Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies
Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies
I am a Senior Research Fellow at the Bangladesh
Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BIISS), with over 19 years of
immersive experience exploring the intricate intersections of environmental
security, gender, and human well-being. My scholarly journey has been shaped by
a deep curiosity about the geopolitical and cultural dimensions of natural
resource management under shifting climatic conditions. I am particularly drawn
to understanding how different marginalized groups—especially environmentally
induced migrants—perceive security in their everyday lives, as well as the
complex hydro-politics surrounding transboundary water resources in South Asia
and beyond.
In my fieldwork, I favor creative and innovative
methodologies that illuminate alternative narratives often overlooked by
conventional approaches. Over the years, I have conducted research at
prestigious institutions across Europe and South Asia, including NTNU, ADB, and
the Concordia Forum.
I have authored more than 20 peer-reviewed
articles and book chapters, contributing to interdisciplinary scholarship on
the climate-human security nexus and transboundary water governance. In
recognition of my work, I was honored with the Women Leadership Award in
Climate Change and Water Governance 2025 by ADPC, Thailand. I have also
been the recipient of esteemed fellowships and research grants, including the
Potsdam Summer Fellowship (RIFS, Germany), ICIMOD HiAware Fellowship, ADB
Fellowship, and the Himalayan University Consortium Fellowship. Since 2006, I
have served as an assistant editor for the BIISS Journal.
My academic foundation began with a BSc in
Environmental Science from Khulna University, followed by an MSS in Women and
Gender Studies from the University of Dhaka. I subsequently earned an MSc in
Gender and Development Studies from the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT),
Thailand, and a PhD in Geography and Planning from Macquarie University,
Australia.
· Climate Diplomacy, Policy, and Justice
· Water Governance and Transboundary Hydro-politics
· Climate-Induced Migration and Urban Informality
· Gender, Climate Change, and Human Security
· Feminist Research Methodologies and Gendered Resource Conflicts
o
Sufia Khanom with Fiona Miller and Sandie Suchet
Pearson, “The
Real Freedom Lies in Freedom from Fear”: Reflections from Environmentally
Induced Migrants’ Everyday Experiences in Bhola Slum, Dhaka, Bangladesh”.
Climate Migration in South Asia (Special Issue) of Climate and Development
(under review)
o
Sufia Khanom with Tahsin Binte Hasan, “Cooperation in
Climate Risk Reduction: Exploring the Potentials for Bangladesh in the
Indo-Pacific”.
Special Issue of Indian Ocean Journal (under Review).
o
Sufia
Khanom, “Climate Diplomacy of Bangladesh in COP27: Lessons Learned and Way
Forward” BIISS Journal, Volume 44, No. 4, 2023. DOI:
10.56888/BIISSj2023v4a5
o
Sufia Khanom with Mumita Tanjeela
and Shannon Rutherford, “Climate
Refugee’s Hopeful Journey Towards Security: Pushing the Boundaries of Gendered
Vulnerability and Adaptability in Bangladesh”,
Frontiers, DOI:
10.3389/fclim.2022.922504
o
Sufia Khanom, “50 Years of
Women in Politics in Bangladesh: Progress or Paradox?”, Pakistan Journal of
Women Studies, Pakistan, 2022. DOI:
10.4652/pjws.029.01.0111.
o
Sufia Khanom, “Climate Change Negotiations:
Performatives, Practices and Politics” BIISS Journal, Volume 43, Number 1,
2022. DOI: 10.56888/BIISSj2022v43n1a2
o
Sufia Khanom, “Climate Change Negotiations at COP
25 and Its Relevance for Bangladesh”, BIISS Journal, Volume 42, Number 4,
2021. DOI: 10.56888/BIISSj2021v4a4
o
Sufia Khanom, "Environmentally
Displaced Migration in Bangladesh: Human Security perspectives", BIISS
Journal, Volume 39, Number 3, July
2018. DOI: 10.56888/BIISSj2018v39n3a2
o
Sufia Khanom, “Withdrawal of
International/US Security Force from Afghanistan: An Assessment”, Journal
of international Affairs, Volume 18, No. 1& 2, June and December 2014
o
Sufia Khanom, “The 17th
SAARC Summit: Issues, Outcome and Implications for Bangladesh”, BIISS Journal, Volume 33, No. 1, January
2012, pp. 1-22.
o
Sufia Khanom, "Women and
Water-logged condition- A case from Bangladesh", International
Magazine on Women and Environment, International Magazine, Spring 2011, 86/87,
University of York, Canada, pp.28-29.
o
Sufia Khanom," Earthquake,
Tsunami and Nuclear Disaster: An Assessment", BIISS Journal, Volume
32, No. 2, April 2011, pp. 105-129.
o
Sufia Khanom, “Socially and
Gender-Responsive Natural Resources Management in the Context of the
Biodiversity Conservation Corridors Initiative”, Technical Assistance
Project Report, TA. No. 6289-REG, Asian Development Bank (ADB) and Asian
Institute of Technology (AIT), 31 March 2009.
o
Sufia Khanom, "Gender Issues
in Climate Change: Bangladesh Perspective" BIISS Journal, Volume 30,
No. 4, 2009, pp. 449-469.
o
Sufia Khanom with Humayun Kabir,
"India's River-Linking Project: Plausible Implications for Bangladesh",
BIISS Journal, Volume 29, No.2, pp. 177-209.
o
Sufia Khanom, "Likely
Impacts of Tipaimukh Dam on Bangladesh", BIISS Journal, Volume 27,
No.3, 2006, pp. 223-249.
q
Sufia
Khanom ‘Transboundary Rivers of South Asia: Interplay between Dispute and
Diplomatic Deadlock under Climate Change Conditions’, Rivers Beyond
Borders: Environmental Sustainability in South Asia’s Transboundary Waters,
CRC Press: Taylor Francis Group (Upcoming).
q
Sufia Khanom, ‘Redefining
Human Security for Environmentally Displaced Migrants in Informal Settlements
of Dhaka’ in Bangladesh
at Next 50, UPL:
Bangladesh
q
Sufia
Khanom with Fiona Miller and Sandie Suchet Pearson, Dhaka: A City of
development and deprivation for the climate induced migrants” in Urban
dynamics, environment and health: An international perspective by Biraj
Kumar Sinha (edited), Springer: Singapore, 2023. Available at: https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-981-99-5744-6_15
q
Sufia
Khanom with Abu Md Yousuf, Jahan Shoieb, Tarek Hasan, Lam-ya Moshtak, Nahian
Reza Sabriet, Rafid Abrar Miah and Nahian Sajid Khan, “Repatriation of
Forcibly Displaced Myanmar Nationals: Political security and Humanitarian
Assistance” BIISS Monograph, No. 31, 2022.
q
Sufia Khanom with Dr Shaheen Afroze
and Akand Mohammad Faisal Uddin, "Climate
Change and National Security of Bangladesh", National Security of
Banladesh 2009, Chapter 4, Major General Golam Mohammad (edt.), University Press Limited (UPL), Dhaka,
Bangladesh, 2010, pp. 149-198.
q Sufia Khanom, “Empowering nation through empowering
women: Reflections from Bangabandhu’s
thoughts”, Bangabandhu and
Bangladesh: Foreign Policy and Leadership, Major General Emdadul Bari (edt.),
Pathak Somabesh.
Position: Co-team Leader
Project title: Gender Inclusive Water Governance in Saline Coastal Area, Bangladesh
Outcome: Training Module
Funded by: Centre for Climate Justice-Bangladesh
Duration: 01 February 2025 – July 2025 (Ongoing)
Position: Team member
Project title: Designing Instruments for Piloting Climate and Disaster Risk Finance and Insurance (CDRFI) in Coastal, Bangladesh Outcome: Policy Guideline
Funded by: Centre for Climate Justice-Bangladesh
Duration: 01 May 2025 – September 2025 (Ongoing)
Position: Co-team Leader
Project title: Gender-based Security Strategies under Climate StressConditions: A Case Study on Munda Community in the Sundarbans Outcome: Findings will be published in academic journal
Funded by: Australian Embassy, Bangladesh
Duration: 01 December 2023 -01 December 2024
Position: Team member
Project title: Repatriation of Forcibly Displaced Myanmar National: Political Security and Humanitarian Assistance
Outcome: Explored the gender based political insecurities and the needed humanitarian assistance. The report was presented in Organisation for Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Yearly Annual Meeting organised by Atlantic Council in 2022. Please see the link for the published form of report: https://archive.biiss.org/web/uploads/documents/202401/0403/39/01.pdf.pdf
Funded by: The Concordia Forum, UK.
Duration: January 2022- August 2022 (08 Months)
Position: Co-team Leader
Project title: Baseline study on Violence Free Model Village Project
Outcome: Identified factors used for reducing violence against women for model village
Funded by Manusher Jannyo Foundation.
Duration: Feb 2013 - Dec 2013 (11 Months)
Position: Country Lead for Bangladesh part
Project title: Constitutional Laws and Gender Justice Revisited in Bangladesh
Outcome: It was a part of umbrella project on Re-visiting gender in development: Complex inequalities in a changing Asia
Funded by Norwegian Research Council
Duration: Jan 2012 - Apr 2012 (05 Months)
Position: Team member
Project title: Gendered (in) securities in Greater Mekong sub-regional biodiversity conservation Initiatives (GMS-BCI)
Outcome: Findings were used for preparing the socially and gender-responsive natural resource management in the context of biodiversity conservation corridors initiatives.
Funded by Asian Development Bank (ADB), Thailand
Duration: Jun 2008-May 2009 (12 Months)
2018 Research entitled “Exploring gendered (in)security of environmentally induced migrants: A case from Dhaka, Bangladesh, Doctoral Dissertation, submitted to the Department of Geography and Planning, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia.
2009 Research entitled “Thai, Thai-Karen and Karen women’s (In)security in forest livelihoods: A comparative analysis from Kaeng-Krachen Complex in Thai-Myanmar Border, Thailand, Master Thesis, submitted to the Department of Gender and Development Studies, Asian Institute of Technology (AIT), Thailand.
2004 Research entitled “Women’s contribution in livelihood under water-logged condition: A case study from Bangladesh”, Master Thesis, submitted to the Department of Women and Gender Studies, University of Dhaka.
2002 Research entitled “Women's participation in decision making on migration under stressed environmental condition: A case study from Southern Bangladesh”, Monograph, submitted to the Department of Environmental Science, Khulna University.
·
Presented a paper on China’s Investment on Teesta
River Comprehensive and Restoration Project in Bangladesh: A New Geostrategic
Dynamics for Transboundary Water Resources Management” in the 6th Non Ttraditional Security (NTS)-Asia Consortium Annual Conference
Planetary Health: Managing Converging Risks Asia organised by S. Rajaratnam
School of International Studies (RSIS) , Singapore on 6 April 2025.
·
Attended as a Panellist on “Empowering Communities:
Water Governance and Locally Led Adaptation” jointly organised by
ActionAid, Bangladesh and International Centre for Climate Change and
Development (ICCCAD), Bangladesh on 30 April 2025.
·
Presented paper on “Hydro politics in South Asia:
Quest for Sustainable Development” in a roundtable discussion on
Geopolitics of water: Bangladesh perspectives organised by Bangladesh Institute
of International and Strategic Studies (BIISS) in Dhaka on 29 January 2025.
·
Presented paper on “Feminisation of Hydro
Diplomacy: South Asian Perspectives” in 10th international Water Conference
themed Geopolitics of Water and Oceanic Futures organised by ActionAid
Bangladesh in Kuakata, Barishal on 26-27 January 2025.
·
Presented paper on “Geopolitics of Climate
Negotiation: Progress or Paradox on the Road to Climate Actions” in a
national Seminar on Global Climate Negotiation: Challenges and Priorities for
Bangladesh organised by Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic
Studies (BIISS), Bangladesh in Dhaka on 18 December 2024.
·
Presented paper on “Human Security and
Environmentally Induced Migrants in Bhola Slum, Dhaka Realising Freedom from
Exclusion” in an International Conference on The Science of Happiness
jointly organised by University of Lahore and Rekhi Foundation of Happiness on
November 16, 2024.
·
Attended as a Panellist for the Session titled “Financing
Tomorrow: Climate Action in Global South” in a National Workshop on
Bangladesh Youth COP24 jointly organised by Brighter’s and ActionAid Bangladesh
on 18 September 2024.
·
The paper titled “Environmental Sustainability of
Tourism in Bangladesh: Issues and Challenges for Bangladesh” was presented
in a Seminar organised by Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic
Studies (BIISS), Bangladesh in Dhaka on 30 September 2024.
·
The paper titled as “Transboundary rivers of South
Asia: Interplay between dispute and diplomatic deadlock under climate change
conditions” in an international conferences on “Transboundary Rivers of
South Asia: Fostering Regional Collaboration for Environmental Sustainability”
jointly organised by the South Asian Institute of Policy and Governance (SIPG),
North South University, Bangladesh and the Department of Geography, University
of Manchester, UK and the National River Conservation Commission (NRCC),
Bangladesh on 7-8 May 2024.
·
The paper “Whither Climate Diplomacy in South Asia?
A Critical Analysis for Sustainable Transboundary Water Resources Management”
was presented in the 9thinternational Water conference 2024 titled
Water, Rivers, and Climate Change: Creating Space for Resilience organised by
ActionAid Bangladesh, Dhaka on 24-25 January, 2024.
·
The paper “Impacts of Climate Change and Pollution
in the Bay of Bengal: Healthy Ocean, Ecosystem and Livelihood Perspectives in
the Global South” was presented in an international conference titled
Bridging Horizons: India and Global South organised by Chennai Centre for China
Studies (C3S), Chennai, India on 12 December, 2023.
·
The paper “Climate Diplomacy of Bangladesh: Lessons
learned from COP27 and Way forward”, was presented in a Yearly Research
Colloquium of BIISS on 19 December 2022.
·
The paper “Combating climate change together: The
untapped potentials between Africa and Bangladesh” in a seminar on Look
Africa: Exploring new horizons for Bangladesh organised by BIISS on 13 November
2022.
·
The paper “Bangladesh’s Leadership in Climate
Vulnerable Forum: An Assessment” was presented in a seminar on Climate
Diplomacy of Bangladesh: Options and Challenges organised by BIISS on 04
October 2022.
·
The paper “New Frontiers of Human Rights: Climate
Justice in Perspective” was presented during the visit of UN High
Commissioner on Human Rights Mitchele Bacheltte, organised by BIISS on 17
August 2022.
·
The paper “Post-COVID economic recovery: Prospects
for Bangladesh” was presented organised by Consortium on South Asian Think
Tanks (COSATT) and Konrad Adenauer Stiftung (KAS), Singapore on 18 May, 2022.
·
The paper “Climate Change and Health Nexus:
Bangladesh Perspective” was presented at 6th NTS Asia Consortium
Annual Conference organized by NTS-Asia Consortium, Singapore on 4-7 April
2022.
·
The
paper "Bangabandhu's Role in
Empowerment of Women" was presented at Webinar on Bangabandhu and
Bangladesh: Leadership and Foreign Policy, organized by BIISS on 13 December
2020.
·
The
paper "Sharing best practices of
mainstreaming gender in disaster risk reduction and how regional cooperation
can support institutionalization of these initiatives" was presented
at Regional Seminar on Regional
Cooperation for Sustainable Development in South Asia jointly organized by
BIISS and UNESCAP on 10 December 2019.
·
The
paper "Neither Plenty of Water Nor
enough Strategies: Securitizing South Asian Water Resources" was
presented at Bi-lateral Dialogue on Bangladesh-India Cooperation in the
Changing Regional and Global Context
jointly organized by IDSA, New Delhi and BIISS on 03 July 2019.
·
The
paper "Freedom from Exclusion:
Security and Environmentally Displaced Migrants in Bhola Slum, Dhaka"
was presented in a workshop on Climate -related Displacement in the
Asia-Pacific: What Prospects Exist for Outcomes? Organized by Macquarie
University, Australia on 7-8 December 2017.
· The paper "Bangladesh-India Water Resources Management: Issues and Concern" was presented at a regional conference on Regional Transboundary Water Resources Management jointly organized by BIISS and Konrad-Adenaeuer Stiftung (KAS), Germany on 05-06 September 2012.
·
The
paper "Indian river linking project and its impacts on Bangladesh"
was presented at a Bi-lateral Dialogue between IDSA, New Delhi and BIISS on
28-29 March 2012.
·
The
paper "Women under stressed
environmental condition- A case study from South-West Bangladesh" was
presented at an international conference jointly organized by BRAC University, Bangladesh and Inter-Asia Cultural
Studies, Hong Kong on 17-18 December 2011.
·
The
paper "Maritime Piracy: Security and Prevention" was presented
at a national seminar organized by Human Rights Committee (Manobadhikar
Bastobayan Songstha) on 12 December 2011.
• Himalayan University Consortium (HUC) 2025 on Climate
Migration organised by ICIMOD, Nepal.
• “Women Leadership Award” by Asian Disaster and
Preparedness Centre (ADPC), Bangkok for the contribution in Water Governance
and Climate Resilience 2025.
• “University Higher Degree Research” Scholarship at
Macquarie University, Australia in 2015.
• HI-AWARE Academy Award ICIMOD, Nepal in 2016.
• Top Student Award from Asian Institute of Technology in
2009.
• Research Awards for Master Students Asian Development Bank
in 2008.
• Merit Excellence Award from Department of Women and Gender
Studies, Dhaka University in 2008.
• “NUFFIC Scholarship” 2007 for MSC program by Netherlands
Government in 2007.
• Merit List Scholarship of Khulna University, Bangladesh in
1998.
• Merit List Scholarship at Secondary School Certificate
(SSC) Exam Education Board of Bangladesh in 1995.
• Talent Scholarship at Secondary School of Bangladesh
Government in 1994.
• Talent Scholarship at Elementary School Board of
Bangladesh Government in 1990.
· Participated a Regional Science-Policy Dialogue
on Research for Sustainable Development in South Asia jointly
organised by International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD),
Nepal and the International Development Research Centre (IDRC) from 6-7 April
2025.
· Participated in a training programme on Nature based solutions for disaster management from 17-28 March 2025 organised by Asian Disaster Preparedness Center (ADPC), Bangkok.
· Participated as a Presenter for the International Workshop on “Social Contracts and Environmental Change in the Middle East and North Africa and elsewhere” at the German Institute of Development and Sustainability (IDOS) in Bonn, Germany, 26-28 August 2024.
· Participated as a Trainer for the International Workshop on “Building Climate Resilience in Aquaculture and Fisheries: An ASEAN-Bangladesh Initiative” jointly organised by Minister of Fisheries and Livestock, Bangladesh and ASEAN in Jakarta, Indonesia on 27-28 May 2024.
· Participated the HI-AWARE Academy Training Sessions on Climate change and its impacts (05 Days) organized by ICIMOD, Nepal in November 2016.
· Participated in training on River erosion and embankment safety management for sustainable livelihoods in South Asia region (07 days) organized by SAARC Disaster Management Centre, New Delhi and Disaster Research Training and Management Centre, Dhaka University in March 2014.
· Conducted a Qualitative Research Methodology (06 Days) as a sole Trainer organized by BANBEIS, Ministry of Education, Bangladesh in November 2012.
· Participated the training workshop on Environmental Development and Disaster Management (04 days) organized by Bangladesh Public Administration Training Institute (BPATC) in November 2009.
· Participated at the training workshop on Methodology of Climate Migration Research (08 Days) organized by Chulalongkorn University, Thailand; Institute of Social Science, Netherlands; and Institute of Development Research Center (IDRC), Canada in October 2008.
· Participated at the training workshop on Gender and Development (07 Days) organized by Academy for Planning and Development, Ministry of Planning in July 2007.
· Participated at the training programme on Environment and Environmental Law (05 Days) organized by Bangladesh Environmental Lawyers' Association in September 2006.
· Participated at the training Social Sciences Research Methodology (10 Days) organized by Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BIISS) in December 2006.
Digital Media
· Interviewed on air pollution in Dhaka city. The link is: https://www.facebook.com/channel24bd.tv/videos/1351499699555023/
· Interviewed by the
Institute of South Asian Studies (ISAS) of National University of Singapore
(NUS) for South Asia Chat on Regional Environmental Security in South Asia.
Episode 151: Environmental Security in South Asia on 06 July 2022. The podcast is: https://isas.podbean.com/e/episode-151-environmental-security-in-south-asia/
· Interviewed by Bangladesh Television on National Adaptation Plan 2022 in October 2022.
Print Media
· Sufia Khanom, “Why women: Gender Issues in small arms proliferation”, The Daily Star, March 20, 2013. Available at: https://www.thedailystar.net/news/gender-issues-in-small-arms-proliferation
· Sufia Khanom with Aroma Dutta, “The story of women in politics in Bangladesh”, White Board, Policy Magazine, Issue 03, March 16, 2021. Available at: https://whiteboardmagazine.com/2087/the-story-of-women-in-politics-in-bangladesh/
· Sufia Khanom, India’s Leadership in Climate Actions: Critical Reflections from Global South, The New India Abroad, 31 December 2023, available at: https://www.newindiaabroad.com/news/india-leadership-in-climate-actions-critical-reflections-from-global-south
· Mentor, SustainLaunch Labs (a start-ups programme for young entrepreneurs). See for more details: https://www.sustainlaunchlabs.com/mentors
· Director, Growing Together (a registered limited company in Bangladesh for Research, Knowledge Management, Capacity Building, Institution Building, Monitoring (Third Party Monitoring) And Evaluation, Communication, Networking and Advocacy). For more details: https://growingtogether-int.org/dr-sufia-khanom/
· Trustee Board Member, Riverine People (a
youth-based civil society initiative promoting citizen stewardship of rivers,
estuaries and other inshore wetlands in Bangladesh since 2010). For more details: https://riverinepeople.org/about-us/