of electronic health (e-health) services in Bangladesh. An online survey with a self-administered structured interview was conducted with 150 respondents to collect general perceptions from people living in rural and urban areas. The study reveale...

Internet addiction has emerged as a concerning issue among adolescents, impacting their learning behavior and overall well-being. This article utilizes a content analysis methodology to explore the relationship between internet addiction and learning behavior among adolescents by reviewing relevant literature. The conceptual framework examines the...

This article discusses the nature and characteristics of the Social Action Project (SAP) and its effectiveness in promoting youth leadership through community engagement. SAP is a youth leadership program administered by the British Council. The program aims to empower young individuals to address social issues significant to them and to cultivate...

This study conducts a comprehensive assessment of tidal inundation in the Chattogram City coastal area in Bangladesh, employing a blend of temporal trend analysis and community perception. Parameters explored include water level trends, projected water levels for the next decade, local perceptions of inundation, depth, and duration of inundation, a...

The objectives of this research were threefold: 1) to investigate whether globalization and Islamic religiousness conflict each other; 2) to examine how globalization has changed the family system in the Arab world; and 3) to provide some examples and life stories of the influence and transformation of family relations. The findings indicate that g...

The main objective of this study was to examine the integration of indigenous knowledge (IK) into the rapidly developing field of rural social work in China. The study demonstrated the incorporation of indigenous elements such as folkways, power structures, values, norms, traditions, and crafts into the practice through collaboration with the local...

The main objective of this study was to examine the integration of indigenous knowledge (IK) into the rapidly developing field of rural social work in China. The study demonstrated the incorporation of indigenous elements such as folkways, power structures, values, norms, traditions, and crafts into the practice through collaboration with the local...

This research investigated the community empowerment initiatives of Islamic Relief (IR) Bangladesh, a faith-based non-governmental organization (NGO), using Laverack’s domain approach. The study employed a quantitative approach, where data were collected from the beneficiaries of the Action for Peoples Rights and Livelihoods (APRIL) project of IRB...

The literature provides a comprehensive understanding of the scientific definition of food security in terms of its conceptual meaning, measurement and analysis. However, this definition contrasts significantly with the non-scientific or local understanding of food security. This article illustrates this disparity by examining the scientific defini...

The primary objective of this study was to comprehensively examine the types of climate change, including its magnitudes, and impacts, and to assess the various community-led initiatives implemented in response to these challenges. A quantitative research approach was employed, utilizing structured face-to-face interviews to collect data from 196 h...

This chapter navigates the intricate landscape of social work practice within broader systems. It emphasizes the importance of engaging with clients and their families, groups, community, policy, and political organizations effectively, fostering productive relationships that are central to positive outcomes. The chapter provides practical guidance...

This chapter delves into the intricate landscape of social work field settings, emphasizing the importance of understanding and adapting to diverse agency environments, specializations, and cultures. It explores the nuanced dynamics and structures inherent in various agencies, guiding practitioners through the process of navigating these complexiti...

This chapter navigates the intricacies of agency-level field practice in social work, providing a comprehensive guide for students entering organizational settings. It begins with a thorough exploration of agency assessment, analyzing the organizational structure, mission, and functioning. The needs assessment and stakeholder analysis follow, guidi...

This beginning chapter provides a comprehensive overview of the field of social work, encompassing its meanings, scope, and various levels of engagement. The exploration begins with an examination of the diverse and dynamic nature of social work, addressing the meanings attributed to this profession. The scope of social work is discussed, highlight...

This chapter delves into the intricacies of implementation and intervention at the agency level in the field of social work, emphasizing five key components. First, it explores the art of tailoring interventions to the unique needs of clients, acknowledging the diversity and individuality of those served. Second, the chapter underscores the importa...

The chapter explores a fundamental aspect of social work practice: cultural sensitivity and diversity. It delves into the significance of understanding cultural sensitivity in practice, emphasizing the importance of being culturally responsive when working with diverse client populations. The chapter also addresses the complex issue of intersection...

This chapter serves as a crucial compass for social work students gearing up for their fieldwork experiences. It lays the groundwork by emphasizing the importance of setting clear objectives and identifying personal learning goals, ensuring students embark on their journeys with purpose. The chapter delves into ethical considerations and principles...

This final chapter offers a comprehensive exploration of the critical juncture where fieldwork concludes and practitioners set their sights on the future. This chapter navigates the multifaceted process of transitioning out-of-field placement, delving into the emotional and practical aspects of bidding farewell to the fieldwork setting. It encourag...

The chapter discusses the intricacies of fieldwork assignments, a pivotal aspect of social work education. It offers an exploration of the diverse array of assignments students may encounter during their fieldwork experiences, providing a comprehensive understanding of the scope and breadth of their responsibilities. The chapter emphasizes the impo...

This chapter provides a comprehensive exploration of the vital domain of fieldwork supervision in social work education. It begins with an in-depth introduction to the principles and importance of fieldwork supervision, laying the groundwork for a theoretical understanding. The roles and responsibilities of supervisors are delineated, emphasizing t...

This chapter equips social work students with essential skills for gathering and utilizing data effectively. It begins by providing an overview of both qualitative and quantitative data collection techniques, ensuring that students are well-versed in diverse methods. The chapter then focuses on the practical aspect of data collection, emphasizing t...

This chapter serves as a foundational exploration of fieldwork in the context of social work practice. It begins by elucidating the concept of fieldwork, offering a comprehensive understanding of its nature and significance within the social work profession. The chapter delves into the multifaceted role that fieldwork plays in the development and a...

This chapter offers a comprehensive exploration of the essential professional skills required for effective social work field practice. Beginning with foundational aspects, the chapter delves into the core elements that form the bedrock of professional competence in social work. Emphasis is placed on the development of robust communication skills a...

The chapter investigates the essential skill of crafting effective fieldwork reports in social work practice. It begins by defining what a fieldwork report is and elucidating its significance in documenting and communicating the outcomes of fieldwork experiences. The chapter outlines the objectives of a fieldwork report, emphasizing its role in ref...

This chapter delves into the nuanced dynamics of reflective practice within the organizational framework of social work agencies. It illuminates the multifaceted role of reflective practice in fostering continuous learning, enhancing professional development, and elevating the quality of services delivered by agencies. The exploration begins by elu...

The primary objective of this study was to investigate the impact of social literacy, religious involvement, and technology-equipped systems on the promotion of healthy lifestyle behaviors in community settings in Indonesia. The study utilized a mixed-method research approach and was carried out in three villages within an Indonesian province. Quan...

The aim of this study was to empirically analyze the factors that contributed to smartphone addiction proneness among university students in Bangladesh. With the increasing adoption of smartphones and rising rates of excessive smartphone usage, there was a need to investigate the etiology or causal factors of this addiction. A quantitative survey w...

The main objective of this study was to examine the status of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3, Good Health and Well-Being, in Asian Arab countries and to explore some challenges through critical observations. Utilising the Meta-Analysis method and the Search, Appraisal, Synthesis and Analysis framework, the UNDP’s ‘Arab Region SDG Index and Da...

Digital transformation signifies the adoption and implementation of digital technologies in solving wicked problems pertaining to public services. Digital transformation is a holistic approach that causes significant changes in organizational or societal, service logics, structures, and values. Some glimpses of digital transformation can be noticed...

Background Consumption of caffeinated energy drinks (CED) has escalated during the last few years, especially among schoolchildren, with evident adverse health sequelae in this critical age group. Objective This study examined the prevalence of CED consumption and its associations with sleep, physical and mental health, and dietary and lifestyle h...

The paper aimed to assess the impact of tidal inundation on the livelihoods of Chattogram City dwellers in Bangladesh. This study employed a mixed-method approach, incorporating various data collection methods, including face-to-face interviews, focus group discussions, and key informant interviews. The analysis utilized the weighted average index...

The study aimed to assess the public perception about the prevalence, satisfaction, and challenges of electronic health (e-health) services in Bangladesh. An online survey with a self-administered structured interview was conducted with 150 respondents to collect general perceptions from both rural and urban people. The study revealed that the prev...

The aim of the study is to fill the gap in the existing literature by presenting a comprehensive and theoretically sound framework that examines the interplay between the attributes of political will, public management reform design and implementation, the results they yield and the impact of external factors on these variables. Drawing upon the sy...

This study aimed to evaluate the academic performance and social surroundings of teenage smokers in Bengkulu City, Indonesia, utilizing a mixed research methodology that incorporated both quantitative and qualitative approaches. The quantitative data was obtained via structured interviews with 130 teenage smokers, while the qualitative data was obt...

This article aims to assess the current state of health and wellbeing in South Asia, identify the major challenges that are currently facing the region, and propose solutions for addressing these challenges and charting a path forward. The article begins by providing an overview of the current state of health and wellbeing in South Asia, highlighti...

This special issue explores social harmony and community wellbeing with some examples of Asian countries. These are essential tools to fight against many social problems and meet elucidation. While these concepts are not documented well in social work literature, the articles on this special issue will provide thoughtful and valuable guidelines to...

This article is based on the Skills Training for Advancing Resources (STAR) project for the youth initiative of the Bangladesh Rural Advancement Committee (BRAC) in Bangladesh. The objective was to explore the consequences of social and economic inclusion of this project for the persons with disability (PWDs) and transgender (TG) youth people. The...

This article is based on the Skills Training for Advancing Resources (STAR) project for the youth initiative of the Bangladesh Rural Advancement Committee (BRAC) in Bangladesh. The objective was to explore the consequences of social and economic inclusion of this project for the persons with disability (PWDs) and transgender (TG) youth people. The...

This chapter provides a brief description of ‘inquiry’, a very important but rarely includes in the research methodology books. Initially, the chapter explains the conceptual definition of inquiry with the phases that develop ideas about inquiry. Then the chapter discusses the different characteristics of inquiry. Then, it provides a brief descript...

The objective of this chapter is to give a clear idea to the research students on the preparation and development of data collection instruments for conducting social research. There are numerous debates about the types of data collection instruments in social research. I have written off all of these instruments into main three categories, such as...

The main objective of this chapter is to introduce participatory research simplistically so that the readers can understand this research approach easily. First, the chapter provides a brief introduction to participatory research that underlines the boundary and scope of this research. Then, the chapter provides the meanings and some referred defin...

The article derives data from a qualitative study conducted to address the essential skills competency in teaching among social work educators in Malaysian public universities. The study conducted in-depth case interviews with selected lecturers who teach social work education in public universities in Malaysia. The results showed that social work...

The main objective of this study was to explore the status of social behavior practices for child protection and well‐being among low‐income urban households in Bangladesh. This study used a survey method, and data were collected through a face‐to‐face structured interview from 378 low‐income household heads from 12 wards (Konabari and Kashimpur) o...

This paper is based on the first author’s PhD research data collection experiences conducted with his country people who work and live as migrant workers in the production sector in Malaysia. The data collection process is a crucial component in doctoral studies as there is a need to ensure that the data collected is representative, reliable and un...

The development of practice-ready social work graduates is achieved through a systematic approach that integrates knowledge-building and practice methods, each reinforcing the other. Kadambari Memorial College in Nepal has been offering its Bachelor of Social Work Program since 2005. It revised its field work practicum model in 2016 and utilized a...

Coastal communities are directly afected by climate change-induced disasters. Apart from all other disasters, tidal inundation is common in coastal areas. As a damaging phenomenon, it massively infuences the socioeconomic sectors in the coastal community. The main objective of this qualitative investigation is to know the adaptation practices of th...

Coastal communities are directly affected by climate change-induced disasters. Apart from all other disasters, tidal inundation is common in coastal areas. As a damaging phenomenon, it massively influences the socioeconomic sectors in the coastal community. The main objective of this qualitative investigation is to know the adaptation practices of...

This major reference work handbook explores the nexus between globalization and social change, neoliberalism and social change, and societal response to social change. The chapters will primarily focus on these three broad themes and discuss their impact in different societies across the globe at a variety of levels, from the macro to the local. Th...

Apart from many social and economic problems worldwide, the COVID-19 pandemic has also led to sudden halt in face-to-face climate-related meetings. Moreover, it has also negatively influenced the works related to the preparations for the sixth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) and organizing the 26th Conferen...

The main objective of this chapter is to explore the cultural changes in food, dress and clothing, health practices, and recreation of Old Dhaka due to the effect of globalization and other change agents. Drawing upon a survey carried out with the permanent residents of Old Dhaka, both young and old people, this chapter provides numerous examples o...

The overall objective of this chapter is to narrate the roles and responsibilities of the respective stakeholders, e.g., community people, government and policymakers, and NGOs and civil societies to retain and preserve the historical culture of an urban area. Contemporary literature was reviewed thoroughly to write this chapter. The chapter ideall...

The main objective of this chapter is to delineate the changes in festivals, marriages, and religious practices of Old Dhaka due to the presence of global change agents. This chapter is based on survey findings and a case analysis with the permanent residents of the Lalbagh area in Old Dhaka, with people both young and old, and including a thorough...

This book examines globalization and urban cultures in Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh, from a socio-cultural view. It focuses on the evolving nature of urbanity in the city due to globalization and the global flow of information, while framing the changing patterns of everyday cultures and practices. The volume explores key linkages and factors...

The main objective of this chapter is to discuss the debates of optimistic and pessimistic viewers of globalization and describe the contemporary debates on how the global urban culture has been changing and assimilating into a single global culture, technology drives economic growth and urban development, and globalization leads to diverse urban c...

The overall objective of the chapter is to sketch the historical background of Dhaka city and depict its tradition, culture, and rituals. A broad range of literature from a wide range of sources was reviewed to write this chapter. Dhaka is considered as a gift of the Mughal period, though the history of the city can be traced even further back. The...

This Handbook provides an authoritative account of international fieldwork education in social work. It presents an overview of advances in research in social work field education through in-depth analyses and global case studies. Key features: * Discusses critical issues in teaching social work and curriculum development; health care social work...

Millions of human beings are affected COVID-19 worldwide, but the constellation of health and socioeconomic effects of the pandemic varies between developed and developing countries. While the crisis has drawn attention in media as life and livelihood hazard, the differences in human perceptions between developed and developing worlds remain under-...

COVID-19 seems to have two-dimensional consequences in Bangladesh: it has a direct negative influence on health system, and healthcare access becomes very expensive; and the poor people are facing critical situation due to lockdown and joblessness, resulting in more health and human hazards. This chapter documents the pandemic-related major health...

Taking unjust and unlawful benefits of children’s labour for someone’s gain or gratification can be termed as economic exploitations in child labour. The study aimed to explore the prevalence of economic exploitations and their determinants among child labourers (CLs). Lalbagh, Hazaribagh, and Kamrangirchar sub-districts of Dhaka district were rati...

Relationships are multidimensional, and we know little about the facets of relationships in the way elderly patients’ with multimorbidity utilise homecare and health services. Gerontology literatures emphasize the importance of place of care, inequalities, availability of health services and affordability. However, the diversity of relationships an...

This chapter looks at the main aspects of the research proposal designing in a qualitative research. The author explores a template of a research design to give a clear and well understanding about the different steps of research proposal. The author argues that there is no specific template that is universally accepted. This template includes all...