This course provides in-depth training in communication research methodology, guiding students from the selection of a research problem to the writing of a complete research report. It introduces key considerations in choosing research approaches, worldviews, designs, methods, and areas of interest. Students will learn how to conduct effective literature reviews, develop conceptual frameworks, and apply theory in quantitative and qualitative research. The course covers the formulation of research questions, hypotheses, and objectives across qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods studies. It also offers comprehensive coverage of quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods procedures, including surveys, experiments, content analysis, interviews, ethnography, focus groups, and data analysis using tools such as SPSS, Excel, and NVivo. The course concludes with guidance on writing qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-methods research reports.
Md. Shariful Islam
Faculty Member
Email:
sharif@mcj.ku.ac.bd
Contact:
+8801729429182; +61483824773
Address:
Address (Bangladesh): Office of the Mass Communication and Journalism Discipline, 3rd Academic Building, Khulna University, Khulna-9208, Bangladesh || Address (Australia): 27 Erica Avenue, St Albans, Melbourne, VIC 3021
Md. Shariful Islam is a faculty member in the Mass Communication and Journalism discipline at Khulna University, Bangladesh. He is currently pursuing a master's degree in the School of Media and Communication at the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT) as an Australia Awards scholar. He holds both a bachelor's and master's degree in communication and journalism from the University of Dhaka.
He began his professional career as a journalist at The Daily Samakal, a leading national newspaper in Bangladesh, before transitioning into academia. He previously served as a lecturer at Daffodil International University.
His research interests include digital media, AI and communication, political communication, health communication, and strategic communication. His research papers and journalistic works have been published in national and international journals and newspapers.
He is committed to advancing ethical, inclusive, and data-driven media practices through research, teaching, and professional engagement.
MSS in Mass Communication and Journalism, Dhaka University, Dhaka, Bangladesh in 2015
BSS (Hons.) in Mass Communication and Journalism, Dhaka University, Dhaka, Bangladesh in 2014
Digital Media|| AI and Communication || Political Communication|| Health Communication || Strategic Communication
Current Research Project/Collaboration
| SL | Title | Research Role | Awarded Date | Completion Date | Funding Agency |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | News Sharing on Social Media: Trends and Ethical Practices of Mainstream Media in Bangladesh | Principal Investigator | 2022 | National | |
| 2 | Factors Affecting E-Commerce Entrepreneurship of Rural Women in Bangladesh | Co-Principal Investigator | 2024 | National |
Convenor, Planning Committee, DW Environmental
Journalism Workshop, Jointly Organized by Mass Communication and
Journalism Discipline, Khulna University, & DW Akademie, Germany in
2023
Member, Organizing Task Force, 1st International Conference on Social Science Issues, Organized by Social Science School, Khulna University in 2023
App Idea on Helpline, Selected for Second Round in Mujib 100 Idea
Contest, Nominated by University Grant Commission (UGC), Bangladesh in 2021.
Training Experiences
Trainer, Training Program on Right to Information: Reality and Challenges,
Organized by Institutional Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC), Khulna University in 2023
Trainer, Workshop on Basics of Journalism for Working Journalists of Khulna District, Organized by Press Institute of Bangladesh in 2022
Trainer, Workshop on Basics of News Writing and Development Journalism, Organized by Press Information Department (PID), Khulna in 2022
Training on Mixed Methods Research Design and Data
Analysis with SPSS and Nvivo, Organized by Urban and Rural Planning
Discipline, Khulna University in 2020
Training on Reporting & Sub-editing for Print Media,
Organized by MRDI & Infocus in 2014
Training on Brand Development, Organized
by BEXIMCO Media in 2014
Training on Bangla Pronunciation, Writing and Reciting, Organized by Kanthashilan in 2011
Online Training on Facebook Fundamentals for News by Center for Communication Action Bangladesh, Center for Investigative Reporting, and the Facebook Journalism Project, Presented by BigSpring in 2021
Online Certificate Course on Understanding Research Methods by University of London, Offered through Coursera in 2020
Workshop and Conference
Panelist, Understanding the Landscape of Local and
Regional Media. 8th
CJEN Bangladesh Networking Conference 2023. Jointly organized by the Department
of Journalism, Media, and Communication (JMC), Daffodil International
University (DIU) and DW Akademie, to be held on October 28–29, 2023, at
Daffodil International University, Bangladesh.
Discussant, Journalism Practices in Bangladesh:
Challenges and Prospects. National Conference 2023: Journalism, Media & Communication
program, jointly organized by the Department of Journalism and Media
Studies, MRDI & Fojo Media Institute, scheduled on October 4, 2023, at
the Department of Journalism and Media Studies in Jahangirnagar University.
Participant, 5th Networking Conference on Banglades’s Changing Mediascape: Roles, Challenges and Commitments of Journalism Schools, jointly organized by Media Studies and Journalism, ULAB, Bangladesh & DW Akademie, Germany in 2022.
Discussant on Misuse of Social Media, Khulna Betar (Radio), Aired (Live Programme) on 20 September 2022.
Participant, 4th Networking
Conference on News
Media in Bangladesh during Covid-19: Role of State and Media Educators Jointly
Organized by Department of Journalism and Media Studies, Jahangirnagar
University & DW Akademie, Germany in 2021
Participant, 3rd Networking Conference on
Journalism Education Connecting to the Professionals Jointly Organized
by Mass Communication and Journalism Department, Comilla University
& DW Akademie, Germany in 2020
Participant, Orientation Workshop on Tutorial Content Development
on Media Ethics and Media Laws in Bangladesh, Organized by Article-19
in 2019
Participant, Workshop on Media Response in
Humanitarian and Disaster Contexts, Jointly Organized by Oxfam,
Bangladesh & Disaster Management and Vulnerability Studies, University of
Dhaka in 2015
Webinar
Moderator, Leveraging Media Literacy to Fight Hate Speech and Fake News in Digital Media, organized by International Centre for Communication and Development on 30 October 2022
Co-Speaker, Titled on Golden Jubilee of Bangladesh Independence: Journalism in Bangladesh since 50 years Organized by Bangladesh Journalism Students Council in 2021.
Webinar Link: https://fb.watch/v/tUMH6wiL/
Speaker, Titled on Campus Reporting and Creative Writing. Organized by Hajee Mohammad Danesh Science & Technology University Journalists' Association in 2021. Webinar at https://zoom.us/
Speaker, Titled on Crime Reporting and Source Building. Organized by Department of Journalism and Mass Communication, Daffodil International University in 2021. Webinar at https://meet.google.com/
Co-Speaker, Titled The Idea of Young Researchers on Academic and Research Practices in Bangladesh and India. Organized by Indo-Bangla Media Educators' Network in 2020.
Webinar: https://www.facebook.com/watch/live/?v=958927881269753&ref=watch_permalink
Co-Speaker, Titled on Bicentenary Anniversary of Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar: The Battle of Lone Warrior. Organized by Indo-Bangla Media Educators' Network.
Webinar: https://www.facebook.com/watch/live/?v=3477300885642203&ref=watch_permalink
Co-Speaker, Titled on Media Censorship: Bangladesh Perspectives. Organized by Newspaper Olympiad in 2020. Webinar Link: https://fb.watch/v/3fGAjOiC9/
Speaker, Titled on Feature and Creative Writing. Organized by Helix, Khulna University Biotech Club in 2020. Webinar at https://zoom.us/
Co-Speaker, Titled on Press Freedom and Free Flow of Information during Covid-19. Organized by Mirchak Mahjantola Education and Welfare Society, Malda; Vidyarthi Manch, Howrah; Ulgulan Foundation, Maharastra & Shehnai Vadak Ustad Bismillah Khan Trust, Bihar in 2020. Webinar at meet.google.com/
Co-Speaker, Titled on Free Flow of Information During Pandemic. Organized by the Department of Journalism and Mass Communication, Daffodil International University in 2020. Webinar at meet.google.com/
Australia Awards (2025)– Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Australia
Awarded for Masters Degree in Media and Communication
Supervision
| SL | Title | Degree | Role | Start Date | End Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| No Supervision Available | |||||
No Data Available
coming soon...
Edited Book
Islam, M. S. (Ed.). (2024). Investigative journalism on marginalized people and their way of life. South Asia Center for Media in Development (SACMID). Dhaka, Bangladesh.
Research Article
Rahman, M., Islam, M. S., Khatun, M., Hossain, S. M., & Chanda, S. K. (2025). OTT services in Bangladesh: What drives university students to stream? Media Watch. https://doi.org/10.1177/09760911251378689
Hasib, M., & Islam, M. S. (2025). How university students in Bangladesh engage with ChatGPT: A qualitative study. PLoS One. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0333089
Chanda, S. K., Hossain, M., Mondal, A., Rahut, A., Hasan, M. M., & Islam, M. S. (2025). Examining the prevalence of and factors associated with facility-based birth services in Bangladesh: A cross-sectional analysis using national data. Discover Public Health, 22(1), 672. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12982-025-01082-8
ইসলাম, মো. শ., হোসেন, মো. শা., ইসলাম, মা. ও দুলাল, তা. (২০২৪) । বানান ভুল বিষয়ক প্রতিবেদন: সংবাদমাধ্যমের আধেয় বিশ্লেষণ। মাতৃভাষা পত্রিকা। বর্ষ: ৮, সংখ্যা ১-২। পৃষ্ঠা: ৯৭-১১২। আন্তর্জাতিক মাতৃভাষা ইনস্টিটিউট: ঢাকা।
Islam, M. S., Hossain, M. S., Hossen, S., & Bashar, K. (2024). Do Local Newspapers Reflect the Locals? A Comparative Study on Local and National News Coverage in Khulna. Khulna University Studies. https://doi.org/10.53808/KUS.2024.21.01.961-ss
Maruf, N. A., & Islam, M. S. (2024). Facebook as a platform for job preparation: Exploring university students' preferences and perceptions. SUST Journal of Social Sciences, 34(1), 53–67.
Siam, M. M. & Islam, M. S. (2023). Facebook as a Platform for Local Government Election Campaign in Bangladesh: A Study on Narayanganj City Corporation Election 2022. Khulna University Studies. https://doi.org/10.53808/KUS.SI.2023.ICSSI60-ss
Das, B. & Islam, M. S. (2023). Influencing Factors and News Coverage of Cyclone in the Leading Newspaper of Bangladesh: A Study on Cyclone Bulbul. Journal of the Patuakhali Science and Technology University.
Hasib, M. & Islam, M. S. (2023). The State of Investigative Journalism During Covid-19: A Study on Print Media of Bangladesh. Khulna University Studies. https://doi.org/10.53808/KUS.SI.2023.ICSSI52-ss
Esha, S. A. & Islam, M. S. (2023). Coverage of Editorials on Sustainable Development Goals in Bangladeshi Newspapers. Khulna University Studies. https://doi.org/10.53808/KUS.SI.2023.ICSSI62-ss
Co-Principal Investigator, Project titled Factors Affecting E-Commerce Entrepreneurship of Rural Women in Bangladesh, Funded by Planning Ministry, Bangladesh
Periodical Article
Islam, M.S. (2021). Investigative Journalism in
International Media: Covid-19 Perspectives. Nirikkha. Vol 235,
PP. 44-46
Conference Paper
Khan, M. A., Biswas, A., & Islam, M. S. (2025). The state of environmental journalism in Bangladesh: Exploring journalists’ literacy, challenges, and potential solutions. Presented at National Communication Association (NCA) Conference, USA.
Islam, M. S., Hossain, M. S., Talukder, M. U., Shohel, T. A., Hasib, M., & Biswas, A. (2025, June). AI as academic assistance or ethical dilemma? Exploring the motivations behind ChatGPT usage. Paper accepted for presentation at the 75th Annual Conference of the International Communication Association (ICA), USA.
Hasib, M. & Islam, M.S. (2024). How University Students Engage with ChatGPT: A Qualitative Study. Presented at the National Communication Association (NCA) Conference, USA.
Tisha, I. R. & Islam, M.S. (2024). From Protagonists to Stereotypes: Assessing Gender Sensitivity in Female-led Commercial Films of Bangladesh. Paper presented at 3rd International Conference on Humanities and Social Sciences: Jatiya Kabi Kazi Nazrul Islam University.
Juthi, J., Hossen, S., Islam, M.S., & Hossain, M.S. (2023). Framing of Russia-Ukraine War in the Leading Newspapers of Bangladesh. Presented at the National Conference 2023: Journalism, Media & Communication, Jahangirnagar University.
Das, B. & Islam, M. S. (2023). Preparing for Disaster: Investigating How Coastal Teens Use Digital Media for Cyclone Preparedness in the Southwestern Part of Bangladesh. Presented at the National Conference 2023: Journalism, Media & Communication, Jahangirnagar University.
Siam, M.M.B.R, & Islam, M.S (2023). Facebook as a Platform for Political Campaign: A Study on Narayanganj City
Corporation Election 2022. Paper presented at 1st International Conference on Social Science Issues, Social Science School,
Khulna University.
Hasib, M., & Islam, M.S (2023). State of
Investigative Journalism during COVID-19: A Study on Print Media of Bangladesh.
Paper presented at 1st International Conference on Social
Science Issues, Social Science School, Khulna University.
Esha, S. A., & Islam, M.S (2023). Coverage of Editorials on Sustainable Development Goals in Bangladeshi Newspapers. Paper presented at 1st International Conference on Social Science Issues, Social Science School, Khulna University.
Islam, M.S., & Fahim, S.H. (2016). Viewership Factors of Television Program in Bangladesh. Paper presented at National Conference on Mass Communication and Journalism, University of Dhaka.
Newspaper Article
Rahman, M.G. & Islam, M.S. (2020, May 3). কারাগারের রোজনামচায় গণমাধ্যমের স্বাধীনতা ও বর্তমান অবস্থা (Review of Press Freedom in the Light of Prison Diary). The Daily Prothom Alo: Online Edition. Retrieved from https://www.prothomalo.com/opinion/column/‘কারাগারের-রোজনামচা’য়-গণমাধ্যমের-স্বাধীনতা-এবং
Islam, M.S. (2020, April 5). সংবাদমাধ্যমের সৃজনশীল আন্দোলন (The Social movement of Media). The
Daily Samakal: Print and Online Edition. P4. Retrieved from https://samakal.com/editorial-comments/article/200417791/
Newspaper Report
Islam, M.S. (2015, September 02). ঝরে পড়ার হার এখনও ৪০ শতাংশের বেশি (The
drop-out rate is still more than 40%). The Daily Samakal: Print and
Online Edition), P1. Retrieved from https://samakal.com/print/140983185/print
Islam, M.S. (2015, February 20). ভুল বানানের ছড়াছড়ি (The
misspelt is everywhere). The Daily Samakal: Print and Online
Edition, P1. Retrieved from https://samakal.com/bibidh/article/1502119949/
Islam, M.S. (2015, February 15). যাত্রীদের সঙ্গে প্রতারণা: চাঁদার টাকা উসুল অতিরিক্ত ভাড়ায়। (Fraudulence with Passengers) (Print
and Online Edition), P4. Retrieved from https://samakal.com/todays-print-edition/tp-others/article/1502119877/
Islam, M.S. (2015, January 29). ফুটপাতে ব্যবসায়ীদের মাথায় হাত (Avalanche of footway investors). The
Daily Samakal: Print and Online Edition, P1. Retrieved from https://samakal.com/todays-print-edition/tp-others/article/1501115286/
Islam, M.S. (2015, January 23). হাঁস পালনে এসেছে সুদিন (The good-days came in poultry
farming). The Daily Samakal: Print and Online Edition, P3.
Retrieved from https://samakal.com/todays-print-edition/tp-others/article/1501113793/
Islam, M.S. (2014, December 28). রুদ্ধশ্বাস ২৩ ঘন্টা (23
hours of Suffocating) The Daily Samakal: Print Edition,
P1
Islam, M.S. (2014, October 25). 'মৃত্যুরহস্য' উদ্ঘাটনে পুলিশের আগ্রহ কম (Police
Are Paying Less Heed to Investigate Murder Mysteries). The Daily Samakal:
Print and Online Edition, P1. Retrieved from https://samakal.com/bibidh/article/141094352
Islam, M.S. (2014, October 24). পুলিশ ফাঁড়ি মধুর হাঁড়ি: রাজধানীর ৫২ পুলিশ ফাঁড়িতেই নানা অনিয়ম ও হয়রানির অভিযোগ (Irregularities
and Vexation at Police Outpost). The Daily Samakal: Print and Online
Edition, P1. Retrieved from https://samakal.com/todays-print-edition/tp-others/article/141094112/
Islam, M.S. (2014, October 11). প্রতারণার ধরণ পাল্টাচ্ছে (Changing trends of forgery) The Daily Samakal: Print
and Online Edition, P 20. Retrieved from https://samakal.com/todays-print-edition/tp-others/article/141091240/
Islam, M.S. & Mostofa M.G. (2014, August 18). রোমানের কাছে সবাই অসহায়: ময়মনসিংহে অপ্রতিরোধ্যে মাদক ব্যবসা (Irresistible drug trading in
Mymensingh) The Daily Samakal: Print and Online Edition,
P 17. Retrieved from https://samakal.com/todays-print-edition/tp-khobor/article/140879812/
Islam, M.S. (2014, July 20). প্রক্সি কারাভোগ: মুক্তি চায় নাসির (Proxy
Imprisonment) The Daily Samakal: Print and Online Edition, P3.
Retrieved from https://samakal.com/todays-print-edition/tp-khobor/article/140773698
Islam, M.S. (2014, July 12). নীলক্ষেতে জাল সনদের হাট (Fake Certificate Syndicate). The
Daily Samakal: Print and Online Edition, P1. Retrieved from https://samakal.com/todays-print-edition/tp-first-page/article/140771925/
Theories of Mass Communication
This course provides a comprehensive introduction to mass communication theories and their application in understanding media, culture, and society. It begins with the concept of theory, its purposes, relevance, and major types of communication theories. Students will examine the historical development of mass communication theory, including early models such as the hypodermic theory, public opinion and propaganda, Lasswell’s structure and functions, Shannon and Weaver’s information theory, and normative theories of media and society. The course also explores individual-level perspectives, including active audience approaches, uses and gratifications, media system dependency, and information processing theories. In addition, students will study key models of communication and contemporary theoretical perspectives on media and culture, sociological influences on media effects, media and human development, and emerging directions in new media theory and research. |
Research in Communication and Media (Part-II)
|
Digital and New Media
This course explores the role of social media and digital platforms in contemporary journalism and communication. It examines the political economy of social media, its relationship with news organizations, citizen journalism, and the public sphere. Students will study major social media platforms, their usage patterns, and applications in communication, marketing, and networking. The course introduces key theories and research approaches related to social media, along with issues of digital divide, media literacy, digital law, ethics, safety, and secure communication. It also covers practical aspects of multimedia and mobile journalism, including storyboarding, use of apps for news production, image, audio, and video editing, and mobile-first publishing technologies. The course concludes with an introduction to data communication, data journalism, analysis, and data visualization for effective digital storytelling. |
Crime Reporting
This course provides a comprehensive introduction to crime reporting, focusing on its concepts, processes, and professional responsibilities. It covers the definition, components, and distinctive features of crime reporting, along with the duties and essential qualities of a crime reporter. Students will become familiar with common crime-related jargon and legal terminology used in reporting. The course examines the process of crime reporting, including information-gathering strategies, research styles, data collection tools, and source mapping, with emphasis on source reliability and protection. It also introduces key law enforcement and legal institutions and relevant laws governing crime reporting. Practical skills such as observation, survey methods, and structured crime story writing—including planning, drafting, and series reporting—are emphasized. Ethical challenges, legal limitations, and the application of the Right to Information Act are critically discussed to ensure responsible and accurate crime journalism. |
Research in Communication and Media (Part-I)
This course introduces students to the foundations of social and media research, emphasizing theoretical, methodological, and ethical dimensions. It covers the meaning, importance, and major types of social research, along with the development and history of media and communication research. Students will explore key research strategies, including the relationship between theory and research, and epistemological and ontological considerations. The course provides an overview of major research designs such as experimental, cross-sectional, longitudinal, case study, and comparative designs. It also familiarizes students with essential research software and tools including NVivo, SPSS, Zotero, Mendeley, KoBo Toolbox, and LaTeX. In addition, the course addresses academic practices such as referencing, plagiarism and publication ethics, understanding the scholarly publishing landscape, and ethical and political issues in social research, including the political economy of journal publication. |
Investigative Reporting
This course introduces students to the theory and practice of investigative journalism. It covers the core concepts, components, and processes of investigative reporting, highlighting the differences between routine surface reporting and in-depth investigations. Students will learn how to generate investigative ideas, plan and conduct investigations, gather and verify information, map and protect sources, and write investigative stories in structured formats, including series reporting. The course also emphasizes investigative interviewing techniques, the use of tools such as observation, surveys, documents, and the Right to Information (RTI), and examines the practice of investigative journalism in Bangladesh. Legal and ethical challenges, including professional dilemmas and relevant laws, are critically discussed to prepare students for responsible and effective investigative journalism. |
Media Laws and Ethics
This course provides a comprehensive understanding of media law, press freedom, and ethical issues in journalism, with a particular focus on Bangladesh and global perspectives. It explores the philosophy, history, legal foundations, and limitations of press freedom, along with constitutional provisions related to freedom of expression. Students will examine ethical challenges in journalism, ethical frameworks, and case studies relevant to Bangladesh, as well as the fundamental values of free media. The course traces the historical development of media laws in Bangladesh, covering pre-1971, post-1971, and contemporary legal frameworks, including defamation, privacy, censorship, right to information, and related legal principles. It also introduces international media law, universal press laws, and UN standards, while addressing contemporary issues such as source protection, invasion of privacy, blasphemy, and the rights and responsibilities of journalists in a changing media environment. |
Information Gathering and News Writing
This course focuses on developing students’ practical understanding and skills in news gathering, reporting, and writing. It introduces the concept of news, including its definition, types, elements, and characteristics, along with the role and use of effective news leads. Students will learn essential tools and techniques of journalism such as observation, surveys, surveillance, and electronic trails. The course emphasizes news writing structures, including writing from press releases, and covers techniques for reporting special stories such as seminars, climate and disaster events, accidents, fires, and obituaries, using appropriate checklists. It also addresses information gathering through idea generation, field visits, record keeping, and the application of the Right to Information Act. In addition, students will study news sources, source protection, and relationship building, as well as interview principles, types, techniques, and stages. |
Introduction to Journalism
This course introduces students to the fundamental concepts and practices of journalism. It covers the definition, nature, scope, and principles of journalism, along with the basic concepts of news such as news values, sources, writing structures, leads, headlines, and features. Students will learn about different types of news, the role and professional behavior of journalists, and key distinctions between literature and journalism as well as print and electronic media. The course also examines ethical issues, media laws, and challenges such as yellow journalism and press pressure. In addition, it explores newspaper content and newsroom terminology, the historical development of journalism, the organizational structure and functions of media houses, and emerging trends including online, social media, mobile, and citizen journalism. |
- Theories of Mass Communication
- Research in Communication and Media (Part-II)
- Digital and New Media
- Crime Reporting
- Research in Communication and Media (Part-I)
- Investigative Reporting
- Media Laws and Ethics
- Information Gathering and News Writing
- Introduction to Journalism