Who's Who
Current staff
Ishtiaq Uddin AHMAD
Country Representative for IUCN Bangladesh
Ishtiaq.ahmad@iucn.org
Ishtiaq holds a Bachelor’s degree and a Masters in Agriculture from Bangladesh Agricultural University, a Master’s in Forestry from University of Peshawar, Pakistan, and another Master’s in Forest Inventory & Management from University of Washington, USA. He is a member of Commonwealth Forestry Association (CFA), Indian Remote Sensing Society, and Bangladesh Civil Service Forest Association.
He has some 30 years experience of working in environment and development of modern management regimes for natural forests and plantations. His past experiences include being the Chief Conservator of Forests (CCF) for Forest Department, Bangladesh, Deputy Chief Conservation of Forests (DCCF) for Planning Wing, and the Conservator of Forests for Wildlife and Nature Conservation Circle, Forest Department, Government of Bangladesh.
Dr. Istiak SOBHAN
Programme Coordinator
Istiak.Sobhan@iucn.org
Dr Istiak Sobhan was awarded the Degree of Doctor with a dissertation titled “Species discrimination from a hyperspectral perspective,” from Graduate School of Production Ecology & Resource Conservation of Wageningen University and ITC, the Netherlands. Before that, he had completed his second Masters in Environmental System Analysis and Monitoring from International Institute for Geo-information Science (ITC), the Netherlands. Earlier he obtained Bachelor and Masters in Botany from the University of Dhaka, Bangladesh.
Dr Istiak started his career as a research assistant at the Biotechnology Research Centre at the University of Dhaka. Later he served NACOM, Flood Action Plan, and Environmental and Geographic Information Services (CEGIS) at various positions.
He has substantial consulting, training and research experience in Bangladesh and the Netherlands. He also contributed to more than 10 peer reviewed articles in national and international journals.
Nasim AZIZ
Senior Programme Officer
Nasim.Aziz @iucn.org
Nasim Aziz did his Masters in Environmental Studies from Dalhousie University, Canada, and Bachelor in Forestry from the University of Chittagong, Bangladesh.
Nasim has seven years of experience in natural resource management, with a strong focus in forestry. He also has experience in biodiversity, socio-economic and institutional assessments and is currently managing several projects in IUCN Bangladesh.
Before joining IUCN, he was working as Performance Monitoring and Applied Research Specialist under Integrated Protected Area Co-management (IPAC), Project funded by USAID.
His areas of interest include biodiversity assessment, socio-economic & institutional assessment.
Mohammad Shahad MAHABUB CHOWDHURY
Dialogue Coordinator
Shahad.Mahabub@iucn.org
Mohammad Shahad Mahabub Chowdhury did his Masters with a specialization in Marine Science from the Institute of Marine Sciences and Fisheries, Chittagong University, Bangladesh. He completed his second Masters in Aquatic Resources Development from Stirling University, UK.
Shahad has considerable work experiences with several prominent national and international institutions in the fields of natural resources development, management and conservation.
He has demonstrated his capability in development, management, supervision and monitoring multidisciplinary research and programme activities throughout the country successfully and has contributed to several national and international journals.
Mohammad Aminur RAHMAN SHAH
Programme Officer (Natural Resources Management)
Aminur.Shah@iucn.org
Shah is a Bangladeshi national and has more than eight years of experience in the field of natural resource management, environmental planning and management, climate change and disaster management in Bangladesh. He also has experience in strategic and macro level environmental planning for development projects in Bangladesh. Before joining IUCN he was working as a Professional (Environment) with Center for Environmental and Geographic Information Services (CEGIS) in Bangladesh. While working in CEGIS, he was involved in project management and project proposal development related to environmental assessment, climate change and disaster management.
Shah holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Science from Khulna University, Bangladesh, a Master of Science degree in Water Resources Development from Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology and a second Master of Science degree in Environmental Science (specialization in Environmental Planning and Management) from UNESCO-IHE Institute of Water Education, Delft, The Netherlands. He has several publications on climate change impacts, forest resource management, flood early warning and water supply modelling.
Mohammad Abdul MOTALEB
Assistant Programme Officer
Conservation through practice: conservation of medicinal plants and traditional knowledge by involving ethnic communities and Action Research for conservation of Asian Elephant in Bangladesh
Abdul.Motaleb@iucn.org
Mohammad Abdul Motaleb obtained Masters and Bachelor in Forestry from the University of Chittagong, Bangladesh.
He is currently managing a project to facilitate conservation of medicinal plant and traditional health service in Chittagong Hill Tracts and another project on the conservation of Asian elephants. He has also worked in biodiversity conservation in the Lawachara National Park, Bangladesh.
Prior to joining IUCN, he worked as a research officer for the Bangladesh Ministry of Food and Disaster, on economic risk appraisal of the impact of cyclones and tsunamis on coastal livelihood.
Motaleb has contributed to a number of national and international publications on biodiversity conservation.
Md. Ahsanul WAHED
Research Associate
Conservation through practice: conservation of medicinal plants and traditional knowledge by involving ethnic communities
Ahsanul.Wahed@iucn.org
Md Ahsanul Wahed completed his Masters and Bachelor in Agronomy and Agriculture respectively from Bangladesh Agricultural University. He also attended a number of trainings on behalf of IUCN Bangladesh at home and abroad, focusing climate change and natural resource governance.
He is currently providing technical support for the conservation of medicinal plants and other activities such as disaster risk reduction and vulnerability assessments and training courses using participatory rural appraisal tools to assess community need and vulnerability to disaster. Additionally he has been involved in monitoring the natural resource governance project.
Prior to IUCN he worked as a researcher in Development of Biotechnology and Environmental Conservation Centre (DEBTEC).
Bushra NISHAT
Project Manager
Ecosystems for Life: A Bangladesh – India Initiative
Bushra.Nishat@iucn.org
Bushra Nishat holds a Masters in Water and Environment Resources Management from the UNESCO International Institute for Hydraulic and Environmental Engineering Institute for Water Education, Netherlands and a Bachelor in Science in Civil Engineering from the Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology. She has professional affiliation with the Institute of Engineers, Bangladesh.
Bushra has over 12 years of experience in water and environmental resources management and more than five years of experience in applying numerical modelling tools for water and environmental resource planning and impact assessment studies.
Before joining IUCN, she has been working as an Associate Specialist with Institute of Water Modelling (IWM) in Bangladesh. As a water resource engineer for IWM, she was responsible for the development of a basin model covering the Ganges-Brahmaputra-Meghna basins
Md. Aminur RAHMAN
Policy & Institutional Support Coordinator
Community Based Sustainable Management of Tanguar Haor Project
Aminur.Rahman@iucn.org
Md Aminur Rahman holds an MBA from the University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh, and Bachelor of Science from Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology in Civil Engineering. He gained experience in ICT applications through a Post Graduate Diploma in Computer Science from Bangladesh Institute of Management and received additional training.
Aminur has joined IUCN on lien from the Government of Bangladesh and had been working with the Government at the level of Deputy Secretary. He has 23 years of multi-disciplinary working experience as Site Engineer, Magistrate, District Relief and Rehabilitation Officer, Assistant Director Local Government, Upazilla (Sub-District) Nirbahi (Executive) Officer, Project Director, Deputy Secretary in the Ministry of Land.
As the Project Manager of the "Community Based Sustainable Management of Tanguar Haor Project, Phase-II" he liaises with the different government agencies and shares the experiences.
Md. KAMRUZZAMAN
Programme Officer - Climate Change
Support to Bangladesh Government in Climate Negotiation
Md.Kamruzzaman@iucn.org
Md Kamruzzaman has a Masters and Bachelor in Geography from Jahangirnagar University, Bangladesh.
Currently he is working closely with the Climate Change Unit, at the Ministry of Environment and Forests, Government of Bangladesh.
Prior to IUCN, Kamruzzaman worked with Bangladesh Resource Centre for Indigenous Knowledge (BARCIK) as the Research Coordinator. He also worked with other different local and international organizations namely International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), Manusher Jonno Foundation, The Swallows India-Bangladesh, United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), DANIDA and Family Planning Association of Bangladesh (FPAB).
He also contributed in national and international research projects and has a good number of publications.
Mohammad Abul KALAM AZAD
Thematic Coordinator - Livelihood, Capacity Bldg & Market Extn
Community Base Sustainable Management of Tanguar Haor Project
ak.azad@iucn.org
Mohammad Abul Kalam Azad has completed Masters in Crop Science and Bachelor in Agriculture from Bangladesh Agricultural University.
He has eight years of experience in working with national and international organizations. Prior to joining IUCN, he was working with CARE Bangladesh’s SHOUHARDO Programme in the wetlands as the Project Manager.
He has received several trainings on business development, administration etc. His areas of expertise are climate change, disaster risk reduction, conservation, community empowerment, Community Based Natural Resource Management etc.
A. B. M. Sarowar ALAM
Assistant Project Officer - Ecosystem Improvement & Livelihood
Community Based Sustainble Management of Tanguar Haor Project
sarowar.alam@iucn.org
A.B.M.Sarowar Alam has a Masters and Bachelor in Zoology from Jahangirnagar University, Bangladesh.
Before joining IUCN, he worked with Wetland Biodiversity Rehabilitation Project (WBRP) , funded by German development co-operation (GIZ) as the Wildlife Officer. He was also working with CARINAM as Wildlife field researcher to ‘Estimate Breeding population of Gharial in Padma & Jamuna River’ project.
MR. Alam is also a Editor of Banglar Phaki (Bangladesh bird Club Newsletter) and Executive Editor of Bangladesh Nature Quest Magazine published by The Daily Star.
He is now secretary of Bangladesh Bird Club (Bbc) and member of Oriental Bird Club (OBC). He has a lot of publication of National and International Journal & Newspapers. He has published one book named Bangladesher Porijayi Pakhi( Migratory Birds of Bangladesh) from Abosor Prokasoni LTD.
His interest includes wildlife research, bird watching, wildlife photography, Traveling, Writing, wildlife modeling, Climate Change monitoring and different types of conservation works.
Marufa SULTANA
Temporary Project Assistant
Enhancement of Bangladesh's Capacity in Climate Change Negotiations
Murufa.Sultana@iucn.org
Marufa Sultana holds a first class Bachelor and Masters in Zoology from the University of Dhaka, Bangladesh, with a specific focus on wildlife biology. She has also attended a training programme on “Community based natural resource management.”
Recently, she has provided support to the Action Research for Asian elephant conservation project. Now, she is providing support to climate change negotiations project.
As a wildlife biologist, she has interest in wildlife and its conservation and management.
Enamul Mazid KHAN SIDDIQUE
Professional Associate - Research & Communications
Mangroves for the Future (MFF) Bangladesh
Enamul Mazid Khan Siddique is a Master of Social Science in Sociology from the University of Dhaka, Bangladesh.
As part of his role in IUCN Bangladesh, Siddique has contributed to the formation of the National Coordinating Body (NCB), compiled research for preparation of the National Strategy and Action Plan (NSAP) for the Mangroves for the Future initiative and Scoping Report of Sustainable Coastal Zone Management of Bangladesh . Before joining IUCN, he used to work with the Daily Ittefaq, a national daily.
His areas of interest include, social research methods, sociology of environment, sustainable development, mass communications, statistics and demography.
Md. Emran HASAN
Temporary GIS Associate
Ecosystems for Life: A Bangladesh India Initiative
Md Emran Hasan has a Masters and Bachelor in Geography & Environment, from the University of Dhaka, Bangladesh.
He has worked as a teaching assistant at the geographic information system (GIS) and remote sensing lab, at the Department of Geography and Environment, University of Dhaka, where he assisted faculties during geo-spatial classes and lectures for students and professionals.
Prior to IUCN, Emran worked as a GIS Analyst at Geographic Solution Research Center (GSRC).
Md. Abdul ALIM
Field Assistant
Community Based Sustainable Management of Tanguar Haor Project
Mr. Wasim Newaz
Project Associate
wasim.newaz@iucn.org
Wasim Newaz is currently studying Masters in Resource and Environmental Management in North South University. He also holds Bachelor and Masters in International Relations from the University of Dhaka.
Prior to joining IUCN, Wasim worked as a field investigator in the research ‘Women’s participation in election’ funded by the Royal Embassy of Netherland in the parliamentary and upazila election 2008-09. He has also experience working as an assistant researcher in few research projects namely ‘Conflict resolution and peace process: The case of Chittagong Hill Tracks’ with South Asia Forum for Human Rights; ‘Nodi O Jibon’ (Living with the River), designed by Concern Worldwide Bangladesh and ‘Higher Education Quality Enhancement (HEQEP) project’ funded by UGC on behalf of the Government and the World Bank.
His areas of interest include environmental security and governance, climate change policy and negotiations.
Communications and IT
A. J. M. Zobaidur RAHMAN
Communications Officer
Zobaidur.Rahman@iucn.org
Mr. Rahman holds Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts in English from Chittagong University, Bangladesh. He has more than seven years of experience in the field of communications, public relations and media. He also attended many professional training and workshops on Security Awareness, Disaster Management and Conflict Reporting.
Prior to joining IUCN he was a Program Officer for Relief International and was responsible for providing Capacity Building Training to the Media Professionals and overall media management. He has also previously worked at the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) on the Police Reform Program (PRP) as a Public Relations Officer, at the European Union Election Observation Mission (EU-EOM) in Bangladesh as Assistant Press and Public Outreach Officer and as Diplomatic Correspondent at media outlets in Bangladesh
Sheikh ASADUZZAMAN
Library & Publication Officer
Sheikh.Asad@iucn.org
Sheikh Asaduzzaman did his Masters in Islamic History from the Jagannath University, Bangladesh and Post-graduate Diploma in Library and Information Sciences from the National Library and Information Association, Bangladesh.
He has also completed a certificate course in Environmental Education at the Centre for Environment Education (CEE), India and a diploma course on Desktop Publications from Daffodil University, Bangladesh.
Currently he is involved in maintaining the office library, designing the publications and printing materials of IUCN Bangladesh.
Md. Abu Mas-Ud SAYEED
IT and Database Administrator, Community Based Sustainable Management of Tanguar Haor project
Abu.Sayeed@iucn.org
Sayeed has more than six years of experience in the field of Information Technology (IT) in Bangladesh. Before joining IUCN he worked as a software developer in Orion Group, previously he was a Senior Executive – IT in NAVANA Group.
He holds a B.Sc.(Hons.) in Information Technology (IT) from Sikkim-Manipal University of Health, Medical & Technological Sciences in India and a Master of Science in Computer Science & Engineering (M.S.C.E.) from Stamford University, Dhaka, Bangladesh. He also completed a one year ORACLE Database certified course from IBCS-PRIMAX Software (BD) Ltd.
Finance and Accounts
Md. Anwar HOSSAIN
Manager Finance
Anwar.Hossain@iucn.org
Md Anwar Hossain holds a Masters degree in accounting, and an MBA in Global Banking and Finance. Additionally he has a postgraduate diploma in personnel management from Bangladesh Institute of Management and completed Chartered Accountancy course.
Anwar has more than 14 years of experience in the area of finance and administrative management in the development sector of Bangladesh.
Prior to IUCN, he has worked as a deputy financial controller with The Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. He also worked with the Sight savers International, Save the Children UK, Rangpur Dinajpur Rural Service and BRAC.
Tulshi DAS ROY
Senior Finance Officer
Tulshi.Roy@iucn.org
Tulshi Das Roy received Masters Degree in Economics and Bachelor Degree in Accounting from the National University, Bangladesh, and a professional degree of Cost and Management Accountant (CMA) from the Institute of Cost and Management Accountants of Bangladesh (ICMAB).
Tulshi is currently involved in cost and management audit, review and compilation of financial statements as well as the reporting of corporate finance, taxation, general business accounting and business planning for sustainable operations.
He has extensive experience in preparing donor reports on cash-flow projection, annual budget, and project budget monthly Payroll, cost recovery and fund monitoring, reviewing bank accounts reconciliation, current accounts and fund reconciliation, SUN and Vision XL administration
Md. Aktar HOSSAIN
Finance Officer
Aktar.Hossain@iucn.org
Md Aktar Hossain holds an MBA in finance from the University of Information Technology and Sciences (UITS), Bangladesh and a Masters in Management from the National University of Bangladesh. He has also completed a Cost and Management Accountant (CMA) intermediate course from the Institute of Cost and Management Accountants of Bangladesh (ICMAB).
Prior to IUCN he worked at Royal Park Ltd. and Wega Fashion Sweater (Pvt.) Ltd.
Aktar attended several training courses on Value Added Tax (VAT) from Customs, Excise and VAT Commissionerate, Dhaka; and Human Resource Management for Executives from Bangladesh Institute of Management (BIM).
Abul Kalam AZAD
Finance & Admin Officer
Community Based Sustainable Management of Tanguar Haor Project
Azad.Abulkalam@iucn.org
Abul Kalam Azad has a Masters in Commerce concentrating in Management from the National University of Bangladesh and a Bachelor in Commerce from the Government Tularam College, Dhaka.
Azad is currently maintaining the accounts and administration records of the community based sustainable management of Tanguar Haor project in the Sunamgonj district.
Prior to IUCN, Azad worked with Bangladesh Environmental Lawyers Association (BELA) and with Unnayan Shahayak Sangstha (USS), a local organization that works with community development, under the SHOWHARDO program of CARE Bangladesh.
Human Resource and Administration
Abul Kalam Azad BHUIYAN
Human Resources Officer
Azad.Bhuiyan@iucn.org
Abul Kalam Azad, graduated from the University of Chittagong and holds a postgraduate diploma in Human Resources Management from Bangladesh Institute of Management (BIM).
Azad has extensive work experience in human resource management and administration, with several renowned national and international organizations.
Apart from his professional duties, Azad has been contributing to Ittefaq, a leading Bengali newspaper, as a freelance writer.
Dominica ROZARIO
Office Manager
Dominica.Rozario@iucn.org
Dominica Rozario has a Bachelor degree from the University of Dhaka, Bangladesh and has completed management development training from the Bangladesh Institute of Management.
Dominica has extensive experience working with IUCN Bangladesh in the area of operations and contributed to the smooth implementation of administrative systems and processes.
Mohammad Omar FARUQUE
Office Assistant
Ecosystems for Life
Shamim Ara KHONDAKER
Administrative Assistant
Khondaker.Shamimara@iucn.org
Shamim Ara Khondaker has a Masters and Bachelor in Islamic Studies from National University, Bangladesh, and a Post Graduate Diploma in Human Resource Management from Bangladesh Institute of Management.
Shamima is currently attached with Ecosystems for Life project as an administrative assistant and act as the focal person for Membership and Constitution. Being the focal person, she handles all issues related to promoting IUCN Membership and keep liaison between the Members and IUCN Country Office.
She has attended Membership Workshop as a membership focal point at Gland, IUCN HQ, Switzerland and has made significant contributions to the participation of Bangladesh Delegations in the World Conservation Congress (WCC) 2008.
Shamimara BEGUM
Secretary to Programme
Shamimara.Begum@iucn.org
Shamim Ara Rahman completed her Graduation from Dhaka University.
She is working with IUCN Bangladesh Country Office, as a Secretary to the Programme Coordinator. She provides secretarial support to the whole programme unit.
Young professionals and Interns
Niaz Ahmed KHAN, PhD
Country Representative from 16 August 2009 - 31 December 2011
Dr. Niaz Ahmed Khan served as Country Representative, IUCN-Bangladesh between 16 August 2009 and 31 December 2011.
He is currently Professor of Development Studies, University of Dhaka, and Executive Director, Centre for Resources and Development Research, University of Chittagong, Bangladesh. His career reflects a rich blend of academic and practicing development management experiences gained in Bangladesh, Thailand and the UK.
His contact details are: email: niaz.khan@yahoo.com, khan.niaz.ahmed@gmail.com; http://www.devstud-udhaka.ac.bd/faculty_dtls.asp?FID=4;(+88) 01711 364462; (+88 02) 8959555
Dr. Ainun Nishat
Country Representative
Tenure: May 1998 to August 15 2009
Currently Vice Chancellor of BRAC University, Bangladesh
Mr. M. Anwarul Islam
Head
Tenure: January 1995 to April 1998
Mr. A. M. Choudhury
Country Representative
Tenure: January 1992 to December 1994
Ms. Nazneen Mansur Azim
Programme Coordinator
Tenure: September 1989 to December 1991




