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habibur.rahmanfolk@ru.ac.bd

Department of Folklore


DR. MD. HABIBUR RAHMAN
ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR
Folklore

Education Summary  
MA (Raj), PhD (Raj), SUSI Scholar, New York University (USA). ITEC Scholar, NIRD&PR, Hyderabad, India. Dr. Md. Habibur Rahman is an internationally engaged academic, researcher, and development professional with 17+ years of teaching, socio-cultural research, and leadership experience, specializing in folklore, cultural heritage, indigenous knowledge, and rural development. His global academic exposure includes being a SUSI Scholar (2022) at New York University, USA, an ITEC Fellow (2016) at NIRD&PR, India, a Foreign Researcher (2018) at the University of Kerala, India, and a Cross-national Collaborator (2025) with the Research Center for Eternal Heritage (Umrboqiy Meros Center), Uzbekistan. These experiences highlight his cross-cultural collaborations and contributions to international scholarship. Dr. Rahman is the author of 18 books, 2 edited journals, and 25+ articles published in national and international outlets, covering folklore, sustainable development, indigenous knowledge, and socio-cultural resilience. He has delivered keynote lectures, chaired sessions, and organized international conferences, emerging as a leading Bangladeshi voice in global folklore and cultural studies. In leadership, he served as Provost (2022–2024) at Rajshahi University and as Vice Principal at SOS Hermann Gmeiner College under SOS Children’s Villages International. He has also worked with Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB), COAST Foundation, and other organizations, gaining extensive experience in academic administration, community development, and international project management. His contributions have been recognized with the Fulbright SUSI Scholarship (USA, 2022), ITEC Fellowship (India, 2016), Margaret Mead Award (NYU, USA 2022), and the Green Community Leadership Award (2023). Expertise: International research collaboration, intercultural communication, academic mentorship, program management, and sustainable development.
Research Interest  
Applied Folklore, Development, Gender, Poverty, Sustainability, NGO Activities, Cultural Heritage, Archive & Museum Studies, Folk Art, Indigenous Studies & Traditional Knowledge
Level Institution Year
Doctoral
(PhD in Folklore and Social Psychology)		 Rajshahi University 2011
Masters
(MA in Folklore)		 Rajshahi University 2004
Bachelor/Honors
(BA (Honours) in Folklore)		 Rajshahi University 2003

Experience in Rajshahi University

Duration Organization/Institute Position
2020-08-14 to Department of Folklore ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR
2014-07-09 to 2020-08-13 Department of Folklore ASSISTANT PROFESSOR
2013-07-09 to 2014-07-08 Department of Folklore LECTURER

Experience in other Organization/Institute

Duration Organization/Institute Position
2012-07-01 to 2013-07-08 SOS Hermenn Gminer College, Bogura, Bangladesh Vice Principal

Book

1. Dr. Md. Habibur Rahman "Folklore in Social Development" Ministry of Information and Culture, West Bangle Government of India, Kolkata, Pages 158

Published: April 2019
2. Dr. Md. Habibur Rahman "Ethnic Minorities of Rajshahi Division: Community and Caste Identification" Rajshahi Divisional Ethnic Minority Academy, Ministry of Cultural Affairs, People’s Republic of Bangladesh,

Published: December 2018
3. Morve Roshan K & Dr. Md. Habibur Rahman "Identity Negotiations and Marginality: The Theoretical Perspective in the Contemporary Age" Lakshi Publishers, New Delhi, India

Published: July 2018
4. Dr. Md. Habibur Rahman "Folklore: Cultural Heritage and Bangladesh Studies" Ekush Shotok, Kolkata, India,

Published: June 2018
5. Dr. Md. Habibur Rahman "The Folk-theater of Holir gaan of Greater Dinajpur" Koli Publication, Dhaka, Bangladesh

Published: August 2011

Journal

1. Editor: Dr. Md. Habibur Rahman "Journal of Cultural Heritage & Social Studies" Cultural Heritage & Social Studies Research Center, Bangladesh, Vol. 01

Published: December 2017
2. Dr. Md. Habibur Rahman "Agricultural Environmentalism, Art of Terracotta and Life Style of Bengali Common People: A Brief Analysis From the Viewpoint of Folklore" 3rd Desi International Folklore Conference Proceedings (Mannakam), International Center for Folklore Studies, Thrissur, Kerala, India.

Published: May 2016
3. Dr. Md. Habibur Rahman "The folk theater of Bangladesh ‘Kandoni Bishohari Gan’: Historical Background and Contemporary Aspects." Folklore Journal, Vol, 7

Published: June 2015
4. Dr. Md. Habibur Rahman "Application and Prospect of Folklore Elements in Social Development" Folklore Journal, Vol: 05, Department of Folklore, University of Rajshahi

Published: January 2013
5. Dr. Md. Habibur Rahman "Folk Theater of Panchagarh Region ‘Chor-Churnir Gan’: Introduction and Nature Analysis (Panchagaor Uncholer Loknatto Chor Chunnir Gan: Sorup Bisheleson)," Journal of Local History, Vol: 07, Heritage Archives of Bangladesh History Trust, Rajshahi, Bangladesh

Published: December 2012
6. Dr. Md. Habibur Rahman "Folk- heritage of Hudum Deo Gan of North Bengal,: An Enlarged Soil (Uttorbonger Lokyoitijje Hudum Deyar Gan: Khiyoman Mittrikar Ros)" Journal of Fine-arts, Vol: 01, Bangladesh Fine-arts Academy, Dhaka, Bangladesh

Published: July 2012
7. Dr. Md. Habibur Rahman "Stage of Folk-theater: Different Stage of Protests Against Exploitation (Loknattor Asor: Shosoner Biruddhe Prutibader Vinnomancho)" Bangla Academy Journal, Bangla Academy, Dhaka, Vol: 3rd – 4th,

Published: June 2012
8. Dr. Md. Habibur Rahman "Bengali Folktale: Alternative Image of Community Struggle, (Banglar Lokokahini: Sherini songeramer Vinnorup)," Folktale Diversity (Lokokothar Satkahon), (Kolkata: Uporna Book Distributors), West Bengal, India

Published: December 2011
9. Dr. Md. Habibur Rahman "The Socio-Cultural Life Style as Reflected in the Folksong of Kutubdia Island, (Dip Kutubdiar Loksongite Jonojibonchittro)," Folklore Journal, Vol: 04, Rajshahi University: Department of Folklore

Published: June 2010
10. Dr. Md. Habibur Rahman "Intangible Folk heritage of North Bengal: Rain Praying Hudum Deo Song, (Uttorbonger Biluptoprai Lokayoto Oitijjo: Bristi Abahani Hudum Deyar Gan)," Journal of Social Studies, Vol: 111, (October-December), Social Studies Centre, Dhaka

Published: December 2009
11. Dr. Md. Habibur Rahman "The Folk-theater of Holir gaan of North Bengal: The Search of Identity and Nature (Uttorbonger Lokonatto Holir Gan)" Journal of Social Studies, Vol: 101, Social Studies Centre, Dhaka, Bangladesh

Published: December 2007
12. Dr. Md. Habibur Rahman "Post Mortem: Folk Art and Artisan of Sylhet (Surothal: Sileter Lokoshilpo o Shilpi Somaj)" Shrihotter Shrimukh (A folklore Research Journal), Department of Folklore, University of Rajshahi, Bangladesh

Published: December 2003

Major Issues of Social Science

Undergraduate Level; 15 Classroom Hours per Semester; Number of Students: 65; Course taught from 2013 to the present.

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Folk Theater of Bangladesh

Undergraduate Level; 15 Classroom Hours per Semester; Number of Students: 65; Course taught from 2013 to the present.

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Folklore and Aesthetics

Undergraduate Level; 15 Classroom Hours per Semester; Number of Students: 65; Course taught from 2013 to the present.

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Cultural Anthropology

Undergraduate Level; 15 Classroom Hours per Semester; Number of Students: 65; Course taught from 2013 to the present.

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Folklore: Communication and Development

Undergraduate Level; 15 Classroom Hours per Semester; Number of Students: 65; Course taught from 2013 to the present.

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Cultural Studies

Graduate Level; 20 Classroom Hours per Semester; Number of Students: 60; Course taught from 2013 to the present.

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Folklore and Gender

Graduate Level; 20 Classroom Hours per Semester; Number of Students: 60; Course taught from 2017 to the present.

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World Religion and Culture

Graduate Level, 20 Classroom Hours per Semester, Number of Students: 60, Course taught from 2013 to the present.

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Applied Folklore and Development

Graduate Level; 20 Classroom Hours per Semester; Number of Students: 60, Course taught from 2017 to the present.

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Maritime Folklore

Graduate Level; 20 Classroom Hours per Semester; Number of Students: 60, Course taught from 2017 to the present.

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Indigenous Knowledge and Technology

Graduate Level; 20 Classroom Hours per Semester; Number of Students: 60, Course taught from 2024 to the present.

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Dr. Md. Habibur Rahman is an internationally engaged academic, researcher, and development professional with more than 17 years of teaching, socio-cultural research, and leadership experience. He currently serves as Associate Professor of Folklore and Social Development Studies at the University of Rajshahi, Bangladesh, where his expertise spans folklore, cultural heritage, indigenous knowledge, and rural development.

Global Academic Exposure & Collaborations

Dr. Rahman’s academic journey is marked by significant international engagements:

  • SUSI Scholar (2022), Multinational Institute of American Studies, New York University, USA.

  • ITEC Fellowship, India (2016), National Institute of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj (NIRD&PR), Hyderabad, Telangana, India under the Government of India’s ITEC Fellowship.

  • Foreign Researcher (2018), International Institute of Kerala Studies, University of Kerala, Trivandrum Puram, India.

  • Cross-national Collaborator (2025) in a sociological research project with Umrboqiy Meros Center, (Research Center for Eternal Heritage), Uzbekistan.

Through these global platforms, he has built cross-cultural academic partnerships, contributed to international dialogues on sustainability and heritage, and expanded the scope of Bangladeshi folklore and social sciences in comparative and transnational perspectives.

Research & Publications

Dr. Rahman is a published author of 18 books, 2 edited journals, and 25+ scholarly articles in national and international outlets. His publications cover folklore, indigenous knowledge, sustainable development, cinema, cultural resilience, and ethnic studies. Notable works include:

  • Folklore in Social Development

  • Ethnic Minorities of Bangladesh

  • Sustainable Development Issues and Folklore in Cinema

  • Indigenous Knowledge and SDGs

  • Challenges and Resilience in the Lives of Bangladeshis

He has presented research at international conferences, delivered keynote addresses, chaired sessions, and organized academic events, positioning himself as one of Bangladesh’s rising voices in global folklore and cultural studies.

Leadership & International Development Experience

Dr. Rahman has held key leadership roles in both academia and international development organizations.

  • Provost (2022–2024), University of Rajshahi – led administration, staff supervision, and inclusive policy development for student welfare.

  • Vice Principal (2012–2013), SOS Hermann Gmeiner College, Bogura under SOS Children’s Villages International, where he managed academic and administrative programs in collaboration with a global child welfare network.

  • Assistant Program Officer (2007–2012), SOS Children’s Villages International, Rajshahi – implemented Family Strengthening Programs and community engagement initiatives.

  • Assistant Project Coordinator (2006–2007), COAST Foundation, Bangladesh – supervised the SOUHARDO project in Cox’s Bazar with donor-driven development objectives.

  • Research Assistant (2005), Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB)–conducted field-based research on governance and corruption.

Awards & Recognitions

His contributions have been acknowledged through prestigious awards, including:

  • SUSI Visiting Scholarship, USA (2022)

  • ITEC Fellowship, India (2016)

  • Margaret Mead Award as Visiting Scholar, NYU, USA (2022)

  • Green Community Leadership Award (2023)

Expertise & Impact

Dr. Rahman combines intercultural communication, research leadership, and program management with a strong record of mentoring students, supervising projects, and advancing community-based development initiatives. His career reflects a balance of academic scholarship, international collaboration, and social engagement, making him a valuable contributor to global research, consultancy, and cross-disciplinary education.

  • Folklore In Social Development
    • Education and Folk
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    • Development of Folklore Teaching Materia
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    • Folklore in Education: A Teaching Tool
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  • Principal of Sociology/Introduction to Sociology
    • Reconstruction of Marriage and Law
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    • Love of Creation: Exploring Diversity and Commonality among Religious and Philosophical Traditions
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    • Concept of Love and Romance According to Sufism and Rumi
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    • Exploration of Social and Cultural Values in Indonesian West Java Folklore
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    • The Influence of Folklore in the Formation of Local Cultural Values: A Phenomenological Approach
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    • Rhetoric of Nepali Folklore: Past and Present Discourse
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  • Maritime Folklore
    • The Maritime Sector
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    • Maritime Education
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    • Menstrual Hygiene Perceived Difficulty
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    • Blue Economic Development in Bangladesh
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    • Development_of_Virtual_Reality_Based_Maritime_Lite
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    • Future Imprtance of Maritime Activities in Bangladesh
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  • Indigenous Knowledge and Technology
    • A study on the social status
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    • Climate Change Adaptation
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    • Climate_Smart_Disaster_Risk_Reduction_Indigenous_K
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    • Comparative Indigenous Folklore Theory For Liberation and Environmental Justice
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    • Disaster_environment_and_local_indigenous_knowledge
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    • Environmental_Reproductive_Justice_Indigenous_Heal
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    • Health_and_wellbeing_of_indigenous_older_adults
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    • Preservation_of_Indigenous_Knowledge_in_Indonesia
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    • Preserving and Promoting Indigenous Languages
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    • Traditional_ecological_knowledge_and_natural_resou
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    • StateOfIndigenous Cultural Practices And Role Of School Curriculum: A Case Study Of The Garo Community In Bangladesh
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    • Rivers_of_knowledge_demarcating_science
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    • Ecological Sustainability for “Life on Land”: Wellspring of Indigenous Knowledge
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    • safe water crisis among indigenous communities
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    • mirrors-of-knowledge-and-indigenous-knowledge-management
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    • librarians-role-in-the-preservation-and-dissemination-of-indigenous-knowledge
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    • Flood_and_Riverbank_Erosion_Displacees_Their_Indig
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    • tourism
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    • Indigenous_Knowledge_and_Perspectives
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    • Climate_Smart_Disaster_Risk_Reduction_Indigenous_K
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    • Folklore as Resistance
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    • Indigenous Peoples of Bangladesh and their major problems and challenges
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    • Indigenous_Land-Based_Perspectives_on_Environmenta
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    • Role_of_local_government_in_indigenous_market
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    • Indigenous Women-led---Garo
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    • NGOs Role in Sustaining Indigenous Knowledge in Rural Bangladesh
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    • A_study_on_the_social_status_of_indigenous_women
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