Dr Isabella NG and Dr Md Farid HOSSAIN visit Bangladesh and Sri Lanka for Academic Exchange and Field Research

Associate Professor Isabella NG Fung-sheung and Post-doctoral Fellow Dr Md Farid HOSSAIN undertook a research trip to Bangladesh and Sri Lanka from 15 to 24 February 2026, immersing themselves in a vibrant environment filled with innovation and intellectual curiosity. In Bangladesh, they visited Jahangirnagar University at the invitation of Professor Dr Md. Shamsul Alam, Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences. Dr NG delivered a research talk titled “In Local Exclusivity Lies Global Inclusion – The Relational Ontology of Asylum-Seekers and Refugees and Local Communities in a Post-Colonial Hong Kong Village” for the faculty members. She also spoke to students on the topic “Asylum-Seekers and Refugees in Hong Kong: Merging Academic and Activist Work,” invited by Dr Nurul Huda Sakib, head of the Department of Government and Politics. Dr Md Farid Hossain moderated both sessions.

 With the Dean of the Faculty of Law at Jahangirnagar University, Professor Dr Md. Rabiul Islam

Professor Dr Md. Shamsul Alam (right), Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences at Jahangirnagar University

With the Faculty and Students from the Faculty of Social Sciences at Jahangirnagar University

They engaged with professors and students, discussing their ongoing research initiatives and exploring potential collaboration opportunities. The open forums and research seminars fostered dynamic knowledge exchange, creating a strong sense of community among researchers. This firsthand experience not only broadened our understanding of emerging trends and methodologies in my field but also inspired us to explore new avenues for our research in the Global South.

With the students and Head of the Department of Government and Politics at Jahangirnagar University, Dr Nurul Huda Sakib

They also had the opportunity to visit the Rohingya Camp, where we spoke with Rohingya people, NGO and INGO workers, and officials from the Refugee Relief and Repatriation Commissioner of the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief, Government of the People's Republic of Bangladesh. These interactions enriched our knowledge and opened up prospects for future research collaboration.

Visit to the Rohingya Camp with the Camp-in-charge

With the Official from RRRC

During their visit to Sri Lanka, they visited the SAARC Cultural Centre (SCC) in Colombo, where they met the centre's Director, Dr Kaushalya Kumarasinghe, and Deputy Director, Prof. Sikder Md. Zulkernine, along with other staff and research fellows. They also visited the Department of International Relations at the University of Colombo, where our meeting with faculty members and students yielded fruitful discussions for potential research collaborations. Additionally, they explored the Puppet Art Museum in Balapitiya and the Puppet Village in Ambalangoda, engaging in conversations with community leaders and stakeholders about future research and collaboration opportunities.

With the students and Professor from the Department of International Relations at the University of Colombo

 With the Director, Dr Kaushalya Kumarasinghe (Second left), and Deputy Director, Prof. Sikder Md. Zulkernine (Left) of the SAARC Cultural Centre (SCC) in Colombo

Visit at the Puppet Village in Ambalangoda