Social and Cultural Impacts of Climate-Induced Migration on the Munda Community of Shyamnagar, Bangladesh

The rate of internal migration in Bangladesh is increasing day by day due to climate change, with most people migrating towards urban areas. However, the migration patterns of Bengali people and indigenous communities differ significantly. Indigenous people, in particular, receive less attention in climate change studies compared to other aspects. This study examines the migration patterns of the indigenous Munda community from Shyamnagar, Satkhira, Bangladesh, focusing on the social and cultural impacts. While much of the existing research on migration in Bangladesh emphasises the economic effects, often due to the country’s ethnic homogeneity, this study sheds light on the unique experiences of the Munda community. The findings reveal that the Munda engage in permanent migration only when absolutely necessary, while livelihood disruptions typically lead to temporary migration. The study also highlights that migration adversely affects their language, religion and food habits.