This is Professor Dr. AKM Abdul Ahad Biswas, Chairman, Department of Disaster Risk Management and Ex-Dean, Faculty of Disaster Management, Patuakhali Science and Technology University, Patuakhali, Bangladesh. I am an agriculturist and did my Bachelor and Masters Degree from Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, Bangladesh; accomplished PhD in Biology (Genetics) from Saint Peters-Burg, Russia. I Have participated in various short course, seminars, workshop and training program. Some of my research papers and articles have been published in national and international Journals. My interest is on Disaster risk reduction; Green House Gas Emissions and Abatement; Environment and Disaster Monitoring through space technology; Climate change issues and impact; Adaptation practices to climate changes; Risk management in Agriculture; Dairy Production and Processing Technology; Animal Tissue Culture; Karyotyping; Genome analysis etc.
Disaster destroy local health systems and infrastructures; increase the potential risk for safe w... more Disaster destroy local health systems and infrastructures; increase the potential risk for safe water, sanitation and diseases prevalence that may affect dreadfully the children’s and women’s rights to survive; to safety; to food and nutrition; to safe water, sanitation and hygiene; to health and to education. Such worst condition draw attention to scientists the need for understanding social, physical and health related vulnerabilities and capacities of children’s and women’s during and after disaster. These caused present field based assessment for impact of disaster on women and children living at Kalapara Upazila of Patuakhali district of Bangladesh. The semi-structured questionnaire survey for primary and secondary data collection and physical observation methods was followed to fulfill the objectives. Result showed that most of the women were illiterate; unemployed and more likely to be self-employed in housekeeping. They have no socially agreed right in decision making system...
Study on disaster risk identification in agriculture and farmer’s perceptions and mitigation prac... more Study on disaster risk identification in agriculture and farmer’s perceptions and mitigation practices was lack on the perspective of Faridpur district of Bangladesh during this research. The purpose of this study was to have understanding of farmers’ perception and mitigation practices towards disaster risk and climate change impacts adopted by the victim community at Faridpur district of Bangladesh. Primary data was collected through individual household interviews, field observation and secondary data was attained by accessing the relevant information from different media sources. Results showed that the agriculture sector of the study areas are potentially exposed by different risk factors phenomenon e.g. drought, flood, insect/pests attack, lack of quality seed etc. Study has discovered variations in risk perceptions which are influenced by several socio-economic factors like age, gender, livelihood, level of education and socio-economic conditions etc. Recurring phenomenon of ...
The climate change related hydro-meteorological disaster impacts in the coastal region of Banglad... more The climate change related hydro-meteorological disaster impacts in the coastal region of Bangladesh cause widespread loss of lives, damage of properties, infrastructure and degrade the entire environment and disrupt the ecosystem. Thus people lost their means of livelihoods, habitat, and finally they are forced to leave their land of origin. This study was aimed to investigate the factors that influence human displacement, their way of securing livelihood and how best can be reduce the vulnerability occur due to internal displacement in Uttar Bedkashi Union under Koyra Upazila in Khulna district of Bangladesh which was destroyed by super cyclone Sidr in 2007 and Aila in 2009 and caused human displacement and migration. Field investigation, focus group discussion, in-depth household survey, key informant interview and literature review methods were followed to collect primary and secondary data from January 2014 to June 2014. The study revealed that the land has become completely ba...
Community based risk assessment (cbRA) is process for assessing local hazards, vulnerabilities, r... more Community based risk assessment (cbRA) is process for assessing local hazards, vulnerabilities, risks; coping capacity and finally identified risk mitigations options are the ultimate outcome of cbRA. Selected study area was Sreerampur sub-sub district in Dumki sub district of Patuakhali district in Bangladesh aiming to gather information on local hazards; to assess community vulnerabilities, capacity, risks and existing adaptation measures adopted by agriculture farmers. Focus-group-discussions, key-informant-interviews, extensive physical visit and exploration of secondary data sources were followed to collect primary and secondary data. Result revealed that in Sreerampur no innovative adaptations options were practiced. Only alternative options are adopting to reduce risks which results higher production costs in agriculture and environmental degradation. Due to the changing trend in risk profiles; increasing its persistence time and frequency and intensity, farmer’s adaptation c...
British Journal of Education, Society & Behavioural Science, 2016
Aims: To explore the women's vulnerabilities to climate induced hazards and coping strate... more Aims: To explore the women's vulnerabilities to climate induced hazards and coping strategies related to their life, livelihood, health, sanitation and water supply in disaster. Study Design: The semi-structured questionnaire survey for primary and secondary data Original Research Article Biswas et al.; BJESBS, 14(1): 1-15, 2016; Article no.BJESBS.22763 2 collection; physical observation and key informant interview (KII) methods were followed. Place and Duration of Study: This research has been conducted in Chandradip union under Bauphal Upazila in Patuakhali district of Bangladesh between 1 st January 2015 and 30 th June 2015. Methodology: A total of 100 adult female respondents were selected through stratified random sampling method and 05 KII was conducted in 11 villages of the study area for primary data collection. The secondary data was collected from secondary sources. Results: Study revealed that women's vulnerability to disaster is a combination effect of both climate change and social factors. The first factor includes exposure to climate induced disasters such as-cyclone, storm surge, tidal flood, bank erosion, nor'easter etc. The second factor involves social arrangements and expectations related to status of gender, age, livelihood, availability of basic needs, social safety and existing social barriers to the full participation of women in all phases of disaster management activities. Although women in the study area are worse victim but do carry out major vital role in coping with and prepared for prevention, response, recovery and adaptation activities that often counted their activities as housewife or caregiver. Present study discovered that they have the remarkable potentiality to make greater contributions to their own safety as well as that of others including family members. Conclusion: More attention needs to be given to developing gender specific action plan in which women can participate in all phases of disaster. Community based research should be conducted to identify and characterize the women and child sensitive vulnerabilities; and gender-sensitive approach to reduce risk.
This study aims to assess the perceived disaster vulnerability, mitigation of humanitarian issues... more This study aims to assess the perceived disaster vulnerability, mitigation of humanitarian issues, and the existing knowledge gaps of humanitarian activities in the coastal areas of Bangladesh. Indicators-based semi-structured questionnaire was developed to collect data through an extensive literature review followed by several workshops among the authors and relevant stakeholders, and data were analyzed quantitatively. Results indicate that the study area is still highly vulnerable to natural disasters and these vulnerability indices vary significantly (p value<0.05) in this area. The worst vulnerable sector was health sector (vulnerability index = 0.77) followed by shelter and settlement (vulnerability index = 0.75). Vulnerability index varies with some socioeconomic profile of the respondents. Furthermore, some advantageous mitigation measures such as water purification methods and rainwater harvesting techniques, floating agriculture, seed preservation techniques, increasing the plinth of the house, awareness campaign on health issues, etc. were identified. Knowledge gaps associated with humanitarian activities have also been recognized that need to be addressed properly by the humanitarian actors and community people. The study delivers critical information on sector-specific disaster vulnerability and factors affecting this vulnerability. Humanitarian actors can get useful information for implementing further disasters mitigation and adaptation measure. Further in-depth research considering more indicators and humanitarian sectors may be beneficial to confirm the knowledge gaps.
Bangladesh has been identified as one of the most susceptible countries to climate induced disast... more Bangladesh has been identified as one of the most susceptible countries to climate induced disasters. Geographical location of the country in the foothill of Himalayan system and in the mouth of no...
El Niño and La Niña Southern Oscillation (ENSO) are major drivers that affect climatic variables ... more El Niño and La Niña Southern Oscillation (ENSO) are major drivers that affect climatic variables in many countries. Therefore, ENSO mediated variation in climatic factors have significant consequences for crop production. We studied ENSO mediated variations in temperature and rainfall in the five coastal districts of Bangladesh during 1951–2017, and the impacts on major crops production were analyzed using growing degree day (GDD) index. Statistical analyses were performed on different climatic parameters in relation to ENSO events and locations. Results indicate that ENSO events had significant influence on monthly, seasonal and annual temperature and rainfall amounts (p < 0.05). Specifically, maximum temperature under ENSO phases were higher during Kharif-I and Kharif-II seasons than neutral years. In contrast, the minimum temperature was higher in neutral years than ENSO events during Rabi season. Averaged across stations, annual mean maximum temperature was 0.5 and 0.23 °C hi...
Aims: Analysis of risk, farmer’s perceptions on risk and their adaptation practices through explo... more Aims: Analysis of risk, farmer’s perceptions on risk and their adaptation practices through exploration of agriculture based farmer’s community perceptions were lack on the perspective of Angaria sub-sub-district of Dumki sub-district of Patuakhali district in Bangladesh. That is why this study was conducted to gain understanding on agriculture farmers' risk profile, its impact and potential risk reduction strategy through community participation. Study Design: A total of 23 Focus Group Discussion’s (FGD) and 04 Key Informant Interviews (KII) were conducted. A well structured pretested questionnaire schedule was developed keeping in mind the objectives and variables under this study. Place and Duration of Study: Angaria sub-sub-district of Dumki sub-district of Patuakhali district in Bangladesh, from January, 2015 to May, 2015. Methodology: Primary data was collected through face to face FGD, KII methods and extensive field visit. Secondary data was collected from different seco...
Globally, a large amount of methane (CH4) emission is generated from agricultural systems includi... more Globally, a large amount of methane (CH4) emission is generated from agricultural systems including rice farming in many Asian countries including Bangladesh. However, a reliable estimate of CH4 emission from rice cultivation is not available, particularly considering the different rice types (i.e., local land races, high yielding varieties (HYV), and hybrid varieties) grown under diverse conditions. Here, we estimated current and future CH4 emission (both rate and amount) from different rice farming systems in Bangladesh using the IPCC Tier1 method. Model based estimates were validated with a pilot survey and with other studies. Across all rice types grown in different seasons, (i.e., Aus from March to August, Aman from July to December and Boro from December to June), the estimated CH4 emission in 2020 was at 2348 Gg CH4 yr− 1 (95% CIs of 799–5628 Gg CH4 yr− 1) while a slightly higher CH4 emission was estimated at 2376 Gg CH4 yr− 1 for the year 2060 after considering a 0.5 % culti...
El Niño and La Niña Southern Oscillation (ENSO) are major drivers that affect climatic variables ... more El Niño and La Niña Southern Oscillation (ENSO) are major drivers that affect climatic variables in many countries. Therefore, ENSO mediated variation in climatic factors have significant consequences for crop production. We studied ENSO mediated variations in temperature and rainfall in the five coastal districts of Bangladesh during 1951–2017, and the impacts on major crops production were analyzed using growing degree day (GDD) index. Statistical analyses were performed on different climatic parameters in relation to ENSO events and locations. Results indicate that ENSO events had significant influence on monthly, seasonal and annual temperature and rainfall amounts (p < 0.05). Specifically, maximum temperature under ENSO phases were higher during Kharif-I and Kharif-II seasons than neutral years. In contrast, the minimum temperature was higher in neutral years than ENSO events during Rabi season. Averaged across stations, annual mean maximum temperature was 0.5 and 0.23 °C hi...
Bangladesh is being identified as a country that is more vulnerable to climate change and subsequ... more Bangladesh is being identified as a country that is more vulnerable to climate change and subsequent natural disasters like cyclones, floods, storm surges, droughts, and tornadoes. Dense population and poverty has reduced the adaptability of Bangladesh in disastrous situations thus further increasing severity of disasters. Dangerous zones to hazards such as unstable hills, slopes subjecting to landslides, flood plains, coastal areas, cyclone prone areas are selected as settlements by most of the communities in Bangladesh due to lack of alternatives, affordability or because of the livelihood patters and income source. Lack of education and research on DRR and climate change adaption affects socioeconomic conditions in Bangladesh. Losses created by disasters and climate change in Bangladesh highlight the importance of making communities resilient against them. Bangladesh is also a country that is vulnerable to climate change and subsequent natural disasters such as cyclones, floods, storm surges, droughts, and tornadoes. Dense population and poverty has reduced the adaptability of Bangladesh to disastrous situations thus further increasing severity of disasters. Dangerous zones to hazards such as unstable hills, slopes subjecting to landslides, flood plains, coastal areas, cyclone prone areas are selected as settlements by most of the communities in Bangladesh due to lack of alternatives, affordability or because of the livelihood patters and income source. Lack of education and research on Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) and climate change adaption affects socioeconomic conditions in Bangladesh. Losses created by disasters and climate change in Bangladesh highlight the importance of making communities resilient against them. Aim and objectives Within this context, aim of CEREBELLA-Community Engagement for Risk Erosion in Bangladesh to Enhance LifeLong Advantage, a British Council funded project under its INSPIRE scheme is to create long-term sustainable and strategic partnership between Patuakhali Science and Technology University (PSTU) and University of Salford to share skills, knowledge and experience on climate change and disaster management academic learning and research. CEREBELLA objectives include:
Disaster destroy local health systems and infrastructures; increase the potential risk for safe w... more Disaster destroy local health systems and infrastructures; increase the potential risk for safe water, sanitation and diseases prevalence that may affect dreadfully the children’s and women’s rights to survive; to safety; to food and nutrition; to safe water, sanitation and hygiene; to health and to education. Such worst condition draw attention to scientists the need for understanding social, physical and health related vulnerabilities and capacities of children’s and women’s during and after disaster. These caused present field based assessment for impact of disaster on women and children living at Kalapara Upazila of Patuakhali district of Bangladesh. The semi-structured questionnaire survey for primary and secondary data collection and physical observation methods was followed to fulfill the objectives. Result showed that most of the women were illiterate; unemployed and more likely to be self-employed in housekeeping. They have no socially agreed right in decision making system...
Study on disaster risk identification in agriculture and farmer’s perceptions and mitigation prac... more Study on disaster risk identification in agriculture and farmer’s perceptions and mitigation practices was lack on the perspective of Faridpur district of Bangladesh during this research. The purpose of this study was to have understanding of farmers’ perception and mitigation practices towards disaster risk and climate change impacts adopted by the victim community at Faridpur district of Bangladesh. Primary data was collected through individual household interviews, field observation and secondary data was attained by accessing the relevant information from different media sources. Results showed that the agriculture sector of the study areas are potentially exposed by different risk factors phenomenon e.g. drought, flood, insect/pests attack, lack of quality seed etc. Study has discovered variations in risk perceptions which are influenced by several socio-economic factors like age, gender, livelihood, level of education and socio-economic conditions etc. Recurring phenomenon of ...
The climate change related hydro-meteorological disaster impacts in the coastal region of Banglad... more The climate change related hydro-meteorological disaster impacts in the coastal region of Bangladesh cause widespread loss of lives, damage of properties, infrastructure and degrade the entire environment and disrupt the ecosystem. Thus people lost their means of livelihoods, habitat, and finally they are forced to leave their land of origin. This study was aimed to investigate the factors that influence human displacement, their way of securing livelihood and how best can be reduce the vulnerability occur due to internal displacement in Uttar Bedkashi Union under Koyra Upazila in Khulna district of Bangladesh which was destroyed by super cyclone Sidr in 2007 and Aila in 2009 and caused human displacement and migration. Field investigation, focus group discussion, in-depth household survey, key informant interview and literature review methods were followed to collect primary and secondary data from January 2014 to June 2014. The study revealed that the land has become completely ba...
Community based risk assessment (cbRA) is process for assessing local hazards, vulnerabilities, r... more Community based risk assessment (cbRA) is process for assessing local hazards, vulnerabilities, risks; coping capacity and finally identified risk mitigations options are the ultimate outcome of cbRA. Selected study area was Sreerampur sub-sub district in Dumki sub district of Patuakhali district in Bangladesh aiming to gather information on local hazards; to assess community vulnerabilities, capacity, risks and existing adaptation measures adopted by agriculture farmers. Focus-group-discussions, key-informant-interviews, extensive physical visit and exploration of secondary data sources were followed to collect primary and secondary data. Result revealed that in Sreerampur no innovative adaptations options were practiced. Only alternative options are adopting to reduce risks which results higher production costs in agriculture and environmental degradation. Due to the changing trend in risk profiles; increasing its persistence time and frequency and intensity, farmer’s adaptation c...
British Journal of Education, Society & Behavioural Science, 2016
Aims: To explore the women&#39;s vulnerabilities to climate induced hazards and coping strate... more Aims: To explore the women&#39;s vulnerabilities to climate induced hazards and coping strategies related to their life, livelihood, health, sanitation and water supply in disaster. Study Design: The semi-structured questionnaire survey for primary and secondary data Original Research Article Biswas et al.; BJESBS, 14(1): 1-15, 2016; Article no.BJESBS.22763 2 collection; physical observation and key informant interview (KII) methods were followed. Place and Duration of Study: This research has been conducted in Chandradip union under Bauphal Upazila in Patuakhali district of Bangladesh between 1 st January 2015 and 30 th June 2015. Methodology: A total of 100 adult female respondents were selected through stratified random sampling method and 05 KII was conducted in 11 villages of the study area for primary data collection. The secondary data was collected from secondary sources. Results: Study revealed that women&#39;s vulnerability to disaster is a combination effect of both climate change and social factors. The first factor includes exposure to climate induced disasters such as-cyclone, storm surge, tidal flood, bank erosion, nor&#39;easter etc. The second factor involves social arrangements and expectations related to status of gender, age, livelihood, availability of basic needs, social safety and existing social barriers to the full participation of women in all phases of disaster management activities. Although women in the study area are worse victim but do carry out major vital role in coping with and prepared for prevention, response, recovery and adaptation activities that often counted their activities as housewife or caregiver. Present study discovered that they have the remarkable potentiality to make greater contributions to their own safety as well as that of others including family members. Conclusion: More attention needs to be given to developing gender specific action plan in which women can participate in all phases of disaster. Community based research should be conducted to identify and characterize the women and child sensitive vulnerabilities; and gender-sensitive approach to reduce risk.
This study aims to assess the perceived disaster vulnerability, mitigation of humanitarian issues... more This study aims to assess the perceived disaster vulnerability, mitigation of humanitarian issues, and the existing knowledge gaps of humanitarian activities in the coastal areas of Bangladesh. Indicators-based semi-structured questionnaire was developed to collect data through an extensive literature review followed by several workshops among the authors and relevant stakeholders, and data were analyzed quantitatively. Results indicate that the study area is still highly vulnerable to natural disasters and these vulnerability indices vary significantly (p value<0.05) in this area. The worst vulnerable sector was health sector (vulnerability index = 0.77) followed by shelter and settlement (vulnerability index = 0.75). Vulnerability index varies with some socioeconomic profile of the respondents. Furthermore, some advantageous mitigation measures such as water purification methods and rainwater harvesting techniques, floating agriculture, seed preservation techniques, increasing the plinth of the house, awareness campaign on health issues, etc. were identified. Knowledge gaps associated with humanitarian activities have also been recognized that need to be addressed properly by the humanitarian actors and community people. The study delivers critical information on sector-specific disaster vulnerability and factors affecting this vulnerability. Humanitarian actors can get useful information for implementing further disasters mitigation and adaptation measure. Further in-depth research considering more indicators and humanitarian sectors may be beneficial to confirm the knowledge gaps.
Bangladesh has been identified as one of the most susceptible countries to climate induced disast... more Bangladesh has been identified as one of the most susceptible countries to climate induced disasters. Geographical location of the country in the foothill of Himalayan system and in the mouth of no...
El Niño and La Niña Southern Oscillation (ENSO) are major drivers that affect climatic variables ... more El Niño and La Niña Southern Oscillation (ENSO) are major drivers that affect climatic variables in many countries. Therefore, ENSO mediated variation in climatic factors have significant consequences for crop production. We studied ENSO mediated variations in temperature and rainfall in the five coastal districts of Bangladesh during 1951–2017, and the impacts on major crops production were analyzed using growing degree day (GDD) index. Statistical analyses were performed on different climatic parameters in relation to ENSO events and locations. Results indicate that ENSO events had significant influence on monthly, seasonal and annual temperature and rainfall amounts (p < 0.05). Specifically, maximum temperature under ENSO phases were higher during Kharif-I and Kharif-II seasons than neutral years. In contrast, the minimum temperature was higher in neutral years than ENSO events during Rabi season. Averaged across stations, annual mean maximum temperature was 0.5 and 0.23 °C hi...
Aims: Analysis of risk, farmer’s perceptions on risk and their adaptation practices through explo... more Aims: Analysis of risk, farmer’s perceptions on risk and their adaptation practices through exploration of agriculture based farmer’s community perceptions were lack on the perspective of Angaria sub-sub-district of Dumki sub-district of Patuakhali district in Bangladesh. That is why this study was conducted to gain understanding on agriculture farmers' risk profile, its impact and potential risk reduction strategy through community participation. Study Design: A total of 23 Focus Group Discussion’s (FGD) and 04 Key Informant Interviews (KII) were conducted. A well structured pretested questionnaire schedule was developed keeping in mind the objectives and variables under this study. Place and Duration of Study: Angaria sub-sub-district of Dumki sub-district of Patuakhali district in Bangladesh, from January, 2015 to May, 2015. Methodology: Primary data was collected through face to face FGD, KII methods and extensive field visit. Secondary data was collected from different seco...
Globally, a large amount of methane (CH4) emission is generated from agricultural systems includi... more Globally, a large amount of methane (CH4) emission is generated from agricultural systems including rice farming in many Asian countries including Bangladesh. However, a reliable estimate of CH4 emission from rice cultivation is not available, particularly considering the different rice types (i.e., local land races, high yielding varieties (HYV), and hybrid varieties) grown under diverse conditions. Here, we estimated current and future CH4 emission (both rate and amount) from different rice farming systems in Bangladesh using the IPCC Tier1 method. Model based estimates were validated with a pilot survey and with other studies. Across all rice types grown in different seasons, (i.e., Aus from March to August, Aman from July to December and Boro from December to June), the estimated CH4 emission in 2020 was at 2348 Gg CH4 yr− 1 (95% CIs of 799–5628 Gg CH4 yr− 1) while a slightly higher CH4 emission was estimated at 2376 Gg CH4 yr− 1 for the year 2060 after considering a 0.5 % culti...
El Niño and La Niña Southern Oscillation (ENSO) are major drivers that affect climatic variables ... more El Niño and La Niña Southern Oscillation (ENSO) are major drivers that affect climatic variables in many countries. Therefore, ENSO mediated variation in climatic factors have significant consequences for crop production. We studied ENSO mediated variations in temperature and rainfall in the five coastal districts of Bangladesh during 1951–2017, and the impacts on major crops production were analyzed using growing degree day (GDD) index. Statistical analyses were performed on different climatic parameters in relation to ENSO events and locations. Results indicate that ENSO events had significant influence on monthly, seasonal and annual temperature and rainfall amounts (p < 0.05). Specifically, maximum temperature under ENSO phases were higher during Kharif-I and Kharif-II seasons than neutral years. In contrast, the minimum temperature was higher in neutral years than ENSO events during Rabi season. Averaged across stations, annual mean maximum temperature was 0.5 and 0.23 °C hi...
Bangladesh is being identified as a country that is more vulnerable to climate change and subsequ... more Bangladesh is being identified as a country that is more vulnerable to climate change and subsequent natural disasters like cyclones, floods, storm surges, droughts, and tornadoes. Dense population and poverty has reduced the adaptability of Bangladesh in disastrous situations thus further increasing severity of disasters. Dangerous zones to hazards such as unstable hills, slopes subjecting to landslides, flood plains, coastal areas, cyclone prone areas are selected as settlements by most of the communities in Bangladesh due to lack of alternatives, affordability or because of the livelihood patters and income source. Lack of education and research on DRR and climate change adaption affects socioeconomic conditions in Bangladesh. Losses created by disasters and climate change in Bangladesh highlight the importance of making communities resilient against them. Bangladesh is also a country that is vulnerable to climate change and subsequent natural disasters such as cyclones, floods, storm surges, droughts, and tornadoes. Dense population and poverty has reduced the adaptability of Bangladesh to disastrous situations thus further increasing severity of disasters. Dangerous zones to hazards such as unstable hills, slopes subjecting to landslides, flood plains, coastal areas, cyclone prone areas are selected as settlements by most of the communities in Bangladesh due to lack of alternatives, affordability or because of the livelihood patters and income source. Lack of education and research on Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) and climate change adaption affects socioeconomic conditions in Bangladesh. Losses created by disasters and climate change in Bangladesh highlight the importance of making communities resilient against them. Aim and objectives Within this context, aim of CEREBELLA-Community Engagement for Risk Erosion in Bangladesh to Enhance LifeLong Advantage, a British Council funded project under its INSPIRE scheme is to create long-term sustainable and strategic partnership between Patuakhali Science and Technology University (PSTU) and University of Salford to share skills, knowledge and experience on climate change and disaster management academic learning and research. CEREBELLA objectives include:
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Papers by AKM Abdul Ahad Biswas