১৩ই নভেম্বর, ২০২৫ খ্রিস্টাব্দ
সংস্করণ: [gtranslate]
The inception meeting of the international research project titled “Facilitating Livelihoods through Advancing Smart Habitats in Peri-Urban Bangladesh (FLASH)” was held on Saturday at the Jibanananda Das Hall of University of Barishal. The project aims to create climate-resilient and smart livelihood opportunities for people living in Bangladesh’s peri-urban regions. The FLASH project is being jointly led by researchers from Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET), Utrecht University (Netherlands), Wageningen University & Research (Netherlands), and 17 other national and international organisations.
The Vice Chancellor of University of Barishal Professor Dr Mohammad Taufik Alam attended the event as chief guest and also added that “Initiatives like the FLASH project are a blessing for the southern part of Bangladesh, where communities face severe climate challenges. He warmly welcomed the international research team to Barishal and expressed gratitude for choosing the region as a key focus of the study.” Professor Dr Shahjahan Mondal of Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET) and Dr Bishawjit Mallick (Utrecht University, Netherlands), presided over the session.
The project team includes Professor Dr Shahjahan Mondal (Bangladesh University of Engineering Technology, BUET), Dr Bishawjit Mallick (Utrecht University, Netherlands), Prof Dr Hans Middelkoop (Utrecht University, Netherlands), Dr Maartje van Eerd (IHS–EUR), Dr Kamonashish Haldar (Wageningen University & Research, Netherlands) and Dr Heleen Mees (Utrecht University, Netherlands). The programme was coordinated by Associate Professor Dr Apurba Roy, Chairman of the Department of Economics at University of Barishal.
The FLASH project seeks to address rapid unplanned urbanisation, climate-related risks and livelihood vulnerabilities in peri-urban areas. The research will focus on housing, health, water and sanitation (WASH), and local governance, using a ‘Living Lab’ model to design sustainable solutions. The initiative is expected to be especially beneficial for communities in Barishal and Khulna.
Speakers expressed that the project will combine local knowledge with international research to develop an effective climate adaptation model for coastal areas, supporting the goals of the Bangladesh Delta Plan 2100.
