Journal Articles

• Sikder, M. J. U., Reza, S., Azad, S. N., & Aziz, A. (2025). Bounded agency and aspirations: Understanding the motivations for irregular migration from Bangladesh to Europe. International Migration, 63(3). https://doi.org/10.1111/imig.70035
• Sikder, M. J. U., Zakia, I. S., Reza, S., Azad, S. N. & Baniamin, H. M.  (2025). Why do the Rohingya embark on dangerous boat voyages from Bangladesh? A qualitative study. International Migration Review. https://doi.org/10.1177/01979183251325198
• Sikder, M. J. U. (2025, in press). From marginalization to silent decline: Understanding systemic barriers of women’s future in Bangladesh’s RMG industry. Journal of South Asian and Middle Eastern Studies. https://www1.villanova.edu/villanova/publications/jsames.html
• Khaled, A. F. M., Dijkzeul, D., Ansar, A., & Sikder, M. J. U. (2024). Editorial: Rohingya refugees: Humanitarian responses and implications. Frontiers in Human Dynamics, 6, Article 1479802. https://doi.org/10.3389/fhumd.2024.1479802
• Shahi, R., Karim, K. Sikder, M.J.U. & Bansal, V. (2021). Shattered dreams: Bangladeshi migrant workers during a global pandemic. Journal of Modern Slavery, 5(2). https://slavefreetoday.org/journal_of_modern_slavery/v6i2a05_ShatteredDreamsBangladeshiMigrantWorkerduringGloba
• Sikder, M. J. U., & Higgins, V. (2017). Remittances and social resilience: A qualitative study of migrant households in rural Bangladesh. Migration and Development, 6(2), 253–275. https://doi.org/10.1080/21632324.2016.1142752
• Sikder, M. J. U., & Ballis, P. H. (2013). Remittances and life chances: A study of migrant households in rural Bangladesh. Migration and Development, 2(2), 261–285. https://doi.org/10.1080/21632324.2013.814322
• Sikder, M. J. U. (2008). Bangladesh: International labour migration and remittances. Asian and Pacific Migration Journal, 17(3), 257–276. https://doi.org/10.1177/011719680801700302
• Sikder, M. J. U., & Sarkar, B. K. (2005). Livelihoods, informal trade at the Bangladesh border. Inter-Asia Cultural Studies, 6(3), 432–445. https://doi.org/10.1080/14649370500170134

Book

• Sikder, M. J. U., Higgins, V., & Ballis, P. (2017). Remittance incomes and social resilience among migrant households in rural Bangladesh. Palgrave Macmillan. https://link.springer.com/book/10.1057/978-1-137-57771-9
• Siddiqui, T., & Sikder, M. J. U. (2014). Marginalised of migration: A study of domestic workers and rickshaw pullers in Dhaka. Refugee and Migratory Movements Research Unit (RMMRU). [ISBN 978-1-137-57771-9].

Book Chapter

• Sikder, M. J. U. (2025, in press). Bridging migration challenges with Vision 2030: Exploring the socio-economic and labor conditions of Bangladeshi migrants in Saudi Arabia. In AlSharif, F. (Eds.), Labor Migration Patterns and their Role in Economic Diversification and Sustainable Development in Saudi Arabia. King Faisal Center for Research and Islamic Studies (KFCRI).
• Sikder, M. J. U., Reza, S., & Halim, S. (2025, in press). The Rohingya quagmire: US policy, Myanmar’s resistance, and international response. In M. Rahman (Ed.), [Title of the book]. [Publisher].
• Sikder, M. J. U., Reza, S., Azad, S. N., & Fardeen, H. A. (2024). Opportunities and vulnerabilities of internal migrants in Bangladesh amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. In S. Irudaya Rajan (Ed.), South Asia migration report 2024. Routledge. https://www.taylorfrancis.com/chapters/oa-edit/10.4324/9781003521228-10/opportunities-vulnerabilities-internal-migrants-bangladesh-amidst-covid-19-pandemic-mohammad-jalal-uddin-sikder-selim-reza-syed-nurullah-azad-fardeen-hassan-anton
• Siddiqui, T., Sikder, M. J. U., & Bhuiyan, R. A. (2022). Climate change and migration in Bangladesh: Vulnerability in urban locations. In T. S. Eriksen, H. Susan, & P. Mendes (Eds.), Cooling down: Local responses to global climate change (pp. 113-130). Berghahn Books. https://www.berghahnbooks.com/downloads/OpenAccess/EriksenCooling/EriksenCooling_05.pdf
• Sikder, M. J. U. (2020). International labour migration from Bangladesh: Risk protection and policy. In Forum Asia & Law & Society Trust (Eds.), South Asia judicial barometer (pp. 21-80). Forum Asia. https://lst.lk/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/South_Asia_Judicial_Barometer_2020.pdf
• Sikder, M. J. U., & Alam, S. B. (2021). Securities and insecurities upon return during COVID-19. In T. Siddiqui (Ed.), The other face of globalisation: COVID-19, international labour migrants and left-behind families in Bangladesh (pp.64-79). Bangladesh Civil Society for Migrants (BCSM) & Refugee and Migratory Movements Research Unit (RMMRU). https://www.rmmru.org/newsite/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/The-Other-Face-of-Globalisation.pdf
• Rashid, R. S., Sikder, M. J. U., & Hossain, E. (2020). The unequal landscape of remittances: The case of rural Bangladesh. In S. I. Rajan (Ed.), South Asia migration report 2020: Exploitation, entrepreneurship and engagement. Routledge. https://www.taylorfrancis.com/chapters/edit/10.4324/9780429321450-4/unequal-landscape-remittances-syeda-rozana-rashid-mohammad-jalal-uddin-sikder-emran-hossain
• Rashid, R., & Sikder, M. J. U. (2017). Intra-household dynamics of remittance practices: A case study of Bangladesh. In S. I. Rajan (Ed.), South Asia migration report 2017: Recruitment, remittances and reintegration (pp. 209–229). Routledge. https://www.taylorfrancis.com/chapters/edit/10.4324/9781315297897-17/intra-household-dynamics-remittance-practices-case-study-bangladesh-syeda-rozana-rashid-mohammad
• Siddiqui, T., & Sikder, M. J. U. (2009). Rural to urban migration for domestic work in Bangladesh. In J. Seeley & C. R. Abrar (Eds.), Social protection and marginalised migrant workers in India and Bangladesh (pp. 57–81). University Press Limited. https://uplbooks.com/shop/9847022000325-social-protection-and-livelihoods-marginalised-migrant-workers-of-india-and-bangladesh-8277#attr=15084

Monographs and Working Papers

• Rashid, R., & Sikder, M. J. U. (2016). Choosing a life: Remittances and youth aspirations in Bangladeshi villages (Working Paper No. 40). Migration out of Poverty Research Programme Consortium, University of Sussex. http://migratingoutofpoverty.dfid.gov.uk/files/file.php?name=wp40-rashid-and-sikder-2016-choosing-a-life-remittances-and-youth-aspirations.pdf&site=354
• Abrar, C. R., & Sikder, M. J. U. (2016). Cross-border movement of the Rohingyas from Burma: Exclusion, vulnerability and coping mechanism. Migration out of Poverty Research Programme Consortium, University of Sussex.
• Sikder, M. J. U. (2008). Population movements and the threat of HIV/AIDS virus at the Bangladesh-India border (pp. 1–144). Nanyang Technological University. [ISBN 978-981-08-1289-8]. https://rsis.edu.sg/rsis-publication/nts/population-movements-and-the-threat-of-hivaids-virus-at-the-bangladesh-india-border/
• Sikder, M. J. U. (2004). Border livelihood and informal trade (Occasional Paper No. 10, pp. 1–75). Refugee and Migratory Movements Research Unit (RMMRU).

Conference Proceedings

• Siddiqui, T., & Sikder, M. J. U. (2006, October 7–8). Livelihood of internal migrants. Presented at the International Conference on Marginalised Migrant Workers and Social Protection, Dhaka, Bangladesh. Organized by RMMRU and Development Research Centre (DRC), University of Sussex, UK.
• Sikder, M. J. U. (2006, August 21–22). Informal trade and movements of people. Presented at the International Workshop on Population Movements: Non-Traditional Issues in South Asia Discourse, Dhaka, Bangladesh. Organized by RMMRU, University of Dhaka.
• Sikder, M. J. U. (2003, July 23–24). Women participation in informal cross-border trade. Presented at the National Conference on Women in Challenging Situations in Bangladesh, Dhaka, Bangladesh. Organized by RMMRU, University of Dhaka.

Policy Briefs

• Sikder, M. J. (2017). Smuggling of migrants, trafficking in persons and contemporary forms of slavery, including appropriate identifications, protection and assistance to migrants and trafficking victims (Policy Brief No. 6). International Organization for Migration (IOM), Dhaka.
• Rashid, S. R., & Sikder, M. J. U. (2016). Impact of remittances on education and human resource development: Evidence from Bangladesh (Policy Brief No. 15). Refugee and Migratory Movements Research Unit (RMMRU), Dhaka.
• Siddiqui, T., Bhuiyan, R., & Sikder, M. J. U. (2015). Climate change-induced migration and urban informal settlements (Policy Brief No. 8). RMMRU, Dhaka.
• Abrar, C., Sikder, M. J. U., & Akhter, Z. (2014). Addressing the plight of the Rohingyas (Policy Brief No. 9). RMMRU, Dhaka.

Articles and Newsletters

• Siddiqui, T., Sikder, M. J. U., & Haque, H. (2004). Bangladeshi factory workers in the Middle Eastern countries. The Uprooted, 29(July–September), 1–4.
• Sikder, M. J. U. (2001). Cross-border populations and illegal trade. The Uprooted, 18(October–December), 3–4.

Scholarships and Grants 

• Faculty Training Workshop Award
  Institute of South Asia, University of California, Berkeley, USA & American Institute of Bangladesh Studies, U.S. Embassy Dhaka
  (October 11–25, 2016)
  Award covered return airfare, local travel, airport transfers, and accommodation at UC Berkeley.
• Arts Postgraduate Publication Award (PPA)
  Faculty of Arts, Monash University, Australia
  (November 2012 – January 2013)
  Provided a living allowance to support the publication of an article or book based on PhD research.
• Monash International Postgraduate Research Scholarship (MIPRS) and Monash Graduate Scholarship (MGS)
  Monash University Institute of Graduate Research (MIGR), Australia
  (2009–2012)
  Full PhD scholarship covering tuition fees, living allowance, health insurance, and thesis allowance.
• Postgraduate Allowance, SAMSS
  Monash University, Gippsland Campus, Australia
  (2009–2012)
  Supported dissertation fieldwork, international and domestic travel, and relocation expenses.
• Postgraduate Support Grants
  The Bestway Foundation, Sydney Perry Foundation, Professional Aid Council, Charles Wallace Bangladesh Trust, and Muslim Aid
  (2004–2005)
  Grants to pursue a Master’s degree in Development Studies at the University of Leeds, UK.

Fellowships, Awards, and Prizes

• Go8 Fellowship
  Group of Eight (Go8) Australian Universities
  (March 2010)
  Awarded a grant to attend and present at the Climate Sciences + Humanities Conference, Harvard University, USA.
• NTS-Asia Research Fellowship
  Consortium of Non-Traditional Security Studies in Asia, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
  (2007–2008)
  US$8000 awarded for research on population movements and the threat of HIV/AIDS at the Bangladesh-India border.
• Ford Foundation Fellowship
  Refugee and Migratory Movements Research Unit (RMMRU), University of Dhaka
  (2007–2008)
  US$8000 awarded for research on informal border trade and cross-border population movements.
• Most Outstanding Research Poster Awards
  Monash University, Gippsland Campus, Australia
  (2009 – 1st Prize; 2011 – 3rd Prize)
• Vice Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Engagement in Research
  University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh (ULAB)
  (2016)

• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Sociology
  Monash University, Australia

• Master of Arts (MA) in Development Studies
  University of Leeds, United Kingdom

• Master of Social Science (MSS) in International Relations
  University of Dhaka, Bangladesh

• Bachelor of Social Science (BSS) in International Relations
  University of Dhaka, Bangladesh

• International Diploma in Computer Studies (IDCS)
  National Computing Centre (NCC), United Kingdom

Current Position

• Assistant Professor, Department of Political Science and Sociology, North South University (NSU), Bangladesh
  May 2022 – Present
• Assistant Professor (Part-time), Department of Political Science and Sociology, North South University (NSU), Bangladesh
  Fall 2020, Fall 2021, and Spring 2022 semesters

Previous Positions

• Associate Professor, Department of Development Studies, Daffodil International University (DIU), Bangladesh
  September 2019 – April 2022
• Associate Professor, General Education Department (GED), University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh (ULAB)
  February 2018 – November 2019
• Assistant Professor, General Education Department (GED), University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh (ULAB)
  August 2014 – January 2018
• Assistant Professor, Department of Natural Sciences, Daffodil International University (DIU), Bangladesh
  May 2013 – July 2014

Research and Academic Fellowships

• Adjunct Senior Research Fellow, Refugee and Migratory Movements Research Unit (RMMRU), University of Dhaka, Bangladesh
  May 2013 – December 2020
• Junior Research Associate, School of Applied Media and Social Sciences (SAMSS), Monash University, Australia
  November 2012 – January 2013
• Senior Research Associate, Refugee and Migratory Movements Research Unit (RMMRU), University of Dhaka, Bangladesh
  January 2006 – February 2009
• Research Associate, Refugee and Migratory Movements Research Unit (RMMRU), University of Dhaka, Bangladesh
  January 2002 – August 2004

• Key Evaluation Expert, Mid-term Review of the Systems Approach Applied on the Objectives for Inclusive Economic Growth and Climate and Environment (Bangladesh) – Cowater International, Sweden AB (Aug–Nov 2024)
• Team Leader, Labor Migration Expert, Assessment of National and Sectoral Policies for Migration Mainstreaming – International Organization for Migration (IOM) (Jul 2023–Jun 2024)
• Labor Migration Expert, Research on Social Remittances among Returnee Migrants from the Middle East and Southeast Asia – Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) in Bonn (Sep 2023–Feb 2024)
• Co-Researcher, Opportunities and Challenges under EPS in South Korea: Bangladesh Perspective – BOESL, Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment, Government of the People's Republic of Bangladesh (Feb–May 2023)
• Key Expert, Country Manager, Study on MRAs for Skills Recognition with EU Countries – DAI, Belgium (Jan–May 2022)
• Key Evaluation Expert, Final Evaluation of the Prottasha Project on Sustainable Reintegration and SDG 10.7 – ICE, Belgium (Jul–Dec 2021)
• Lead Researcher, Regional Study on Internal Migration in Asia: Bangladesh Chapter – Jan Shahs, India (Nov–Dec 2021)
• Key ROM Expert, Global Action Against Trafficking and Smuggling in Asia and the Middle East (GLO.ACT) – KOMIS, Belgium (Oct–Nov 2021)
• Senior Evaluation Specialist, Mid-term Performance Evaluation of WEP Activity – USAID via ME&A Inc., Washington D.C. (Jul–Dec 2021)
• Labor Migration Expert, Training Module on Life Skills for Safe Migration (Promoting Safe Migration for Women) – CARE Bangladesh (Feb–Mar 2021)
• Labor Migration Expert, GFEMS COVID-19 Rapid Assessment on Overseas Labor Recruitment – NORC, University of Chicago (Jul–Oct 2020)
• Thematic Specialist, Impact of Circular Migration Schemes on Development – DFID via IMC Worldwide / Tetra Tech (Apr–Nov 2020)
• Sectoral Evaluation Specialist, USAID BMEL Activity – ME&A Inc., Washington D.C. (Dec 2019–Apr 2020)
• Labor Migration Expert, Research on Labor Migration: Risk, Protection, Policy – Forum Asia & Law and Society Trust (May 2019–Apr 2020)
• Refugee Expert, Program Design for Rohingya Host Communities Employment Response – International Labor Organization (ILO) Geneva (Nov–Dec 2019)
• Lead Researcher, National Strategy on Management of Wage Earners' Welfare Fund (WEWF) – PROKAS, British Council (Oct 2018–Jan 2019)
• Regional Labor Migration Expert, Evaluation of GPMD Migration and Decent Work Program – Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), Switzerland (Jun–Sep 2018)
• Labor Migration Expert, Policy Brief on Migrant Smuggling, Trafficking & Contemporary Slavery – International Organization for Migration (IOM) Bangladesh (Aug–Oct 2017)
• Labor Migration Expert, Final Evaluation of TVET Reform Project – EU via GFA Consulting Group, Germany (Jul–Sep 2016)
• Labor Migration Expert, Climate Adaptation Strategies of Urban Migrants in Informal Settlements – GIZ Dhaka (Aug–Dec 2015)
• Labor Migration Expert, National Report: International Migration and Data in Bangladesh – Scalabrini Migration Center (SMC), Philippines (Feb 2007)
• Labor Migration Expert, Status of Rohingya Refugees and Stranded Bihari’s in Bangladesh – US Committee for Refugees, Washington D.C. (Mar 2007)
• Labor Migration Expert, Training Manual on Safe Labor Migration for Opinion Leaders and Journalists – CABSLAM-RMMRU, funded by Manusher Jonno Foundation (Aug–Dec 2007)

North South University, Bangladesh

SOC 101 - Introduction to Sociology 

POL 101 - Political Science 

Previous Universities

Daffodil International Univesity (DIU), Bangladesh

DEV 511 - Development Theories, Issues and Strategies

DEV 513 - Politics, State and Development

DEV 514 - Sociology and Anthropology of Development 

DEV 531 - Research Methodology 

University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh (ULAB)

GED 208 - Introduction to Sociology

GED 301 - Development Studies

GED 338 - International Relations

GED 103 - History of Emergence of Independent Bangladesh

GED 100 - Bangladesh Studies

• Executive Committee Member, Asian Ethnicity (Routledge, Taylor & Francis)
• Guest Editor, Frontiers in Human Dynamics https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/human-dynamics
• Peer Reviewer for:

• Asian Ethnicity (Taylor & Francis)
• Asian and Pacific Migration Journal (Sage)
• Comparative Migration Studies (Springer)
• Journal of Borderland Studies (Taylor & Francis)
• Journal of Immigration and Refugee Studies (Taylor & Francis)
• Migration and Development (Sage)

• Book Reviewer, Palgrave Macmillan

• President, Monash University Islamic Society (MUIS), Monash University, Australia (2011–2012)
• HUMCASS Representative, Gippsland Association for Postgraduate Students (GAPS), Monash University, Australia (2009–2010)
• Coordinator, Young Researcher Forum (YRF), University of Dhaka (2006–present)
• Member, South Asian Migration Resource Network (SAMReN) – org
• Member, Alumni Associations of Leeds University (UK) and University of Dhaka (Bangladesh)
• Chartered Member, Rotary International Club of Baridhara, Club ID: 72098

Research Interests

My research spans the intersections of migration studies, labor mobility, forced displacement, climate resilience, and social justice, with a focus on South Asia and broader comparative global contexts.

Migration and Labor Mobility

• Internal and international labor migration dynamics
• Labor migration recruitment processes and modern slavery (including Overseas Labor Recruitment [OLR] mechanisms)
• Returnee migrants' reintegration and socio-economic adjustment
• Remittances, development, dependency, and inequality in migration contexts
• Skills development, Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), and labor market integration for migrants

Forced Migration, Refugees, and Protection

• Forced migration and displacement due to conflict and persecution
• Rohingya (Myanmar) refugee crisis: displacement, protection, and policy responses
• Irregular migration, human smuggling, and human trafficking across borders

Labor Rights, Gender, and Social Justice

• Labor rights, trade unions, and collective bargaining in the Ready-Made Garments (RMG) sector
• Gender empowerment and women’s leadership within labor markets and migration contexts

Climate Change, Urban Resettlement, and Livelihoods

• Climate change-induced migration and displacement
• Urban resettlement, housing, and livelihood transitions in environmentally vulnerable areas