hasibur.rahman@mrdibd.org

shahana.huda@mrdibd.org
Communication Expert

miraj@mrdibd.org
Managing Director, digitally right

hasibur.rahman@mrdibd.org
+8801819200500

As the executive director, Hasibur Rahman leads the organisation in its endeavor to achieve the mission and vision, planning and implementation of the programmes and projects, mobilizing and utilizing resources and managing the affairs of the organisation. With a deep understanding of Bangladeshi media, he has taken the lead in enhancing capacity of media and journalists with an approach of research, training and practical learning through mentorship programmes. Under his leadership, MRDI has become the leading journalists’ training organisation of the country with a particular focus on investigative journalism. Alongside acting upon his firm commitment to ethical journalism, he also advocates for the Right to Information (RTI). His proactive role in creating demand for and facilitating supply of information has placed MRDI to a leading position in promotion of RTI. Under his leadership, MRDI advocates Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) as a sustainable source of development funding.

He is the team leader in the project, ‘Improving Quality Journalism in Bangladesh-Phase III’ with 20% working time, in the project, ‘Climate, energy and the media’ with 20% working time, in the project, ‘Promoting Fact Checking to Counter Misinformation in Bangladesh’ with 20% working time and remaining 40% for the organisation.

shakeel.anwar@mrdibd.org
+8801313537575

Shakeel Anwar is a journalist with a career spanning for than three decades when he worked mostly with big international media brands-  the BBC and the Reuters. After nearly two years at the Dhaka bureau of Reuters as a correspondent, Shakeel joined BBC in London in 1998 where he mastered radio programme production and live presentation. He was an integral part of planning and execution of BBC Bengali service’s gradual transformation into a digital first news media. As a BBC journalist, Shakeel has covered many important international events, interviewed global personalities including former Israeli Prime Minister Shimon Peres and Palestinian Hamas chief Ismail Haniye. Over the years, he produced a good number of in-depth radio and online documentary series on topical international issues including Palestine-Israel conflict, fault lines in European integration, threat of Scottish nationalism to Britain’s unity and the impact of immigration on British society and politics.  Shakeel’s documentary series on Israel-Palestine conflict, which involved thorough research and month-long works on locations in Israel and Palestinian areas including Gaza, is considered a stand-out journalistic work.  The series got nominated and specially mentioned by the juries in a pan BBC award event in 2007. Having been with the BBC for more than 25 years, he left the organisation and joined MRDI in December 2023 as the CEO of one of its flagship projects to establish a world class journalism training and research institute.  A master’s in journalism from the University of Dhaka, Shakeel is a fellow of Fondation de Journalistes en Europe, Paris, France.

CEO, South Asian Institute of Journalism and Research (SAIJR) in the project ‘Improving Quality Journalism in Bangladesh Phase-III’ with 100% of working time.

b.babu@mrdibd.org
+8801713062600
Badruddoza Babu is an award-winning producer and investigative journalist who is also the Head of Investigative Journalism Help Desk at the MRDI. With 21 years of experience in journalism, Babu has worked for many media organizations including magazines, daily newspapers and TV. He has received many accolades for his journalistic efforts against corruption and crime. His investigative TV show “Onushondhan” had received praise among the audience for its detailed reporting on all forms of crimes.

Head of IJ Helpdesk in the project, “Improving Quality Journalism in Bangladesh-Phase III” with 100% working time.

samsun.nahar@mrdibd.org
+8801711157423
Samsun Nahar joined MRDI as Deputy Manager, Finance on 01 October 2019. She has expertise in preparing project/company financial reports, annual budget, handling internal & external audit along with handling financial sections. In short, she handles the financial section of MRDI tactfully, with experience in operational systems, organizational processes and policies, accounting methods etc.

Considering her performance, from March 2022 Samsun Nahar has been promoted to Manager, Finance, MRDI.

Finance manager in the project ‘Improving Quality Journalism in Bangladesh Phase-III’ with 100% of working time.

mominul.islam@mrdibd.org
+8801716639145
Md. Mominul Islam has been ensured that MRDI’s books of accounts are maintained properly in full compliance with the law of the land and organizational provisions. Also, he prepares required documents for auditing accounts and faces the auditor with evidence and justification, liaise with banks, donors and other financial institutes, Communicate with NGO Affairs Bureau for fund clearance, budget revision and other purposes. Mominul has expertise in preparing various financial reports and has a special knowledge of accounting software (Tally ERP 9).

100% working time for the organisation.

anik@mrdibd.org
+8801787124818

Syed Samiul Basher Anik is a seasoned storyteller and a media communications professional with over 10 years of experience in Bangladesh’s English newspaper industry.  

Prior to current position, Syed has been the youngest chief reporter of Dhaka Tribune, a national English daily in Bangladesh. He is skilled at narrating stories, working with others on shared projects, and maintaining positive working relationships with other communities and members of the media. 

He also worked for BRAC, planning media campaigns, creating media strategies, and building contacts with media outlets.  

Programme Coordinator, in the project, ‘Climate, energy and the media’ with 100% of working time.

tahmina.ferdowsy@mrdibd.org
+8801817549549

Experienced in finance and accounts management, Tahmina Ferdowsy joined MRDI as Senior Accounts Officer in December 2021. She prepares voucher, project requisitions, daily banking activities and other bank documents. She has a twenty years’ experience working in development sector.

Senior Finance Officer in the project, ‘Improving Quality Journalism in Bangladesh-Phase III’ with 100% working time.

mizanur.rahman@mrdibd.org
+8801711223174
Md. Mizanur Rahman is the Senior Coordinator, Programme Management at MRDI. He is responsible for overseeing the implementation of project activities at the field level, providing administrative, logistical, and communication support. He demonstrates excellent coordination skills and is efficient in program organization and supervision, contributing to the successful implementation of MRDI projects.

Logistic Coordinator in the project, ‘Improving Quality Journalism in Bangladesh-Phase III’ with 65% of working time and remaining 35% for the organisation.

tarik.hasan@mrdibd.org
+8801712786220
Md Tarik Hassan Al Mahamud works for MRDI as a Senior IT Officer since 2018. He is responsible for overseeing the operations and maintenance of MRDI’s computer systems, including the central server. His duties include installing and configuring computer systems, diagnosing and resolving hardware and software issues, and ensuring the timely update of MRDI’s official website by uploading relevant content and announcements. Also monitor daily TV news recording and upload to MRDI’s Microsoft Cloud Server.

In addition, he is involved in developing online training courses and managing open data sources. He provides technical support to resolve technical and application issues both in person and over the phone. He is a member of the steering committee for technical support to the Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central ERP implementation at MRDI. Furthermore, he assists the procurement committee in purchasing and hiring computer equipment and related devices, offering his expertise in making informed decisions.

Senior IT Officer in the project, ‘Improving Quality Journalism in Bangladesh-Phase III’ with 100% of working time.

Office Junior 100% working time for the organization.

hamida.begum@mrdibd.org
Hamida Begum was born in Muktagacha, Mymensing. She has been working in MRDI as office junior from 2012. She also cooks for the staffs of the office.

Office Junior 50% in the project, ‘Improving Quality Journalism in Bangladesh-Phase III’, and remaining 50% working time for the organisation.

shahid.hossain@mrdibd.org
+8801815006317
Md. Shahid Hossain is the Planning and Development Adviser at the MRDI. He did his Honours and Masters in English Literature and Diploma in Mass Communication and Journalism from the University of Dhaka. Starting his career as a teacher of English outside Bangladesh, he shifted to development programme and worked for twenty years in the field of family planning and reproductive health as a training and communication specialist. He was involved in the process of formation and growth of MRDI even before joining the organization as an adviser. His overall contribution to the organizational development is particularly focused on project proposal writing, report writing, editing reports and publications and representing MRDI to national and international forums. He is a creative writer and a translator as well. Number of books have been published so far.

Advisor, MEAL in the project, ‘Improving Quality Journalism in Bangladesh-Phase III’ with 50% working time and remaining 50% as a Team Leader in the project ‘Journalism for Functional Democracy’

nepal.sarker@mrdibd.org
+8801715034987

He served as the Information Commissioner from 2014 to 2019 and also was the founding secretary of the Information Commission. One of his achievements includes organising the office of the Commission at the present location and framing the rules and regulation for conducting business of Information Commission. Before joining the Commission, he served the government as a member of Bangladesh Civil Service (Administration Cadre) for more than three decades. He was also associated with MRDI as adviser in the matter related to the implementation of Right to Information Act in Bangladesh.

Advisor, RTI in the project, ‘Improving Quality Journalism in Bangladesh-Phase III’ with 100% working time.

Finance Coordinator in the project ‘Climate, energy and the media’ with 50% working time and remaining 50% in the project ‘Promoting Fact Checking to Counter Misinformation in Bangladesh’

MRDI- Fojo Media Institute
dolon@mrdibd.org
+8801842818836
With almost two decades of journalism experience in both print and broadcast media Sanaul Haq has joined in media and journalism development, along with training and capacity building to improve the quality of journalism in Bangladesh.

As a journalist, he worked with Business & Economy and Foreign Affairs mainly. Starting career in the newspaper Bhorer Kagoj, he shifted to television media with NTV. Before MRDI he worked as a Chief Reporter in ATN Bangla and led the reporting team. He hosted TV programs ATN Business and Finance, Talk show, Lead News, Hello Bangladesh and Newspapers Today in ATN Bangla. Earlier, he worked in the production team of TV programs Biz Week and Right Click in NTV. Other than journalism, he worked as a Researcher, Trainer, and Interpreter. He obtained Master’s degree from Jahangirnagar University.

He is working in the project “Improving Quality Journalism in Bangladesh” implemented by MRDI and Fojo Media Institute, Sweden. He is responsible for the implementation part of the project and plays the role of project manager.

Capacity Building Manager in the project, “Improving Quality Journalism in Bangladesh-Phase III” with 100% working time.

MRDI- Fojo Media Institute
ruhina@mrdibd.org
+8801912006244

Ruhina Akter, pen name Ruhina Ferdous, joined MRDI in 2023 as a Sub-Editor for GIJN Bangla. With over 12 years of journalism experience, her career began as a contributor writer at Prothom Alo before moving on to Daily Bonik Barta. At the latter, she excelled in various roles, including overseeing the art page ‘Novera’ and managing News Desk operations. In her Senior Sub-Editor position within the Editorial Department, Ruhina combined her editorial skills with translation and transcription, contributing to insightful columns and engaging interviews with global experts. 

Ruhina’s achievements include the Konrad Adenauer Fellowship for Media and Communications, OKP fellowships for Media Campaigns for Social Change and Digital Media Creations courses from RNTC, Netherlands. She is passionate about storytelling and hopes to mentor young journalists in the future. 

Beyond her career, Ruhina is committed to women’s rights and journalistic excellence. She completed the UN Women’s yearlong training program on Enhancing the Protection of Women Journalists and Women’s Human Rights in the Context of Shrinking Democratic Space in Asia. She is also recognized by the MRDI Mentorship Program for her dedication to investigative journalism. 

Recently, Ruhina expanded her skill set by completing a Postgraduate Diploma in Film and Television. She also enjoys creative pursuits like writing poetry and short stories, showcasing her passion for artistic expression. 

Sub-editor, GIJN Bangla in the project, ‘Improving Quality Journalism in Bangladesh-Phase III’ with 100% working time.

MRDI- Tara Climate Ltd.
jewel@mrdibd.org
+881882720272

Md. Jewel joined MRDI in October 2024 as a Program Officer for the Web-based Knowledge HUB. With a background in Statistics and a keen interest in data-driven insights, Jewel brings a wealth of experience and expertise to his role.

Programme Officer, Web-based Knowledge Hub, in the project, ‘Climate, energy and the media’ with 100% working time.

MRDI- Internews
jannatun@mrdibd.org
+8801521323553

Jannatun Nahar is a highly experienced and motivated professional with a background in journalism and mass communication. She recently joined MRDI as a Programme Coordinator for the ‘Promoting Fact Checking to Counter Misinformation in Bangladesh’ project. Prior to this, she worked as a sub-editor (English) at the private news agency United News of Bangladesh (UNB) for two years, starting in 2021.

Jannatun holds a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Mass Communication and Journalism from the University of Dhaka, where she honed her skills in writing, editing, and critical thinking. Her experience as a sub-editor, combined with her academic background, has equipped her with a strong understanding of the importance of accurate and credible information in the modern world.

With her commitment to promoting fact-checking and countering misinformation, Jannatun is poised to make a significant impact at MRDI. She is eager to use her skills and knowledge to help shape the future of journalism in Bangladesh and contribute to a more informed and engaged society.

Programme Coordinator, in the project, ‘Promoting Fact Checking to Counter Misinformation in Bangladesh’ with 100% working time.

MRDI- Fojo Media Institute
sumona@mrdibd.org
+8801710360193

Senior RTI Helpdesk Officer in the project, ‘Improving Quality Journalism in Bangladesh-Phase III’ projects with 100% working time.

MRDI- Fojo Media Institute
butyhajong@mrdibd.org
+8801721573231

Before joining MRDI, Buty worked as a Sub-editor in a print Media. She has 7 years working experienced in online and print media as Sub-editor. She has completed her graduation and post-graduation in Mass communication and Journalism from Rajshahi University. 

Media Monitoring Officer in the project “Improving Quality Journalism in Bangladesh-Phase III” with 100% working time.

shobuj.mia@mrdibd.org