Research ethics in Bangladesh requires navigating power dynamics, cultural contexts, and the responsibilities that come with studying vulnerable populations.

Beyond Institutional Review

IRB approval is necessary but not sufficient. Ethical research requires ongoing attention to:

Informed Consent: In communities with low literacy, written consent forms may not be meaningful. Explain the research verbally, in local language, and confirm understanding. Allow questions. Make clear that participation is voluntary without consequences.

Power Dynamics: Researchers often hold more power than participants—through education, organizational affiliation, or simple outsider status. Be aware of how this affects what people tell you.

Benefit Sharing: Communities that participate in research should see some benefit. This doesn’t mean every study needs a direct intervention, but consider: How will findings be shared with communities? Will the research contribute to better policies?

Protecting Participant Privacy

Data security is essential, especially for sensitive topics like income, migration status, or experiences with violence.

* Remove direct identifiers before analysis
drop name phone_number address

* Generalize location data
replace gps_latitude = round(gps_latitude, 0.01)
replace gps_longitude = round(gps_longitude, 0.01)

* Use categories instead of exact values
gen income_cat = .
replace income_cat = 1 if income < 10000
replace income_cat = 2 if income >= 10000 & income < 25000
replace income_cat = 3 if income >= 25000

Common Ethical Dilemmas

  • What do you do when you discover child labor during fieldwork?
  • How do you handle requests for help that fall outside your study?
  • When does incentive become coercion?

There are no easy answers, but having these conversations before fieldwork helps teams respond thoughtfully.

The Broader Obligation

Research should contribute to improving lives, not just academic careers. Ask: Who benefits from this research? How will findings be translated into action? What responsibilities do researchers have after the study ends?

Ethical research is not just about following rules—it’s about treating research participants with the respect and dignity they deserve.