A ceremony marking the completion and certificate distribution of the Research Methodology Course was held on June 13, 2026, at 4:00 PM in the Anwara Begum-Munira Khan Hall of Bangladesh Mahila Parishad, located at 10/B/1, Segunbagicha, Dhaka.
The event was graced by the Chief Guest, Professor Dr. Syed Shahadat Hossain from the Institute of Statistical Research and Training.
The session was presided over by Dr. Fauzia Moslem, President of Bangladesh Mahila Parishad. A welcome address was delivered by Maleka Banu, Secretary General of Bangladesh Mahila Parishad. Shima Moslem, Joint Secretary General and Course Director of Bangladesh Mahila Parishad, also spoke. Among the faculty members, Professor Dr. Mohammad Bellal Hossain from the Department of Population Science, University of Dhaka; Dr. Ahabab Md. Fazle Rabbi, Assistant Professor, Department of Population Science, University of Dhaka; and Professor Dr. Ainoon Nahar from the Department of Anthropology, Jahangirnagar University addressed the gathering. Feedback from the students was provided by M. M. Rafsanjani Souruv, Nilufa Yasmin, and Saraban Tahura. Following the speeches, the course results were presented by Shahzadi Shamima Afzali, Saleha Banu, and Afroja Arman, members of the Training, Research, and Library Sub-Committee of Bangladesh Mahila Parishad.
As Chief Guest, Professor Dr. Syed Shahadat Hossain of the Institute of Statistical Research and Training stated that Bangladesh Mahila Parishad engages in evidence-based advocacy, which is crucial in the current era. He noted that interventions must be evidence-based, and that Bangladesh is still not well-organized in the field of research. He expressed that this research course by Mahila Parishad will help expand research within society. The course has attempted to teach research using mixed methods, and as a result, those who were confused about research methodologies are now on the path to learning research.
Dr. Fauzia Moslem, President of Bangladesh Mahila Parishad, remarked that Mahila Parishad, with everyone’s support, has progressed from nothing to a significant position. She acknowledged that managing the course was possible due to collective cooperation, though the nature of cooperation changes over time. She emphasized the need for theoretical and philosophical support to strengthen the women’s movement. She acknowledged existing limitations in conducting evidence-based work and called upon the course participants to provide necessary support to move the organization forward.
Maleka Banu, Secretary General of Bangladesh Mahila Parishad, stated that information is essential for evidence-based advocacy. She urged students to ensure that the learning from the recently concluded course, facilitated by resource persons, becomes applicable for conducting research. She further expressed the hope that the research findings would play a role in protecting women’s interests.
Shima Moslem, Joint Secretary General and Course Director of Bangladesh Mahila Parishad, said that the organization is working with the goal of establishing women’s human rights and building a sensitive society based on the principle of equality. She explained that the information required before starting advocacy work is obtained through research. The course has incorporated essential topics needed for conducting preliminary research. She noted that a key success of the research course would be if students can apply its lessons in their respective workplaces.
Among the faculty members, Dr. Ahabab Md. Fazle Rabbi, Assistant Professor, Department of Population Sciences, University of Dhaka, told the students that the lessons learned from the course would always be useful, marking the beginning of their research journey. He stressed the need for continuous practice of the course content.
Professor Dr. Mohammad Bellal Hossain, Department of Population Science, University of Dhaka, expressed his belief that the course would help meet students’ expectations and that the lessons would gradually help them become proficient in research.
Professor Dr. Ainoon Nahar from the Department of Anthropology, Jahangirnagar University, noted that research methodology has no boundaries, particularly qualitative research methods, which are constantly evolving. She stated that the course content would help students grasp the changing aspects of research methodology.
The certificate distribution and closing ceremony was attended by 13 course participants, along with central committee leaders, executive members, and officials of Bangladesh Mahila Parishad. The event was moderated by Rina Ahmed, Training, Research, and Library Secretary of Bangladesh Mahila Parishad.
