University of New England (UNE) PhD candidate, Shaharior Razu is using the Research Training Program (RTP) Scholarship to support his research shedding light on the health-seeking behaviours of female sex workers (FSWs) in Bangladesh.
Shaharior, an Associate Professor of Sociology at Khulna University in Bangladesh (currently on study leave), brings a wealth of academic and research experience to his PhD journey. With over 40 published research articles and a decade of engagement with marginalised communities, Shaharior is deeply committed to improving the lives of vulnerable populations.
Image: Shaharior Razu after Session Chairing in Postgraduate Research Conference (2022)
“My PhD focuses on the health-seeking behaviour of female sex workers in the south-western region of Bangladesh,” Shaharior explains. “This is a marginalised group that faces significant vulnerabilities in developing countries. I’ve been working with this community for ten years, and this research is a continuation of my commitment to their betterment.”
Supported by the RTP International Stipend Scholarship, Shaharior has been able to fully dedicate himself to his research. “The scholarship has been a game changer,” he says. “It covered my tuition fees and living expenses, allowing me to focus solely on my studies. This worry-free environment has been incredibly fruitful—I’ve already published three research articles from my PhD project, with more on the way.”
The scholarship has also opened doors to additional opportunities. Shaharior has completed fieldwork with assistance from UNE’s HDR Student Support Fund, participated in five conferences, and collaborated on research projects addressing health issues in regional NSW. He has also gained valuable teaching experience as a Casual Academic at UNE.
Image: Shaharior Razu Bangladeshi Students Association of UNE community program
While the RTP Scholarship has been instrumental in his success, Shaharior acknowledges the challenges he faced during the application process. “The application process varies across universities and can be time-consuming,” he notes. “Additionally, the initial three-year duration of the RTP at UNE, with no extensions, was a challenge. While this policy has since been revised, it came too late for me.”
Despite these hurdles, Shaharior encourages prospective students to pursue the RTP Scholarship and HDR studies at UNE. “Go for it!” he says. “Studying at UNE with RTP support is an excellent opportunity if you get it.”
As he approaches the end of his PhD, Shaharior reflects on his time at UNE with gratitude. “The RTP Scholarship has advanced my research career and enriched my academic skills. I’m thankful to the Australian Government and UNE for this opportunity and hope to see further support for post-doctoral research in the future.”
Stay tuned for more profiles in our RTP Scholarship series, showcasing the remarkable research and achievements of UNE’s PhD students.
Image: HDR Disasters session at the Research Pathways Conference (2023)
