Our Team Members
Members of General Body and Board of Directors
FARID HOSSAIN
Chair
Advisory Editor, UNB
HASIBUR RAHMAN
Executive Director
hasibur.rahman@mrdibd.org
MD. NAZRUL ISLAM
Director
Former Permanent Member, The National Human Rights Commission of Bangladesh and Former Secretary, Coordination & Reforms, Cabinet Division
SYED ISHTIAQUE REZA
Director
Editor-in-Chief, Dhaka Journal
SAKIUL MILLAT MORSHED
Director
Executive Director, Shikkha Shastha Unnayan Karjokram (SHISHUK)
DR. AZIZUNNAHAR ISLAM
Director
azizunnahar@mrdibd.org
She is the Supernumerary Professor of the department of Philosophy, University of Dhaka. She did her Honours and Masters in Philosophy from the University of Dhaka and Ph.D. from Vanaras Hindu University, India. She also attended the post-doctoral fellowship programme as a Commonwealth fellow.
She was a member of gender committee of People’s University and was also actively involved in redressing gender complaint at the National University.
MAINUL ALAM
Director
Executive Editor, Daily Amader Somoy
DR. SHAMIM IMAM
Director
CEO, Subarnabhumi Foundation
M. B. M. LUTFUL HADEE, FCA
Director
lutful.hadee@mrdibd.org
LL.B LL.M M.Com FCA
Proprietor & CEO, Hadee Lutful & Co
SHAHANA HUDA RANJANA
Director
shahana.huda@mrdibd.org
Communication Expert
MIRAJ AHMED CHOWDHURY
Director
miraj@mrdibd.org
Managing Director, digitally right
Core Staff
Hasibur Rahman
Executive Director
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
CEO, MRDI Training Institute
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, MRDI Training Institute in the project ‘Improving Quality Journalism in Bangladesh Phase-III’ with 100% of working time.
Md. Badruddoza Babu
Head of Capacity Building and IJ Help Desk
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.
Aktarun Naher
Manager, Programme
aktarun.naher@mrdibd.org
+8801552301372
Aktarun Naher is experienced working in journalism, Right to Information and CSR projects of MRDI. She is the RTI designated officer of the organisation. She supervises and coordinates the overall program related activities of MRDI and maintain effective communication with the donor/s, NGO affairs bureau and office of deputy commissioner.
She completed her post-graduation in Geography and Environment, Jahangirnagar University. As part of her academic programme, Naher conducted many research works, and one has got published in The Journal of Geography and Environment.
She has a long-diversified career of 14 years at MRDI. With her sense of responsibility and years of experience, from Deputy Manager Programme she has been promoted to Manager, Programme, MRDI from March 2022.
Senior Programme Officer, Gender in the project, ‘Improving Quality Journalism in Bangladesh-Phase III’ with 54% working time, Programme Coordinator in the project, ‘Climate, energy and the media’ with 30% of working time and remaining 16% for the organisation.
Samsun Nahar
Manager, Finance
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.
Md. Mominul Islam
Manager, Accounts
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.
Syed Samiul Basher Anik
Manager, Programme
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.
Sarwat Tarannum Nadia
Senior Programme Officer
nadia@mrdibd.org
+8801711960539
Sarwat Tarannum Nadia has been working with the MRDI since 2020 as a senior programme officer. Before joining MRDI, she has worked for multiple media houses and has vast experience as a news editor and reporter. She had started her career with The Daily Star and subsequently worked with Jamuna Television, New Age, Independent TV, Deepto Television and DBC.
Project Coordinator – Gender in the project, ‘Improving Quality Journalism in Bangladesh-Phase III’ with 100% working time.
Tahmina Ferdowsy
Senior Accounts Officer
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.
Md. Mizanur Rahman
Senior Coordinator, Programme Management
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.
Md. Tarik Hasan Al Mahamud
Senior Officer, IT
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.
Mohua Alam Snigdha
Senior Officer HR & Logistics
mohua.alam@mrdibd.org
+8801758895659
Mohua Alam Snigdha has been working as Programme Officer, MRDI since 2018. She has contributed to many projects, particularly worked for advancing women’s right of access to information. She has also worked for enhancing the use of RTI by media and civil society organizations. She is a core member of MRDI and contributes to administrative functions of the organization.
Considering her interest and performance throughout the career at MRDI, she has been promoted as Senior Officer HR & Logistics, MRDI from March 2022.
HR & Logistic Coordinator in the project, ‘Promoting Fact Checking to Counter Misinformation in Bangladesh’ with 50% working time and remaining 50% for the organisation.
Minhaz Sheikh
Office Junior
+8801731121058
Minhaj Sheikh has been working with MRDI since 2005. Born in 1984 in a village in Bhrungamari, Kurigram. He joined MRDI as an office junior.
Office Junior 100% working time for the organization.
Hamida Begum
Office Junior
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.
Advisory Staff
Md. Shahid Hossain
Advisor, Planning and Development
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 Chandra Sarker
Advisor, RTI
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.
Rashid Naim
Coordinator, Programme Development
rashid.naim@mrdibd.org
Core Staff (Contractual)
Sk. Shaniaz Ahmed
Deputy Manager, Accounts
+8801819472479
Sk. Shaniaz Ahmed has currently been working as the Deputy Manager (Accounts) at MRDI. He has trainings on Financial Management, Administrative Management and on the Uses of MIS for Organization Development with experiences serving as account officer for a long period of time. Also, he is a contractual core staff of MRDI.
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’
Project Staff
A K M Sanaul Haq
Capacity Building Manager, Improving Quality Journalism in Bangladesh-Phase III
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.
Md Abul Bashar
Project Coordinator, Improving Quality Journalism in Bangladesh-Phase III
MRDI- Fojo Media Institute
selim.bashar@mrdibd.org
+8801730048594
Md Abul Bashar (Selim Bashar) is the coordinator of the project titled Improving Quality Journalism in Bangladesh, which is being carried out by the Fojo Media Institute of Linnaeus University, Sweden along with the MRDI. Selim has more than 18 years of experience in print and electronic media mostly in radio and has carried out responsibilities as Dhaka University correspondent, Overseas correspondent, Staff reporter, News presenter, News editor, Chief news editor, Head of news and Trainer. He pursued his graduation and post-graduation in Mass Communication and Journalism from University of Dhaka. He has been working in the development sector for last couple of years.
Project Coordinator in the project, ‘Improving Quality Journalism in Bangladesh-Phase III’ with 100% working time.
Ruhina Akter
Sub-Editor at GIJN, Improving Quality Journalism in Bangladesh-Phase III
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.
Md. Jewel
Programme Officer, Web-based Knowledge Hub, Climate, energy and the media
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.
Atiqur Rahman
Programme Coordinator, Promoting Fact Checking to Counter Misinformation in Bangladesh
atiqur.rahman@mrdibd.org
+8801859803667
Atiqur Rahman has been working at MRDI since September 2021 as Media Monitoring Officer under the project ‘Improving Qualitative Journalism in Bangladesh-Phase II’. He has contribution in some of the biggest gender-based media studies in Bangladesh published by MRDI.
Prior to joining MRDI, he served a national daily and two online portals of the country. He also contributed to international media research Global Media Monitoring Project 2020.
Atiqur Rahman earned BSS and MSS in Mass Communication and Journalism from the University of Dhaka.
Programme Coordinator, in the project, ‘Promoting Fact Checking to Counter Misinformation in Bangladesh’ with 100% working time.
Jannatun Nahar
Programme Coordinator, Promoting Fact Checking to Counter Misinformation in Bangladesh
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.
Sumona Hembrom
Senior Programme Officer- RTI Help Desk, Improving Quality Journalism in Bangladesh-Phase III
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.
Umme Samia
Programme Coordinator, ‘Journalism for Functional Democracy’
MRDI- The Asia Foundation
umme.samia@mrdibd.org
+8801776571501
Umme Samia has recently joined MRDI as a “Programme Officer” in “Media strengthening Democracy” and “Journalism for Functional Democracy” projects. Throughout her career, she was involved in developing and maintaining project deliveries, monitoring and evaluation, field research, facilitation, and capacity building, developing curriculum and materials. With these experiences, she refined her knowledge and skills with a better understanding of project and its successful implementation. Prior to this, she worked as “project officer” in protection and education program in BRAC and DanChurch Aid.
Samia holds bachelor’s degree on LAW from Premier University and is currently pursuing master’s degree on business administration.
She is eager to align her passion for creating an open and just society through ensuring ethical journalism with MRDI.
Programme Coordinator, in the project, ‘‘Journalism for Functional Democracy’’ with 77% working time and remaining 23% for the organisation.
Buty Hajong
Media Monitoring Officer, Improving Quality Journalism in Bangladesh-Phase III, Project
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.