Migrants as a result of several devastating flood events in Sylhet city, Bangladesh: opportunities and challenges

Climate change is one of the most pressing global challenges of the present era, and migration has increasingly emerged as a key strategy for adapting to its adverse impacts. South Asian countries, particularly Bangladesh, are highly exposed to climatic events that compel vulnerable populations to relocate and adopt migration as a coping strategy. Each year, individuals from various marginalized regions move to Sylhet in northeastern Bangladesh in response to severe flooding. This study explores the effects of extreme flood events on migrants in Sylhet, analysing both the opportunities available to them and the challenges they encounter. Using a qualitative research approach, the study collected and analyzed data through in-depth interviews with 25 migrants residing in Sylhet. And, two focus group discussions were conducted with 5 male and 6 female participants using semi-structured interview techniques. The findings show that some participants reported a sense of relief in securing shelter, along with improved availability of services, resources and employment opportunities, despite ongoing uncertainty. However, the majority described persistent challenges in their daily lives even after relocating to an urban setting. The key difficulties identified include socio-cultural disruption, financial instability, socio-economic vulnerabilities and obstacles related to administrative processes. This study underscores the urgent need for targeted governmental interventions to address the sociocultural, economic and institutional challenges encountered by climate-induced migrants. It further advocates for a human rights-based framework to ensure migrants' access to fundamental entitlements, such as housing, food security and healthcare, during the post-migration phase, thereby enhancing their living conditions and overall well-being.