Professor M. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, PhD

Chairman

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M. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury is a Professor in the Department of Finance at the University of Dhaka, Bangladesh, and currently serves as the Treasurer of the university. He is also the Executive Director of the Center for Microfinance and Development. With a distinguished academic career, Professor Chowdhury has served as a visiting scholar at numerous renowned institutions worldwide since 2000. Notably, he has held the position of Senior Fellow at both the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy and the Center for Global Engineering at the University of Toronto, Canada. He has also held visiting positions at the University of Stirling (UK), the Asian Development Bank (Philippines), the National University of Malaysia, and the National Central University (Taiwan).

Professor Chowdhury's educational background includes a B.Com (Hons) and an M.Com in Finance and Banking from the University of Dhaka, as well as a Ph.D. in Banking and Finance from the University of Stirling in the UK. His research interests span a wide range of topics, including microfinance, poverty alleviation, safety nets, gender, entrepreneurship, climate finance, payments for ecosystem services, corporate governance, and corporate social responsibility. He has received research funding from esteemed organizations such as the Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU), the South Asian Network for Development and Environmental Economics (SANDEE), the University of Stirling, the Royal Economic Society (UK), the Asian Scholarship Foundation (ASF), the Government of Japan, the Bureau of Business Research (BBR), the Partnership for Economic Policy (PEP), Grand Challenges Canada, the Microfinance Management Institute, and the Government of Taiwan. Professor Chowdhury has made noteworthy contributions to academia, with approximately 30 scholarly articles published in reputable national and international peer-reviewed journals.

Beyond his academic work, Professor Chowdhury has shared his expertise as a consultant with various national and international organizations, including the World Bank, CIDA, DFID, FAO, UNDP, PKSF, and the Government of Bangladesh. Actively engaged in multiple international professional bodies, he currently holds a council membership in the Development Studies Association (DSA) in the United Kingdom and serves as the Convener of the Asia-Pacific Region’s Global South Study Group within the DSA. With a strong commitment to academia, Professor Chowdhury has traveled extensively to over 70 countries, contributing to academic discourse and addressing globally relevant issues.

Dr. Md. Shahid Uz Zaman

Vice-Chairman

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Under construction

Md. Nurul Islam Tuhin

Vice-Chairman

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Mr. Nurul Islam (Tuhin) is a businessman and at present working at Samorita Hospital as a general manager. He is a only son of his father Ali Akand and mother Kancha Begum. He was born at Rajapur of Belkuchi thana in Sirajgonj district. At present, he resides in Dhaka. Mr. Islam bears a service delivery mentality through which he provides medical services to the people who need such help. As an attractive personality, Mr. Islam shows interest to be associated with people irrespective of class, creed and religion. He understands that to serve people one should not have discriminatory values and behavior. As an administrator, Mr. Islam possesses managerial attributes and problem solving capacity. He is skilled in analyzing social conditions and decision-making. Hence, Mr. Islam gained respect of people and popularity in his circle.

.He is involved in various social and humanitarian activities. He was elected as an Executive Member of the previous Governing Body of PROSHIKA and at present he re-elected as a Vice-Chairman of PROSHIKA Governing Body.

Rafiqa Aktar

Treasurer

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Ms. Rafiqua Akter is a well-known women activist and development practitioner in Bangladesh. She came from a highly regarded family of Comilla District. Ms. Akter possess a brilliant career as a development thinker, especially on women empowerment strategy. At one time, she was working with ‘Rangpur-Dinajpur Rural Services (RDRS) as “Project Administrator”. Ms. Rafiqua Akter has been graduated from Jahangirnagar University in Economics. Having practical and conceptual knowledge in women empowerment, Ms. Akter has written an article which is full of information regarding balancing process and strategies between man and women. The article bears tittle is “Creating a Balance between Men and Women”. As recognition of her conceptual capacity regarding women development this article was circulated in the Beijing Conference that held in 1995. Earlier considering her capacity and experience, she was elected as a member of PROSHIKA Governing Body. Upon reshuffling the structure of Governing body Ms. Rafiqua Akter has been elected as “Treasurer” in the Governing Body’s meeting no. 142.

Md. Abdul Khaleque Talukder

Member

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Mr. Talukder a son of parents Al-haj Hasen Ali Talukder and Jinnatunessa. He was born on 22 February 1951 at Mohammadpur in Dhaka district. Mr. Talukder has obtains his Master Degree in Mathematics at Jahangirnagar University. In personal life, he is a teacher and social worker and philanthropist. Mr. Talukder is a respected person in his community. He, as a senior person, usually advices to the youth to work for society and community development. People of his locality is being benefited from his advice and tries to keep social integration strong in order to maintain discipline and living a peaceful life. Many individuals, clubs, senior’s group approach to him for consultation when they face any troubles and difficulties. His social service commitments are remarkable as he performs all these neither without personal interest nor from any other intention.

Renuka Biswas

Member

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Ms. Renuka Biswas is a social worker and an NGO leader. She is the head of Jagarani Sangstha working at Gopalgonj district. She is a daughter of Amendra Nath Biswas and Kanaklata Biswas. She was born at Chikunibari of Kotalipara upazila in Gopalganj district. Her National Identification No. is 3515171620918. Ms. Renuka is a dedicated social development worker and working for improving the socio-economic condition of the poor community. She is working in development field for a decade and become a well-known grassroots women leader in development sector. She is involved with many social organizations, clubs and associations in Gopalganj region. Ms. Renuka is a dynamic and capable leader. She has contact and linkage with different government agencies, departments, National and international NGOs. She possesses good managerial skills. As a social development leader, she has considerable analytical skills and capacity of decision making. Moreover, she has organizing capacity and organized several right-based movements in order to ensure social, political and legal aids of the poor people.

Mr. Advin Barun Banerjee

Member

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Under construction

Md. Saleh Bin Shams

Member

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Under construction

Mifta Naim Huda

Member

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Under construction

Rokeya Islam

Member

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Born on 4th February, 1959 at Tangail District of Bangladesh, Rokeya Islam is the life partner of the brave freedom fighter Md. Asaduzzaman. She started her career as a teacher and she has established a school to make education available to the children of the poverty stricken families. Ms. Islam is a poet, a novelist, drama and short story writer. She won a number of awards including Nazrul Sommanona Award, Dr. Ashraf Siddiki Award, Aroni story competition award, Poet Suvash Mukhaphadhai Award (West Bengal) and Aparajto Award for her remarkable contribution to Bengali literature.

Several of her books were published among them- Sorger Kachakachi (novel, 1995), Akash Amar Akash (poem, 2004), Chue Jai Megher Akash (novel, 2006), Tumi Ami Tepantar (novel, 2008), Tabuo Tumei Simanto (novel 2010), Josna Jole Snan Sondha (poem 2011, published from Kolkata), Dipro Tajri O Apujaner Golpo (children novel, 2011), Ekbar Dako Samubro Bole (novel), Keno Dako Barebar (novel), Surje Fere Din (novel, 2016), Atoppor Dhruba Tara (novel, 2018) are mention-worthy. These works became popular and widely appreciated by the readers of all walks of society.

About 35 dramas and cinemas were made based on her popular novels and story. Those were telecast through several different television channels and shown in the cinema halls of Bangladesh.

As a mark of recognition for her achievements; different organizations honored her by giving membership in their organization. Bangladesh Awami League made her its honorable member, life time membership was given by Tangail Public Library and she is an executive member of DORP, a renowned NGO in Bangladesh.

Above all, Ms. Islam holds the post of Vice-Chairman of PROSHIK’s Governing Body (GB) since 2012. Her dynamic leadership quality and understanding of social development perspectives helped PROSHIKA to achieve its organizational vision and goal.

Jahirul Islam

Member

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Mr. Jahirul Islam was born at a village of Biswas Betka, Dhaka road, in the district of Tangail, in 1950. Mr. Islam was a freedom fighter and joined sector 11 under company No. 2 and his freedom fighter No. is 0118100828. Upon the call of freedom of the motherland in 1971. Mr. Islam left the country for India where he was trained in Guerilla warfare. For his immemorial contribution to the war of independence, he is being honored in the society.

Mr. Islam has completed his Primary Teacher Training Course from Primary Teachers Training Institute (PTI), Tangail. After that he started his career as a primary school teacher. Being a teacher, he became well known as “Jahir Master” in the locality. Mr. Islam is a veteran politician and also takes part in different social works and try to help the disadvantaged people of the society.

Mr. Islam is a well wisher and good friend of PROSHIKA. At present, Mr. Islam is a member of PROSHIKA Governing Body (GB) and holding the position of Treasurer in the GB since 2018. PROSHIKA is pleased to get his valuable contribution to PROSHIKA’s governance and policy making forum.

Prof: Dr. Md Abul Kashem

Member, Educationalist

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Professor Dr. Md. Abul Kashem was born on 27 December 1961 in a rural family of Gazipur district (the then Dhaka) in the village Gowal Bathan under Kaliakair upazila. His father's name is Md. Delour Hossain and mother Hasina Begum. He studied in the Kaliakair primary school from 1996 to 1970. He passed SSC from Kaliakair Golam Nabi High school in 1976, HSC from Bhawal Badre Alam college 1976, BSc, Ag (Hons) from Bangladesh Agricultural University in 1983 and MSc Ag in Soil Science in 1984. He obtained PhD in Agronomy from Bangladesh Agricultural University during 2006. He started his working career as Research Associate in an internationally coordinated project on "Isotopic studies on N2 - cycling with Azolla and blue green algae" in the Department of Soil Science, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh from 1st January 1986 to 31st August 1989. He worked as a NST Fellow of Ministry of Education in the same Department from 1st September 1989 to 2nd January 1991. He worked as a Scientific Officer, Senior Scientific Officer and Cropping System Specialist in the Farming Systems and Environmental Studies of Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh from 3rd January, 1991 to 28 November 2001.

He served as a Principal Scientific Officer at Regional Soil Testing Laboratory, Barishal in the Soil Resource Development Institute from 29 November 2001 to 13 February 2007. Then he served as a Principal Scientific Officer and Director in the Technology Transfer Monitoring Unit of Bangladesh Agricultural Research Council from 14 February 2007 to 22 October 2013 as well as he also responsible as Director of National Agricultural Technology Project Phase-1 for six (6) years. He is now working as a Professor in the Department of Soil Science under Sylhet Agricultural University since 23 October 2013 to date and served as Dean, Faculty of Agriculture from September 2017 to September 2019. He also served as a Chairman of the Department for four years from November 2013 to November 2017. Professor Kashem implemented a number of scientific projects funded by national and international agencies. He attended more than 121 seminar, workshop and symposium in home and abroad. He visited more than 10 countries for attending workshop, seminar, meeting and training.

He participated 23 professional training in home and 2 training in abroad. Presently he is the member of more than 18 professional societies and working with various GOs and NGOs in the professional arena. There are 34 MS, 5 PhD, 1 Postdoc research students completed their research degree under his supervision. He is the farming systems research practitioner and have experiences in different agro-ecosystems specially in haor ecosystems in Bangladesh. He has experiences in PRA, project monitoring and evaluation, editorial experience of journal and reports, etc. He visited more than 10 countries for scientific seminar, meetings, workshop, training, visit, etc. He published more than 365 scientific articles including 129 journal papers (in home and abroad), 19 conference papers, 3 papers in training manual, 20 project reports, 24 abstracts, 18 books/booklets, 138 scientific articles in books/reports, 9 leaflets, 5 popular articles, news letter etc. He is married with Umme Habiaye Rashida Begum and blessed with daughter Darimi Hasin and son Redwan Hossain.

Hamida Begum

Member

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Ms. Hamida Begum is a leader of PROSHIKA Grassroots People's organization. She is daughter of Most. Cheronnesa and wife of Sheikh Abdul Khaleque. Her address is: Village: South Gongarampur, PO.: Khalia Tekerhat, Upzila : Muksudpur and District: Gopalgonj. Her National Identification No. is 3515839857544.

Ms. Hamida is a capable leader and also was a group member of PROSHIKA. She has contact and linkage with different government, agencies, department, development organizations. She possesses good managerial skills. As a social development leader she has considerable analytical skills and capacity of decision making.

Ms. Hamida is personality who can easily come to the close contact with social and dynamic community leaders.

Md. Aslam Uddin

Member

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Bela Bhakta

Member

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Ms. Bela Bhakta is the daughter of Mr. Harimohan Bhakta and Ms. Chapala Bhakta. She was born in the village Kalikapur, Upazilla Mehendigonj under Barisal district.

She was born on 15th October, 1970. Ms. Bela Bhakta is a grassroots leader and works for poor community of her area. She is a popular woman leader and irrespective of gender, class, culture she takes initiatives to provide them help especially in solving the local conflicts.

She has received many training from different development and social organizations and she applies knowledge, skills and attitudes in her personal life and encourages people to adapt those concepts.

Having organizing capabilities she takes parts in different issues to solve and likes to be involved with community people.

Md. Abul Kalam Azad

Member

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Mr. Abul Kalam Azad the son of Ismail Miah and Ms. Aifuljan Bibi. Mr. Kalam presently living vill: Kolairchar, PO : Kolairchar, PS-Amtoli, Dist. : Borguna. He was born in 13th June 1955. His National Identification No. 04109713355555. He is a community leader.

Mr. Kalam has friendly nagture and able to communicate with people which made him popular in his community.

Advocate Md. Nurul Islam Matabbar, Lawyer

Member

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Advocate Md. Nurul Islam Matubbar son of Mr. Ali Hossain Matubbar and Ms. Ujala Bibi. His wife’s name is Ms. Murshida Begum. He was born on 10th April, 1959. At present, Mr. Islam is living in Dhaka at A/5, SPC Khan Cottage, of 3, Kobi Jasimuddin Road, Uttar Kamalapur, Dhaka. His National Identity No. 2698875651177. His parmanent address: Village: Bangla Kandi, P.O: Khalia, Upazila: Muksudpur, District: Gopalgonj.

Mr. Islam has been graduated in LLB degree with honors and LLM. He has persuded another master’s degree in Social Science from Netherlands. By profession is a lawyer in Bangladesh Supreme Court.

He is a father of two sons. The name of elder son is Protik Islam, a Barrister in Bangladesh Supreme court. The second son is Prottoy Islam, he is a student of Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA), Major is International Business in York University, Toranto, Canada.

At present, he holds the post of member of convener committee. During student life he was the president of Shahid Smritii Sangha, and was president of Awami Chhatra League unit of Shahid Habibur Rahman hall committee of Rajshahi University. Later, he was the secretary of Chhatra League of the same hall committee.

Md. Mizanur Rahman

Member

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Md. Mizanur Rahman the son of Mr. Abul Hossain and Ms. Majeda Begum. Mr. Mizanur Rahman lives in vill-Kumarpara, PO : Kolom-6450, PS : Siugra, Dist : Natore. He was born in 19th November, 1971. His National Identification No. 6919155764273.

He is a capable leader and also was a grassroot group member an attractive personality. He works for poor people of his locality and come forward to help them in any difficult situation. personality who can easily come to the close contact with social land community leaders.

Manjuara Begum

Member

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Ms. Manjuara Khatun is a leader of PROSHIKA Grassroots People's organization. She is daughter of Md. Rezaul Hoque and Most. Johura Khatun. Her address is: Houser No. 24, Asam colony, PO: Safura-6203, Boyalia, Rajshahi City Corporation, Rajshahi. Her National Identification No. is 8192218296326.

Ms. Manjuara is a capable leader and also a grassroot group member. She has contact and linkage with different government, agencies, department, local NGOs. She possesses good managerial skills. As a social development leader she has considerable analytical skills and capacity of decision making.

She has considerable experience of development work and management.

Md. Yakub Miah

Member

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Mr. Yakub was born on 3 January, 1955 at the village named Demsha of Keranihat upazila in Chattagram district. He is the son of Haji Noor Ahmed and Bilkish Begum. Mr. Miah is a Higher Secondary Certificate holder. He is a leader of grassroots people and works hard for bringing positive change for the poor people in his area. Mr. Miah is engaged with various social and cultural organizations those operating their functions in his area. Every one in his area respects him very much for his duty towards them. He takes interest in development works and engages himself in development activities operating by different social and cultural associations and local clubs. Mr. Yakub, presently, plays a role of member of the Governing Body of PROSHIKA Manobik Unnayan Kendra.

Dr. Helal Uddin Ahmed

Member

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Dr. Helal Uddin is the son of Mr. Manik Miah and Ms. Sefatunnesa. He was born on 5th May 1955 in Manikgonj Sadar in a respectable Muslim family. He bears the National Identity, No.5509105168. At present, Mr. Helal is living in 149, South Peererbag, Mirpur-1216, Dhaka.

He is one of the renowned project consultants. Mr. Helal has obtained double Masters Degree in Economics and Statistics. He has done Ph.D. in Applied Economics. He was a brilliant student. Presently, he is a professor of University.

Mr. Helal is a highly reputed educationist, hence he encourage students and parents of his locality to take higher education. He believes that without proper education no human resource development is possible. To build a educated, skilled, informed community is essential for their development.

Mr. Helal encourages the youth of his area to build their health through sports and other play and games. He has gained a good reputation in his professional jobs and activities. Besides, he maintain social and personal relationships with different community. He likes to serve the people by advising the people so that they can choose their profession corresponding to their knowledge, skills and capacity.

In addition to that he is associated with different social and development organizations where he plays effective roles.

Md. Sultan Jahangiree

Member, Former Banker

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Mr. Sultan Jahangiri is one of the renowned former high official of Pubali Bank Limited. His parents are Mr. Monir Hossain Jahangiri and Ms. Zobeda Khanom. Mr. Jahangiri was born in 1954 in a respectable family at village Puran Bausia, Gazaria UJpazila under Munshingonj District.

He has obtained both B.A (Hons) and Master Degree in Economics from Jahangirnagar University. He was the Diplomaed Associate of Institute of Bangladesh (DAIBB). Mr Jahangiri has 34 years' Banking experience especially in the field of Foreign Exchange. Besides, he is the member of Bangladesh Economic Association (BEA) and a Registered Graduate of Jahangirnagar University. He was awarded by the Pubali Bank Authority for his excellent performance during his professional life. He was awarded five times for his brilliant performance.

During his service period Mr. Jahangiri received several training. To name some of them are:- Training course on "Foreign Exchange & International Trade" and course on "Introduction of Computer & Branch Banking Computerization".

At present, Mr. Jahangiri resides at Shyamoli, Shar-E-Bangla Nagar, Dhaka-1207. His postal address is Heritage Shyamon Lodge, House # 8/6/A, Road # 01, Shyamoli, Sere-E-Bangla Nagar, Dhaka-1207.

Sabina Islam (Swapna)

Member

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Ms. Sabrina Islam (Swapna) is the daughter of Mr. Mir Nurul Islam and Ms. Rizia Islam. She was born in Tangail in 1964. Presently, she resides at Bashani Road, Akur Takur para, Tangail. She has been graduated from Kumudini Government College of Tangail District. Ms. Islam acts as Director of Shapnodhara Collection that situated in Tangail and she is the owner of this enterprise.

Along with this she also performs tasks in several organizations. For instance, she is the General Secretary of IDEB women and Family Welfare Association, Tangail and holds the position of education and cultural secretary of Bangladesh Mahila Parishad, branch of Tangail District and member of Arto Sarothi (an online based voluntary organization).

Ms. Islam received training on "Building Awareness and Skills for Women's Empowerment" that was organized and conducted by Bangladesh Mohala Parishad, in December, 2020.

Md. Shamsul Islam

Member, Development worker

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Mr. Shamsul Islam, the son of Mr. Moulana Mohammad Nurul Islam and Ms. Hezera Khatun. Ms. Firoza Begum is his wife. Mr. Islam presently living in 426/2, West Shaorapara, Mirpur, Dhaka-1216. He was born in the village named Sailan, Upazila-Dhamrai of Dhaka District in 1954. His father was a highly respected religious leader of that locality. Mr. Islam has obtained his Higher Secondary Certificate from Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education, Dhaka under Gaforgaon College, Mymensingh. He started as a development worker of PROSHIKA at field level in 1976. With the time passe he has been working as coordinator, Principal Coordinator, Senior Principal Coordinator, Deputy Director and Director.

During his job carrier he was entitled to several programs and accomplished the responsibility charge over him and completed successfully. More importantly, Mr. Islam has developed very good communication and presentation skills. During his job period Mr. Islam played role as an anchor and presenter in PROSHIKA's workshop, seminar and cultural program. He found to be very friendly and amicable and untiring personality. Mr. Islam has been retired from PROSHIKA in 2019. His experience of Development Program management will enrich the activity of both General Body and Governing Body.

Md. Solaiman

Member, NGO person

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Mr. Solaiman was a social worker. His National Identification No. is 19534811147594147. Mr. Solaiman was born at the village Adarshopara, PO: Kalikaproshad-2350, Bhoirob, Kishoregtonj on 31 January 1953. Mr. Solaiman obtained M.Sc. in mathematics from Jahangirnagar University in 1974.

Solaiman the son of Mr. Abdul Helim and Ms. Sakhina Khatun is a brave and well-behaved person. Mr. Solaiman has experience of doing development worker. He is a father of two brilliant dauthers. They are living in overseas communities.

As a member of General Body he provides constructive insights to the discussion in the meeting.

Masrurul Islam

Member, NGO person

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He is the son of Mr. Mohammad Nurul Islam and Ms. Mahmuda Khatun. Mr. Islam was born on 1st January, 1960. His national ID No. 2692858539872. He lives in Hazaribag, Dhaka. holding no. 18,Moneswer 1st lane, Jikhatala-1209. His wife Ms. Roksana Kamrun Nahar is a house wife.

Mr. Islam is an FCA and was country director of Marie Stopes, Bangladesh. His son is a popular Physician in Dhaka City. Mr. Islam is a skilled and top ranking development worker.

He served in PROSHIKA for long time and played great role for wellbeing of PROSHIKA. He possessed huge ideas about development and personnel management.

Mr. Islam was a brilliant student and obtained first class in all examinations in educational life.

By dint of his untiring labor Mr. Islam achieved success in professional life.

As a member of the body he analyzes different organizational issues in the body’s meeting with critical insights. Thus, PROSHIKA benefits from his analysis and directives.

Md. Nasir Uddin

Member

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Mr. Nasir Uddin, the son of Mr. Shamsuddin Ahmed and Ms. Jobeda Khatun. Mr. Nasir presently living in 426/3, West Shaorapara, Mirpur, Dhaka-1216. He was born in the village named Belishore, Upazila-Dhamrai of Dhaka District. He was born on 02 February 1955. Mr. Nasir has obtained his Higher Secondary Certificate from Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education. He started as a development worker of PROSHIKA at field level in 1976. As time passes he has been working as Coordinator, Principal Coordinator, Senior Principal Coordinator, Deputy Director, Director and Sr. Director.

During his job he was entitled to several programs and accomplished the responsibility charge over him and completed successfully. More importantly, Mr. Nasair has developed very good communication and presentation skills. He found to be very friendly and amicable and untiring personality. Mr. Nasir has attractive from PROSHIKA in 2022. His experience of Development Program management enriched the activity of General Body.

Jesmin Aktar

Member

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Ms. Jesmin Aktar is a businesswoman and at present working at Binimoy Printers Ltd. as Chairman. She was bon 1st January 1964. Her address is: Flat # B/3, Holding # 446, Road # 6, Block # D, Basundara, PO : Khilkhet, Dhaka-1212. Her National Identification No. is 19642693014972258.

As a businesswoman she encourages other women to adopt business as a profession. Ms. Aktar is a Master Degree holder and has smart personality.