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What was the tipping point in choosing to pursue a PhD?

The decision to pursue my PhD was motivated by both professional necessity and personal aspiration. I am a faculty member of the Department of Anthropology at Jagannath University, a public university in Dhaka, Bangladesh. As a faculty member at a public university in Bangladesh, obtaining a PhD is essential not only for career advancement but also for gaining professional recognition and credibility. In the academic landscape of Bangladesh, university teachers without a PhD are often perceived as less accomplished, which can limit their opportunities for promotion, research collaboration, and leadership roles. Therefore, earning a doctoral degree became crucial for securing my academic future and making a more significant impact in my field.

In addition to these professional considerations, I was driven by a deep intellectual curiosity and a long-standing passion for researching migration issues. Having observed the profound social and cultural changes resulting from migration in Bangladesh and South Asia, I aimed to explore these dynamics in greater academic depth. Pursuing a PhD would allow me to engage rigorously with theories, methods, and fieldwork that illuminate the complexities of migration and its effects on families, gender roles, and community life. Moreover, I recognized that a doctoral degree would enable me to contribute to policymaking and enhance the body of anthropological knowledge in my country. Thus, my decision to pursue a PhD was shaped by a pivotal professional moment and a personal commitment to advancing research that can make a meaningful social and academic contribution.

Why was it important to further study the topics you focused on in your thesis?

As of 2025, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) estimates that Bangladesh's population has reached approximately 175.7 million. The Bureau of Manpower, Employment and Training (BMET) reports that over 13 million Bangladeshis currently live abroad across 162 countries. Key destinations for this migration include Middle Eastern countries such as Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, and Oman, as well as Southeast Asian nations like Malaysia, Singapore, and South Korea. Bangladesh ranks as the eighth-largest recipient of remittances globally and third in South Asia, having received a total of USD 22.75 billion in remittances in 2020, with 73% coming from low-skilled workers in the Gulf.

Migration in Bangladesh has predominantly involved men, a trend that has persisted since the mid-1970s. In 2019, only 104,786 women migrated abroad, representing less than 20 percent of all temporary migrants (Siddiqui, 2021). This disparity suggests that state policies and migration infrastructure have historically favored male migrants. Consequently, much of the academic and policy research has concentrated on male migrants, their remittance contributions, and the macroeconomic effects of migration, while the experiences and agency of the women left behind have largely been neglected.

This oversight underscores the need to explore how "stay-behind women," the wives of migrants, navigate their lives, gender roles, and identities in the absence of their husbands. My research acknowledges that globalization has facilitated the flow of ideas, capital, and social change beyond mere physical movement (Gardner, 2009). Therefore, while these women may be geographically immobile, they are not socially or culturally stagnant. By investigating their daily lives, responsibilities, and decision-making processes, this study sheds light on the subtle yet significant transformations in rural gender norms, kinship relations, and community structures within the broader context of transnational migration.

What strategies did you use to work on your doctoral thesis and successfully and consistently reach completion?

At the beginning of my doctoral journey, my plan was to write a monograph-based thesis. However, after completing the first phase of my fieldwork in Bangladesh and presenting the preliminary findings to my supervisor, he encouraged me to consider a publication-based PhD. He explained that monograph-style dissertations had become less common in Estonia and across Europe, while article-based theses were now considered more dynamic and impactful. After thoughtful discussion, I agreed and restructured my research plan to produce a publication-based PhD consisting of four journal articles.

To achieve this, I first immersed myself in my fieldwork data, reading the interview reports, transcripts and field notes repeatedly to identify emerging themes. I then selected four distinct yet interrelated issues that reflected different dimensions of my research topic. To enhance my analysis and address empirical gaps, I returned to my field site in Bangladesh twice more to collect additional data. This iterative process of familiarizing myself with the data, thematic coding, and analysis allowed me to establish a strong empirical foundation for each article.

My supervisors, Dr. Carlo A. Cubero from Tallinn University and co-supervisor Dr. Ellen Bal from VU University of Amsterdam, provided continuous guidance throughout this process. They gave me books and articles, reviewed multiple drafts, offered constructive feedback, and assisted me in selecting suitable journals for submission. Their mentorship was crucial in maintaining academic rigor and consistency across the articles.

My PhD journey was not without personal challenges. During my studies, I lost my father, father-in-law, and mother-in-law, which deeply affected my motivation and focus. However, the unwavering support from my supervisors and my determination to honor my family's sacrifices kept me moving forward. Their compassionate and intellectual guidance made it possible for me to successfully complete my PhD, for which I remain deeply grateful.

Can you share a memorable or funny instance that occurred while writing your thesis?

During my PhD studies, I lived in Tallinn with my wife and daughter. At that time, my daughter was about eight or nine years old and attended the International School of Tallinn, where she completed grades two to four. We lived in a small studio apartment with only one computer, which often created amusing situations during my thesis writing stage. Whenever I sat down to write, my daughter would eagerly ask me to leave the computer so she could watch her favorite shows or play games. Since she was our only child and did not have any playmates at home, I often gave in to her requests, sacrificing my writing time to keep her happy. Those moments, though slightly frustrating then, are now fond memories that remind me of how she grew up alongside my research journey. 

When we returned to Bangladesh during the COVID-19 pandemic, I still had half of my thesis left to complete. By then, my daughter had matured enough to understand the importance of my work. Instead of interrupting, she often encouraged me, saying, “Dad, finish your thesis soon!” Her words became a source of motivation and emotional support that helped me complete my PhD successfully.

Based on your research, what does an intelligent lifestyle mean for you?

After completing a PhD, an anthropology faculty member should strive for a lifestyle that balances intellectual growth, social engagement, and both physical and mental well-being, while aspiring for long-term academic impact. This involves maintaining an active research agenda through post-doctoral studies and developing a unique, innovative research niche that significantly enhances anthropological knowledge. Regularly publishing in Q1 or Scopus-indexed journals improves academic visibility and strengthens professional credibility. Additionally, building and nurturing international collaborations with PhD supervisors, colleagues, and global scholars fosters cross-cultural understanding and broadens research perspectives.

Equally important is the commitment to academia through the supervision of master’s and PhD students, thoughtfully mentoring them, and teaching in ways that connect theory with practical application. Securing research grants from international organizations or donor agencies is crucial for sustaining ongoing fieldwork and promoting institutional growth. A balanced lifestyle also includes prioritizing physical health, maintaining mental well-being, and upholding ethical integrity—essential factors for long-term productivity. Engaging with communities, participating in academic networks, and contributing to public discussions on social and cultural issues are also vital. Overall, this lifestyle integrates academic excellence, continuous learning, and social responsibility, reflecting the holistic vision of anthropology as both a discipline and a way of life.

What is something you appreciate about your dissertation supervisors?

My PhD journey has been a long and transformative experience, and I am profoundly grateful to all the individuals and institutions that have supported me along the way. First and foremost, I would like to express my heartfelt appreciation to my supervisor, Dr. Carlo A. Cubero, Associate Professor in the Department of Social and Cultural Anthropology at the School of Humanities, Tallinn University. Throughout my studies, Dr. Cubero has been a constant source of inspiration, mentorship, and intellectual guidance. I am truly indebted to this remarkable scholar, whom I have come to deeply admire during my PhD journey. His thoughtful supervision, patience, and intellectual rigor have significantly shaped my academic growth. Working with him has been both an honor and a pleasure.

I am also deeply thankful to my co-supervisor, Dr. Ellen Bal, Associate Professor in the Department of Social and Cultural Anthropology at VU University Amsterdam. Dr. Bal has offered insightful guidance, constructive feedback, and thoughtful suggestions on my writings. Both Dr. Cubero and Dr. Bal have been instrumental at every stage of my research—from proposal writing and article framing to drafting, thesis writing, and editing. Their support has been invaluable in shaping my final dissertation. They have provided not only academic assistance but also emotional and administrative support, consistently offering the best possible solutions during challenging times.

Their unwavering encouragement, timely feedback, and generosity with their time have made an immeasurable difference in my doctoral journey. I truly cannot imagine completing this PhD without their continuous support and mentorship.