Collaborators

Dr. Sheikh Abdul Kader is a dynamic researcher and academician with a focus on bridging economic theory with real-world policy challenges. His career spans over a decade, during which he has contributed to critical studies on climate resilience, poverty alleviation, and sustainable development in Bangladesh and South Asia. Dr. Kader holds advanced degrees in Economics and has collaborated with institutions such as the Bangladesh Economic Association, where he actively participates in policy dialogues and advocacy for evidence-based economic reforms.

As a prolific scholar, Dr. Kader has authored numerous peer-reviewed articles, book chapters, and policy briefs published in platforms like ResearchGate and Google Scholar. His research explores the intersection of economic development and environmental sustainability, with recent projects examining the socio-economic impacts of climate change on vulnerable communities. He has also presented findings at international conferences, fostering cross-border collaborations to address regional and global challenges.

Dr. Kader’s expertise extends to data-driven policy design, where he employs advanced quantitative methods to evaluate the effectiveness of development programs. His work on industrial pollution, agricultural productivity, and disaster risk reduction has informed national policies and garnered support from organizations such as the World Bank and UNDP. Additionally, he mentors young researchers and serves as a reviewer for academic journals, reinforcing his commitment to advancing knowledge ecosystems.

As a collaborator with ART Lab, Dr. Kader contributes strategic insights into economic resilience, climate adaptation frameworks, and sustainable policy innovation. His interdisciplinary approach and dedication to actionable research align with ART Lab’s vision of driving transformative solutions for a sustainable future.

Rumana Ali has built a distinguished career in gender, human rights, and development research through long-term engagement with leading research and development institutions. She served as Senior Research Associate at the Research and Evaluation Division of BRAC, where she contributed to research design, data collection, field supervision, data analysis, report writing, publication support, and stakeholder presentation. During her tenure at BRAC, she also served as Gender Focal Point, supporting gender-inclusive workplace practices and contributing to institutional gender equality goals. She later worked as Senior Research Associate at the Brac Institute of Governance and Development, Brac University, where she contributed to formative and evaluation research, programme reviews, knowledge-sharing activities, seminars, workshops, and capacity development of junior researchers in qualitative research and gender analysis. Her experience in both institutional research and field-based evaluation has strengthened her ability to connect evidence with practical program improvement.

As a consultant, Rumana has worked on several gender-focused assignments across education, livelihood, WASH, disaster preparedness, women’s leadership, domestic workers’ rights, civil society engagement, and policy analysis. Her assignments include gender-focused impact evaluation of the Reaching Out of School Children Project, midterm evaluation of a plastic-waste value creation project, Oxfam-supported baseline assessment on community preparedness and recovery, women’s transformative leadership impact study among Rohingya and host communities, and technical gender research on sextortion in the WASH sector. Rumana has also contributed to gender-responsive monitoring and evaluation training supported by UNDP, policy analysis on domestic workers’ protection and welfare, and a political economy analysis on civil society engagement in policy-making. These assignments demonstrate her ability to combine gender-sensitive research methods, participatory approaches, policy insight, and practical recommendations for inclusive development programming.

Her academic background further strengthens her professional expertise. She holds an Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s degree in Women’s and Gender Studies from the University of Lodz, Poland and the University of Oviedo, Spain, along with an MSS in Women’s and Gender Studies from the University of Dhaka, where she achieved first class first position. She has also published journal articles, book chapters, monographs, and BRAC research reports on gender equality, women’s empowerment, child sexual violence, WASH participation, gender roles, and human rights. Through her work, Rumana Ali continues to support ART Lab’s mission of producing ethical, inclusive, and evidence-based research. As a Gender Expert, she plays a valuable role in strengthening gender-responsive study design, inclusive field implementation, data interpretation, policy recommendations, and knowledge products that contribute to meaningful social impact.

Md. Ekhtekharul Islam has developed a strong professional profile at the intersection of teaching, research, policy analysis, and development consultancy. His academic background includes a PhD fellowship in Public Health at the University of Copenhagen, an MSc in International Development and Management from Lund University, Sweden, and both BSc and MSc degrees in Environmental Sciences from Jahangirnagar University, Bangladesh. His academic work has consistently focused on environmental resilience, drinking water vulnerability, climate change adaptation, and sustainable rural development. As an academic, he has taught environmental science, climate change, environmental economics, disaster risk management, and environmental law at Independent University, Bangladesh. He has also delivered master’s-level lectures at the University of Copenhagen on disaster risk management and global health, reflecting his ability to connect environmental and public health perspectives in both national and international learning environments.

His research engagement includes high-level international contributions. As Lead Author of UNEP’s Global Environment Outlook 7, he contributed to analysis on environmental inequality and pollution in the Asia-Pacific region. As an IPCC Expert Reviewer, he is involved in reviewing the Special Report on Climate Change and Cities. He is also affiliated with the Refugee and Migratory Movements Research Unit, where he has contributed to climate-induced displacement policy work, including a guiding template for Climate Vulnerable Forum countries and an action plan for Bangladesh. His publication record includes journal articles, book chapters, working papers, and conference presentations on rooftop farming, waterlogging, water quality, climate adaptation, disaster preparedness, coastal displacement, and ecosystem-based adaptation. He has also received research grants on transformative climate adaptation technologies, flood resilience financing, Indigenous community adaptation, climate change and Indigenous communities, and sea turtle conservation in Cox’s Bazar.

As a policy and research consultant, he has contributed to assignments on solidarity levy and climate finance, plastic waste management in Cox’s Bazar Municipality, tidal river management and women in the southwest coast of Bangladesh, and evaluation of refugee relief operations. Within ART Lab’s portfolio, he is listed as Team Leader for the Oxfam-supported baseline study on strengthening community preparedness, rapid response, and recovery in disaster-prone communities of Bangladesh. Through his interdisciplinary expertise, Md. Ekhtekharul Islam supports ART Lab’s commitment to evidence-based research, climate resilience, environmental sustainability, and inclusive development. His work strengthens the organization’s capacity to deliver high-quality research and policy recommendations for development, humanitarian, and environmental programs.

Dr. Md Abdul Awal Khan is a distinguished Professor of Law at Independent University, Bangladesh, with extensive expertise in climate change law, environmental law, and human rights. With an academic career spanning nearly two decades, he has made significant contributions to legal research and policy development, particularly in the areas of climate-induced displacement and human rights protection. Dr. Khan earned his PhD from Western Sydney University's School of Law, Australia, where his research focused on the impact of climate change on the rights of displaced populations in Bangladesh. His scholarly work has been widely recognized, influencing policy discussions at both national and international levels. Dr. Khan has led numerous studies on pressing legal issues, including assessments of COVID-19 legal and policy responses from a human rights perspective and investigations into the environmental and health impacts of industrial activities. His research has been supported by esteemed institutions such as the UN Office of Human Rights and Humanitarian Law and the Raoul Wallenberg Institute. As a prolific author, he has published policy briefs, book chapters, and articles in leading academic journals, with contributions to renowned publishers such as Routledge, Springer Nature, Palgrave Macmillan, and Edward Elgar. His policy insights have also been featured in publications of the United Nations University, reinforcing his role as a key voice in climate policy and human rights advocacy. Beyond research, Dr. Khan actively engages with global academic and professional communities through editorial roles and affiliations with organizations such as the World Commission on Environmental Law and the Asia-Pacific Academic Network on Disaster Displacement. He has presented his research at prestigious conferences in Australia, New Zealand, the UK, Sweden, Thailand, the Philippines, and Malaysia. His dedication to legal education and advocacy aligns with ART Lab’s mission to advance high-quality research and policy recommendations. As a collaborator, Dr. Khan brings invaluable expertise in legal frameworks for climate resilience and human rights, supporting ART Lab’s commitment to evidence-based research and impactful policy solutions.

She is a seasoned development professional with over 15 years of experience in the fields of gender, sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), and adolescent health. Throughout her career, she has collaborated with both national and international NGOs, taking on roles such as Project Manager, Consultant, and Technical Specialist. Her expertise spans gender analysis, gender action planning, gender-responsive project design, and gender-based violence (GBV) prevention. She has played a pivotal role in strengthening adolescent-friendly health services in urban Dhaka and has worked extensively with organizations like UNICEF, Plan Bangladesh, Ipas Bangladesh, Max Foundation, and Christian Aid to implement SRHR and nutrition-focused initiatives in both urban and rural settings. With a strong foundation in program coordination, health system strengthening, and capacity building, she has contributed to advancing gender equality and adolescent well-being across diverse communities.

Beyond her technical expertise, Shamima is a highly skilled trainer and facilitator, delivering training-of-trainers (ToT) sessions for government and non-government stakeholders on SRHR, GBV, and gender-responsive health services. She has conducted specialized training for institutions such as the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), the Directorate General of Family Planning (DGFP), and the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs (MoWCA), equipping service providers and policymakers with the tools to implement gender-transformative approaches. Her ability to develop training modules, behavior change communication (BCC) materials, and strategic advocacy campaigns has positioned her as a thought leader in gender-sensitive program design. She has also contributed to various national research efforts, including studies on gender norms and adolescent health interventions.

As an independent consultant, Shamima has led numerous high-impact projects, including the development of gender transformation and safeguarding modules, organizational capacity assessments, and policy advocacy initiatives. She has worked with organizations such as the Manusher Jonno Foundation, MDF Training and Consultancy, and the Institute of Social Business to build the capacity of youth-led organizations, local governments, and women’s rights groups. Her extensive experience in proposal writing, project management, and strategic development ensures that she remains at the forefront of advancing gender equity and SRHR in Bangladesh. Through her work, Shamima continues to shape policies, strengthen institutional frameworks, and drive impactful social change.

Prof. Dr. Md. Yeamin Hossain is a distinguished academic and researcher in the field of Fisheries Science, currently serving as a Professor in the Department of Fisheries at the University of Rajshahi, Bangladesh. With a career spanning over two decades, Dr. Hossain has made significant contributions to the understanding and management of aquatic resources, particularly focusing on the biology and conservation of fish species in Bangladesh and beyond. His academic journey began with a Bachelor of Science in Fisheries from Bangladesh Agricultural University, followed by advanced degrees, including a Ph.D. from Kagoshima University, Japan, where he specialized in fisheries biology and stock assessment.

Dr. Hossain's research interests are diverse, encompassing ecosystem-based sustainable management, fisheries biology, and the impacts of climate change on aquatic ecosystems. He has been instrumental in developing innovative approaches to enhance fish production while ensuring the conservation of endangered species. His work has led to the publication of over 250 scientific papers in reputable international journals, earning him recognition as one of the top scientists in fisheries globally. His research not only contributes to academic knowledge but also informs policy-making and sustainable practices in fisheries management.

In addition to his research, Dr. Hossain is actively involved in teaching and mentoring the next generation of fisheries scientists. He has supervised numerous Ph.D. and Master's students, guiding them in their research endeavors and fostering a collaborative environment for scientific inquiry. His commitment to education and research excellence has made him a respected figure in the academic community, and he continues to collaborate with researchers from various countries, contributing to global efforts in sustainable fisheries and aquaculture. Dr. Hossain's expertise and dedication to the field make him a valuable collaborator in the ART Lab, where he aims to further advance research and innovation in aquatic resource management.

Prof. Dr. Md. Tariqul Islam is a prominent figure in the field of Fisheries Technology, currently serving as a Professor in the Department of Fisheries at the University of Rajshahi, Bangladesh. With a Ph.D. in Food Microbiology from Kyushu University, Japan, Dr. Islam has dedicated his career to advancing research in fish processing, value-added product development, and food safety. His extensive academic background is complemented by a European Masters in Food Science, Technology, and Nutrition, which has equipped him with a comprehensive understanding of the complexities of food systems.

Dr. Islam's research interests are diverse, focusing on innovative approaches to enhance the quality and shelf life of fish products through techniques such as modified atmosphere packaging and biofilm inhibition. He has successfully led multiple funded research projects, contributing significantly to the development of sustainable practices in the fisheries sector. His work has resulted in numerous publications in reputable journals, establishing him as a leading expert in his field.

In addition to his research, Dr. Islam is committed to education and mentorship, guiding students and young researchers in their academic pursuits. He actively participates in national and international conferences, sharing his findings and collaborating with peers to address global challenges in fisheries and aquaculture. Prof. Dr. Md. Tariqul Islam's expertise and dedication to advancing the field make him a valuable asset to the ART Lab and the broader scientific community.

With over a decade of experience as a seasoned Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist, Mohammad Imran Uddin is dedicated to designing and implementing programs that drive sustainable change across national and international development sectors. His expertise spans a diverse range of areas, including Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), Child Protection, Education in Emergencies, Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR), and Livelihood Development. Throughout his career, he has successfully led and collaborated on impactful initiatives with esteemed organizations such as the International Labour Organization (ILO), Swisscontact, UN Capital Development Fund, ActionAid, German Red Cross, and Christian Aid.

Imran's core competencies include crafting and executing robust Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) systems, managing donor-funded programs, and utilizing results-based management (RBM) tools to achieve key outcomes. He conducts comprehensive impact assessments and provides evidence-based insights to inform strategic decision-making. Additionally, he analyzes both qualitative and quantitative data using advanced tools like Power BI, SPSS, NVivo, and KoboToolbox, ensuring that his findings are both actionable and relevant.

In addition to his M&E expertise, Imran possesses strong capabilities in Data Science, allowing him to employ Python-based algorithms for advanced data analysis and create dynamic, interactive dashboards using Power BI and Tableau. As a proud member of the Canadian Evaluation Society (CES), he is committed to advancing his professional development and contributing to the evaluation field in Canada. Currently based in Ottawa, Imran is passionate about initiatives that address social and economic inequalities through data-informed, evidence-driven solutions, and he welcomes opportunities to connect with fellow professionals and organizations dedicated to making a tangible impact in the development and humanitarian sectors.

Md Khairuzzaman is a dedicated researcher and development professional with expertise in data analysis, research writing, and project management. With a strong academic background, including a Master’s in Modern Indian Studies from the University of Göttingen and a Professional Master’s in Development Studies from Jagannath University, he brings a multidisciplinary approach to understanding social and economic issues. His research experience spans various topics, including governance, labor rights, education, and gender studies.

Khairuzzaman has worked with renowned organizations such as UNICEF, Save the Children, and Oxfam, where he contributed to qualitative and quantitative research projects. His skills in data management, evaluation, and statistical analysis using tools like SPSS, Microsoft Office, and social media analytics make him a valuable asset in both fieldwork and academic research. Additionally, his leadership roles, including serving as Vice President of the ASAUB Sociology Club and Under Secretary General of the ASAUB Model United Nations Conference, demonstrate his ability to manage teams and organize impactful initiatives.

Passionate about social change, Khairuzzaman actively engages in projects that promote skill development, civic participation, and economic empowerment. His experience in training, seminar organization, and community outreach highlights his commitment to fostering positive societal impact. As an adaptable and detail-oriented professional, he thrives in dynamic environments, ensuring high-quality research and strategic planning for sustainable development.

Md. Abdullah Al Mamun is an accomplished development professional with over 15 years of experience in research, consultancy, and project management. Throughout his career, he has played a pivotal role in designing and implementing development projects across various sectors, including agriculture, ICT, entrepreneurship development, water, sanitation, and hygiene (WATSAN), climate change, social safety nets, and market system development. His extensive expertise spans baseline studies, mid-term evaluations, end-line assessments, impact assessments, and socio-economic research, where he has collaborated with leading national and international NGOs, government agencies, private sector entities, and donor organizations. His work has significantly contributed to policy recommendations, program improvements, and the overall effectiveness of various social and economic development initiatives.

Md. Mamun has a strong background in ICT-based data collection, survey methodologies, and research implementation, making him a valuable asset in designing evidence-based interventions. He has led and trained research teams, developed data collection tools, conducted statistical analyses, and formulated strategic plans to strengthen project effectiveness. His expertise also extends to working with SMS platforms and digital data collection systems, ensuring high-quality research outputs for diverse stakeholders, including donors, non-profits, and private sector organizations. Over the years, he has been involved in key projects that address critical development challenges, such as child labor, social protection, climate change adaptation, and economic inclusion. His ability to bridge the gap between grassroots realities and policy-level advocacy has been instrumental in shaping inclusive and sustainable development strategies.

In addition to his technical expertise, Md. Mamun has vast experience in training facilitation, stakeholder engagement, and community mobilization. He has successfully designed and facilitated training programs on a range of topics, including market system development, value chain enhancement, livelihood improvement, disaster resilience, and gender equality. His role in empowering local communities, fostering entrepreneurship, and enhancing the capacity of marginalized populations has been widely recognized. He has also contributed to the establishment of producer groups, helped identify market linkages, and supported small enterprises in developing business plans and securing access to resources. His advocacy efforts have led to improved policy frameworks and increased support for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), particularly in rural and underserved communities.

Currently, Md. Mamun is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) & Founder of United Social Business.bd, where he continues to work closely with national and international organizations to provide high-quality research, consultancy, and development services. Under his leadership, United Social Business.bd has positioned itself as a trusted partner for research-driven solutions, strategic planning, and program evaluations. His vision is to foster inclusive economic growth, strengthen community-based enterprises, and leverage technology-driven solutions to address pressing social and environmental challenges. With his extensive knowledge and practical experience, he remains committed to driving impactful change and promoting sustainable development at both the local and national levels.

Mr. Kamruzzaman is a distinguished education development professional with over 24 years of transformative experience in designing, managing, and leading high-impact education programs across Bangladesh’s government and international development sectors. Currently serving as the Education Advisor for USAID’s Promoting Education for Early Learners Project (Sisimpur Project) at Sesame Workshop Bangladesh, he provides strategic leadership to advance inclusive, equitable learning environments for marginalized children, including girls and children with disabilities. His expertise spans early childhood education, literacy and numeracy reforms, inclusive education, and emergency education interventions. Equipped with an MPhil in Education from the University of Dhaka, Kalam has consistently aligned his work with national policies, donor priorities, and global best practices, driving measurable improvements in learning outcomes and systemic capacity. Throughout his career, Kalam has spearheaded landmark initiatives such as the Math Olympiad Sub-component Activity under Bangladesh’s Fourth Primary Education Development Program (PEDP4), where he enhanced numeracy skills for 200,000 teachers and learners nationwide. His leadership in projects like Save the Children’s Reaching Out-of-School Children (ROSC II) program and Plan International’s Model for Inclusive Education demonstrates his ability to scale innovative solutions—from urban slum education to disability-inclusive pedagogies. Notably, he has collaborated with major stakeholders, including the Ministry of Primary and Mass Education, JICA, UNICEF, and the World Bank, fostering multi-sectoral partnerships to bridge policy and practice. His technical contributions to curriculum design, teacher training, and competency-based assessments have been instrumental in shaping Bangladesh’s education frameworks. Kalam’s academic rigor is reflected in his extensive research and publications, including his MPhil dissertation on early childhood education and critical evaluations of national curricula. A seasoned advocate for equity, he has presented at international forums such as the 4th International Conference on Language and Education in Bangkok and the International Conference on Inclusive Education. His memberships in global networks like INEE, ARNEC, and the Bangladesh Mathematical Olympiad Committee underscore his commitment to collaborative innovation. Combining grassroots insights with strategic vision, Kalam remains dedicated to advancing inclusive, quality education for all learners, making him a vital collaborator for initiatives like ART Lab that prioritize transformative educational impact.

Abu Yousuf Shazid is a dynamic social science researcher and anthropologist whose work bridges academic rigor and grassroots impact, particularly in marginalized and crisis-affected communities. Holding a Master’s in Anthropology from the University of Rajshahi, where he ranked 2nd in his cohort with a CGPA of 3.69, Shazid has cultivated a deep expertise in mixed-method research, qualitative analysis, and interdisciplinary collaboration. His career spans roles with leading organizations such as the German Red Cross, BRAC University’s James P. Grant School of Public Health, and the International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b), where he currently contributes to studies on menstrual health and post-abortion care among Rohingya refugees. Focused on themes like mental health, gender equity, migration, and sustainable livelihoods, Shazid’s research is driven by a commitment to amplifying underrepresented voices and informing inclusive policy solutions. Specializing in complex humanitarian contexts, Shazid has led or contributed to over 20 projects across Bangladesh, including Cox’s Bazar’s Rohingya refugee camps and host communities. His portfolio includes groundbreaking work such as UNESCO’s rapid assessment of Rohingya cultural traditions, USAID-funded evaluations of youth empowerment programs, and GIZ-led capacity-building initiatives for local governance. Proficient in tools like Atlas.ti and SPSS, he excels in designing culturally sensitive methodologies—from ethnographic interviews to participatory action research—that uncover nuanced insights into issues like gender-based violence, climate adaptation, and social cohesion. Notably, his fieldwork for projects like the Child-Centered Climate Change Adaptation initiative and the Gender and GBV Assessment in Cox’s Bazar highlights his ability to navigate logistical challenges while maintaining ethical rigor and community trust. Shazid’s collaborative ethos and multilingual fluency—in English, Bangla, and the Chittagonian dialect spoken by Rohingya communities—make him a vital bridge between academia, NGOs, and vulnerable populations. His participation in international conferences, such as the 6th International Conference on Climate Change and Small Ethnic Communities, reflects his dedication to knowledge-sharing and interdisciplinary dialogue. Whether analyzing food insecurity for FAO or exploring adolescent perceptions of gender equality for Plan International, Shazid consistently leverages his anthropological lens to drive actionable, equity-focused outcomes. For ART Lab, his expertise in cross-cultural research, conflict-sensitive frameworks, and stakeholder engagement offers invaluable synergy for projects seeking to merge academic depth with real-world applicability in global health, migration, and social justice.