Dr. Tunvir Ahamed Shohel is a Sociology Professor at Khulna University, Bangladesh, with over 15 years of experience in academia and research. He earned a
PhD in Sociology from Monash University, Australia, a Master’s in Sociology from Masaryk University, Czech Republic, and both his Master’s and Bachelor’s
degrees in Sociology from Khulna University. His research and teaching cover gender, financial inclusion, climate change, Indigenous communities, mental health,
and cultural studies. He has led and contributed to interdisciplinary projects on social issues related to development, education, and health. His publications include
articles in high-impact journals like PLOS ONE, BMC Psychiatry, Heliyon, European Journal of Development Research, and Water Policy. He has authored 23
peer-reviewed papers, with more under review in Q1 journals.
EDUCATION
Doctor of Philosophy ( in Sociology, Monash University, Clayton campus, Australia - (2017-2021)
Master Degree in Sociology (Magistr), Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic - (2012-2014)
Master of Social Sciences (MSS) in Sociology, Khulna University, Bangladesh - (2009-2010)
Bachelor of Social Sciences (BSS) in Sociology, Khulna University, Bangladesh (2005-2008)
RESEARCH, TEACHING, or OTHER INTERESTS
Social Sciences, Sociology and Political Science, Anthropology, Cultural Studies
16
Scopus Publications
414
Scholar Citations
8
Scholar h-index
8
Scholar i10-index
Scopus Publications
“Stay indoors with Purdah, men will make the money”: A qualitative study investigating women's microfinance participation and mobility practices in Bangladesh Kanig Fatema Akter Bristi, Tunvir Ahamed Shohel, Taufiq-E-Ahmed Shovo, Maherun Nahar Mumu, Hamalna Nizam Plos One, 2026 Purpose of this paper This study aimed to investigate the impact of Purdah , a cultural norm, on the economic independence of women who have received microfinance in Bangladesh. The study also sought to understand whether the Purdah norm has an influence on microfinance loans, such as use, control, and repayment, relevant to female borrowers’ mobility practice. Perception, cultural value, and Purdah’s implications for everyday life were also considered. Design/methodology/approach We selected women’s groups in development programs, such as microfinance, as the case for this study. By using a snowball sampling technique, we identified 25 microfinance recipients for interview– mostly women and their spouses living in the Dumuria and Tala Upazilas in the Khulna division of Bangladesh. The research employed thematic analysis to draw conclusions and explain the findings. Findings The study findings show that traditional norms associated with Purdah hinder women’s economic engagement and that the practice of Purdah among women is institutionalized from a very young age, primarily before marriage. The findings further explain that Purdah norms limit women’s mobility, act as a cultural barrier to IGAs, create economic dependence on men, and enable men to control microfinance loans. Therefore, women are not fully in control of their microfinance loans, and microfinance participation appears to be a less satisfactory form of financial inclusion for participants. Practical implications and value of paper This study suggests that viewing Purdah solely as a religious requirement limits understanding of its cultural roots. Cultural interpretation is needed to shape policies and reduce Purdah’s impact on women’s mobility.
Dietary diversity among Sundarbans forest-dependent communities: Prevalence, determinants, and livelihood implications Md. Tanvir Hossain, Tunvir Ahamed Shohel, Md. Nasif Ahsan, Md. Nazrul Islam Plos One, 2026 The resources of the Sundarbans mangrove forest have provided livelihoods for communities in Bangladesh and India that depend on it. However, the role of the Sundarbans in ensuring the household dietary diversity of Sundarbans mangrove forest resource-dependent communities (SMFRDCs) remains unexplored. Considering the Sustainable Livelihood Approach, this cross-sectional survey study was conducted in three coastal districts (Khulna, Satkhira, and Bagerhat) to assess the prevalence and determinants of dietary diversity among SMFRDCs. Data were collected using a structured interview schedule from 782 households selected through a multistage stratified random sampling process over three months in 2023. Relevant statistical tests were conducted to assess the prevalence of dietary diversity and identify its determinants among households in the immediate vicinity of the Sundarbans. The one-sample binomial test showed that honey collectors and households in Shyamnagar Upazila had higher dietary diversity than those involved in other occupations and residing in other areas. The results of the binary logistic regression analysis indicated that individuals with higher education and those involved in multiple seasonal occupations were more likely to have diversified diets; however, spatial location had an inverse effect on the diets of SMFRDCs. Household assets, including domestic, transport, and livestock assets, as well as livelihood capitals such as social, natural, financial, and political, were positively associated with a diversified diet. In contrast, human and physical capital were negatively associated with household dietary diversity. The findings further show that physical vulnerability, along with household food insecurity, negatively affected dietary diversity among forest-proximate households. To ensure a sustainable, proper, and protein-enriched diet for forest-resource dependent people in the Sundarbans mangrove forest, context-specific, tailored, and well-integrated strategies are needed, including promoting alternative livelihoods, such as climate-smart agriculture, along with awareness regarding the consumption of locally available nutritious foods and government-aided food assistance programs, specifically during seasonal unemployment. Moreover, to improve access to diversified food items essential for the physical and mental development and well-being of forest-adjacent marginalized communities in coastal Bangladesh, certain factors suggested by the Sustainable Livelihood Approach, such as vulnerability, assets, policies and structures, and livelihood strategies, should be considered to ensure the sustainability of livelihood and resources, especially for climate-vulnerable communities.
Safe water crisis and struggle of climate-vulnerable indigenous communities in southwestern coastal Bangladesh Tunvir Ahamed Shohel, Morsheda Akter Heme, Taufiq-E-Ahmed Shovo, Nishad Nasrin, Aisha Rahman Asha, et al. Water Policy, 2024 This study was designed to unearth the beliefs, practices, and management of safe drinking water of Munda and Rajbangshi indigenous communities. To apprehend the safe drinking water-related behaviour and practice, the qualitative approach was followed where 20 in-depth interviews were carried out among the Munda and Rajbangshi communities in Shyamnagar and Kaliganj Upazila (sub-district) of Satkhira district, Bangladesh. Findings indicate that the intrusion of saline water due to climate-induced changes led to a scarcity of potable water for both communities in the last few decades. Despite the existence of centuries-old traditional practices of water purification, the indigenous communities, particularly women, were compelled to collect safe drinking water from, in general, distant sources as the other sources of water were contaminated with saline water. Despite their collective efforts, managing safe water sometimes, particularly in the rainy season, becomes impossible for these marginalized people as it costs a considerable amount of household income. To ensure their access to safe drinking water and to explore the underlying factors, whether social, economic, cultural or environmental, initiatives from both government and non-government organizations are required for a sustainable life for these unheard plain land indigenous communities in Bangladesh.
‘Even Though I Get a Loan, My Husband Controls It’: Rhetoric Versus Reality of Empowering Bangladeshi Women Through Microfinance Programs Tunvir Ahamed Shohel, Sara Niner, Samanthi J. Gunawardana European Journal of Development Research, 2023 This study investigates the development intervention of microfinance programs with women borrowers in strong patriarchal communities such as in rural Bangladesh. Using Rahman's framework (1999) of 'public transcript' vs. 'hidden transcript', we describe how women's structural vulnerability is understood and leveraged by the microfinance institutions (MFIs). The findings in this paper is based on data from 331 surveys and 40 in-depth interviews fromDumuria, a southern sub-district of Bangladesh. We found that MFIs’ providers largely conceptualized women's empowerment as increasde in financial participation, mobility and household decision-making. Although the MFIs present microfinance programs as successfully contributing to women’s empowerment, we found that the patriarchal gender norm(s) pervasive in rural Bangladesh meant that men controlled and used most of the microfinance loans. We also found that MFI's do little to monitor or address this issue, instead, they emphasizing high loan recovery rates as evidence of women’s empowerment. Furthermore, MFIs leveraged women's structural vulnerability apparent in the gendered division of labour, mobility restrictions, and notions of honour and shame to ensure the high recovery rates. We conclude that MFIs obscure the reality of their ulterior profit-making motives with the rhetoric of false narratives of women's empowerment.
A qualitative investigation of stressful life events and mental health disorders: The views of patients and caregivers in Bangladesh Nishad Nasrin, Tunvir Ahamed Shohel, Taufiq-E-Ahmed Shovo, Fariha Farjana, Hamalna Nizam, et al. Plos One, 2023 Background Mounting mental health disorders among students has become a significant challenge in producing quality graduates with bright minds. Therefore, it is crucial to investigate the underlying causes of students’ mental health-related problems and their experiences while living with mental health disorders. This study investigates the causes and exposures of mental health problems among university students in Bangladesh. For this purpose, a qualitative method was used, and an unstructured in-depth interview schedule was used to collect data from students and caregivers. The students were selected from Khulna University, and data were collected in two consecutive months, i.e., November and December 2021. Using a convenient sampling technique, eight (8) students with mental health issues and five (5) caregivers were interviewed to obtain the necessary data. Results The findings showed that the intertwined social circumstances led to mental health problems among university students. The students experienced deep depression following a breakup of their romantic affairs/relationships. The prolonged isolation or social distancing due to the government-imposed strict lockdown during the COVID-19 also produced frustration regarding the possible loss of both academic and professional careers. Furthermore, the growing academic pressure in a form of an unfamiliar approach to teaching and learning—online education–also compelled students to complain about depression and suicidal tendencies as parts of their experiences. Conclusions This study recommends that the government and policymakers prioritize mental health issues in educational institutions, and they should enforce specific strategies, such as introducing age-specific mental health services and student counseling at educational institutions to reduce growing mental health issues. Furthermore, a positive approach from the family and community is also required to battle against mental health disorders. Besides, nationally representative empirical research is recommended to comprehend the growing mental health issues among students in the 21st century to figure out solutions for the present and the future.
“Stay indoors with Purdah, men will make the money”: A qualitative study investigating women’s microfinance participation and mobility practices in Bangladesh KFA Bristi, TA Shohel, TEA Shovo, MN Mumu, H Nizam Plos one 21 (4), e0346323 , 2026 2026
Money is the milk of tiger: domesticating patriarchy, microcredit, and the moral economy of women disempowerment in rural Bangladesh DFT Johura, M Lacbawan, MN Mumu, TA Shohel World Development Perspectives 41, 100755 , 2026 2026 Citations: 1
Dietary diversity among Sundarbans forest-dependent communities: Prevalence, determinants, and livelihood implications MT Hossain, TA Shohel, MN Ahsan, MN Islam Plos one 21 (2), e0342800 , 2026 2026 Citations: 1
Assessing hou sehold, plant-based, and animal-based dietary diversity and their determinants among Sundarbans mangrove forest resource-dependent communities in Bangladesh MT Hossain, TA Shohel, MN Ahsan, M NazrulIslam Trees, Forests and People, 100936 , 2025 2025 Citations: 1
Prevalence and determinants of vulnerability among Sundarbans mangrove forest resource-dependent communities in cyclone-prone southwestern coastal districts of Bangladesh MT Hossain, TA Shohel, MN Ahsan, MN Islam Trees, Forests and People 19, 100739 , 2025 2025 Citations: 5
A qualitative investigation to understand the challenges and representation of women in the media industry of Bangladesh N Yeasmin, MA Heme, MN Mumu, TEA Shovo, R Aktar, H Nizam, ... Heliyon 10 (9) , 2024 2024 Citations: 7
Safe water crisis and struggle of climate-vulnerable indigenous communities in southwestern coastal Bangladesh TA Shohel, MA Heme, TEA Shovo, N Nasrin, AR Asha, TMR Rahman, ... Water Policy 26 (3), 273-289 , 2024 2024 Citations: 5
‘Even though I get a loan, my husband controls it’: rhetoric versus reality of empowering Bangladeshi women through microfinance programs TA Shohel, S Niner, SJ Gunawardana The European Journal of Development Research 35 (4), 794-819 , 2023 2023 Citations: 50
Indigenous Knowledge, Practices, and Transformation of Drinking Water Management System: Evidence from Munda Community of Bangladesh N Nasrin, TA Shohel, TEA Shovo, MZ Ela, MA Heme, MT Hossain Indigenous and local water knowledge, values and practices, 219-240 , 2023 2023 Citations: 11
A qualitative investigation of stressful life events and mental health disorders: The views of patients and caregivers in Bangladesh N Nasrin, TA Shohel, TEA Shovo, F Farjana, H Nizam, MA Heme, A Islam, ... Plos one 18 (2), e0281649 , 2023 2023 Citations: 8
Sociocultural Costs of the Long-term COVID-19 Outbreak in Bangladesh: A Systematic Review SRR Sanjoy Kumar Chanda, Md. Ripul Kabir, Tuhin Roy, Tunvir Ahamed Shohel ... SAGE Open 12 (4) , 2022 2022 Citations: 2
‘ He was a brilliant student but became mad like his grandfather’ : an exploratory investigation on the social perception and stigma against individuals living with … TA Shohel, N Nasrin, F Farjana, TEA Shovo, AR Asha, MA Heme, A Islam, ... BMC psychiatry 22 (1), 702 , 2022 2022 Citations: 17
A psychometric evaluation of fear of COVID-19 scale (FCV-19S) MT Hossain, N Jahan, B Ahammed, TA Shohel, TEA Shovo, B Khan, ... Hellenic Journal of Psychology 19 (1), 40-52 , 2022 2022 Citations: 15
Public vs. private job dilemma: Influencing factors in career selection for university graduates SS Suhi, FJ Oyshi, MA Al Mamun, N Jahan, TA Shohel, MA Rahman, ... Plos one 16 (10), e0258331 , 2021 2021 Citations: 17
How the persistence of patriarchy undermines the financial empowerment of women microfinance borrowers? Evidence from a southern sub-district of Bangladesh TA Shohel, S Niner, S Gunawardana Plos One [https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0250000] , 2021 2021 Citations: 80
Determinants of generalized anxiety, depression, and subjective sleep quality among university students during COVID-19 pandemic in Bangladesh B Ahammed, B Khan, N Jahan, TA Shohel, MT Hossain, MN Islam Dr. Sulaiman Al Habib Medical Journal 3 (1), 27-35 , 2021 2021 Citations: 55
Prolonged lockdown and academic uncertainties in Bangladesh: A qualitative investigation during the COVID-19 pandemic MZ Ela, TA Shohel, L Khan, N Jahan, MT Hossain, MN Islam Heliyon 7 (2) , 2021 2021 Citations: 104
Do microfinance programs impact the construction of gender relations in the lives of women borrowers? An investigation in Bangladesh TA Shohel Monash University , 2021 2021 Citations: 2
Financial inclusion program and household decision-making power transition to future female generation:Empirical evidence from rural Bangladesh MTH Tunvir Ahamed Shohel, Nusrat Jahan, Aysha Seddeque, , Masudur Rahman ... BAUET Journal 2 (2), 130-140 , 2020 2020 Citations: 4
DETERMINANTS OF SCHOOL CHOICE: A STUDY ON KHULNA CITY CORPORATION (KCC) AREA OF BANGLADESH MT Hossain, TA Shohel, N Jahan Khulna University Studies 12 (1 & 2), 137-148 , 2017 2017 Citations: 6
MOST CITED SCHOLAR PUBLICATIONS
Prolonged lockdown and academic uncertainties in Bangladesh: A qualitative investigation during the COVID-19 pandemic MZ Ela, TA Shohel, L Khan, N Jahan, MT Hossain, MN Islam Heliyon 7 (2) , 2021 2021.0 Citations: 104
How the persistence of patriarchy undermines the financial empowerment of women microfinance borrowers? Evidence from a southern sub-district of Bangladesh TA Shohel, S Niner, S Gunawardana Plos One [https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0250000] , 2021 2021.0 Citations: 80
Determinants of generalized anxiety, depression, and subjective sleep quality among university students during COVID-19 pandemic in Bangladesh B Ahammed, B Khan, N Jahan, TA Shohel, MT Hossain, MN Islam Dr. Sulaiman Al Habib Medical Journal 3 (1), 27-35 , 2021 2021.0 Citations: 55
‘Even though I get a loan, my husband controls it’: rhetoric versus reality of empowering Bangladeshi women through microfinance programs TA Shohel, S Niner, SJ Gunawardana The European Journal of Development Research 35 (4), 794-819 , 2023 2023.0 Citations: 50
‘ He was a brilliant student but became mad like his grandfather’ : an exploratory investigation on the social perception and stigma against individuals living with … TA Shohel, N Nasrin, F Farjana, TEA Shovo, AR Asha, MA Heme, A Islam, ... BMC psychiatry 22 (1), 702 , 2022 2022.0 Citations: 17
Public vs. private job dilemma: Influencing factors in career selection for university graduates SS Suhi, FJ Oyshi, MA Al Mamun, N Jahan, TA Shohel, MA Rahman, ... Plos one 16 (10), e0258331 , 2021 2021.0 Citations: 17
A psychometric evaluation of fear of COVID-19 scale (FCV-19S) MT Hossain, N Jahan, B Ahammed, TA Shohel, TEA Shovo, B Khan, ... Hellenic Journal of Psychology 19 (1), 40-52 , 2022 2022.0 Citations: 15
Indigenous Knowledge, Practices, and Transformation of Drinking Water Management System: Evidence from Munda Community of Bangladesh N Nasrin, TA Shohel, TEA Shovo, MZ Ela, MA Heme, MT Hossain Indigenous and local water knowledge, values and practices, 219-240 , 2023 2023.0 Citations: 11
A qualitative investigation of stressful life events and mental health disorders: The views of patients and caregivers in Bangladesh N Nasrin, TA Shohel, TEA Shovo, F Farjana, H Nizam, MA Heme, A Islam, ... Plos one 18 (2), e0281649 , 2023 2023.0 Citations: 8
A qualitative investigation to understand the challenges and representation of women in the media industry of Bangladesh N Yeasmin, MA Heme, MN Mumu, TEA Shovo, R Aktar, H Nizam, ... Heliyon 10 (9) , 2024 2024.0 Citations: 7
DETERMINANTS OF SCHOOL CHOICE: A STUDY ON KHULNA CITY CORPORATION (KCC) AREA OF BANGLADESH MT Hossain, TA Shohel, N Jahan Khulna University Studies 12 (1 & 2), 137-148 , 2017 2017.0 Citations: 6
KNOWLEDGE OF FEMALE ADOLESCENTS ABOUT REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH IN SOUTH-WESTERN REGION OF BANGLADESH MT Hossain, TA Shohel, N Jahan, N Sultana Khulna University Studies 14 (1 & 2), 149-161 , 2017 2017.0 Citations: 6
Prevalence and determinants of vulnerability among Sundarbans mangrove forest resource-dependent communities in cyclone-prone southwestern coastal districts of Bangladesh MT Hossain, TA Shohel, MN Ahsan, MN Islam Trees, Forests and People 19, 100739 , 2025 2025.0 Citations: 5
Safe water crisis and struggle of climate-vulnerable indigenous communities in southwestern coastal Bangladesh TA Shohel, MA Heme, TEA Shovo, N Nasrin, AR Asha, TMR Rahman, ... Water Policy 26 (3), 273-289 , 2024 2024.0 Citations: 5
EFFECTS OF WATER SALINITY ON DEGRADING HEALTH STATUS OF THE WOMEN IN SOUTH- WESTERN RURAL BANGLADESH NJNA TUNVIR AHAMED SHOHEL, MD. TANVIR HOSSAIN, TAUFIQ-E-AHMED Journal of Socioeconomic Research and Development 8 (6), 1136-1142 , 2011 2011.0 Citations: 5
Financial inclusion program and household decision-making power transition to future female generation:Empirical evidence from rural Bangladesh MTH Tunvir Ahamed Shohel, Nusrat Jahan, Aysha Seddeque, , Masudur Rahman ... BAUET Journal 2 (2), 130-140 , 2020 2020.0 Citations: 4
Role of microcredit on women empowerment in rural Bangladesh MA Jabbar, TA Shohel, MM Rahman Journal of Socioeconomic Research and Development 7 (6), 992-1000 , 2010 2010.0 Citations: 4
& Hossain, MT (2021). Public vs. private job dilemma: Influencing factors in career selection for university graduates SS Suhi, FJ Oyshi, MA Al Mamun, N Jahan, TA Shohel, MA Rahman Plos one 16 (10), e0258331 , 0 Citations: 4
Sexual Harassment through Teasing of the Adolescent Girls: A Study on Jhenidah Municipality of Bangladesh TA Shohel, MT Hossain, N Jahan, L Siddiqua International Journal of Innovation and Applied Studies 6 (3), 590 , 2014 2014.0 Citations: 3
Sociocultural Costs of the Long-term COVID-19 Outbreak in Bangladesh: A Systematic Review SRR Sanjoy Kumar Chanda, Md. Ripul Kabir, Tuhin Roy, Tunvir Ahamed Shohel ... SAGE Open 12 (4) , 2022 2022.0 Citations: 2
Publications
I have 24+ publications, and many more are currently under review or in the submission pipeline. A Full publication list is available upon request. | For the full publication list, please visit Google Scholar (
