RESEARCH TEAM
Rubel Molla
Rubel Molla is a Program Manager at the Microgovernance Research Initiative. He is also a lecturer in the Department of Political Science at the University of Dhaka, where he has been serving since November 2023. Prior to this role, he was a research fellow at the Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BIISS) from November 2017 to January 2024. He holds a degree in Political Science from the University of Dhaka. His research interests and academic contributions have significantly impacted the field of political science in Bangladesh.
He can be reached at: rubel@du.ac.bd
Md. Mazhar Uddin Bhuiyan
Md. Mazhar Uddin Bhuiyan is the Manager of Data, Learning, and Development at the Microgovernance Research Initiative (MGR). With nearly five years of experience in civic education, youth engagement, civic engagement, political violence monitoring and analysis, and Democracy, Human Rights, and Governance (DRG) issues, he has gained substantial expertise. He spent 2.5 years working with Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), UKAID, and two years with the NAGORIK project under United States Agency for International Development (USAID) in partnership with the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES), where he was directly involved in program implementation as a team lead. He is also a Political Conflict and Violence Analyst for the Bangladesh Political Violence Monitoring System (BPVMS). Mazhar also has experience working with The Asia Foundation (TAF) and Meta in a short term project to counter hate and dangerous speech as a Manager of MGR. He is the General Secretary of the SAVE Youth Bangladesh network and was recently selected as a Youth Delegate for the Bangladesh Youth Delegation to India program by the Indian High Commission. Additionally, he is an Editor at the Dhaka University Law and Politics Review (DULPR), a student-run academic journal. Mazhar serves as a master trainer for Youth Leadership and Civic Engagement, Faith & Science, Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), and Democracy: From Theory to Practice program. His previous experience includes working as a Research Assistant on the Dangerous Speech Project under Susan Benesch at the Berkman Klein Center for Internet and Society at Harvard University. He was selected as a digital rights fellow from SAVE Youth, funded by The Asia Foundation, and presented his work at the Digital Rights Asia-Pacific 2023 (DRAPAC23) summit in Thailand, organized by EngageMedia. He contributed to shaping policy and building sustainable democracy at the Asian Electoral Stakeholder Forum-VI in Kathmandu, Nepal. He was a Top 12 finalist in the Spotlight Fintech Competition organized by the University of Stirling. Mazhar has organized and hosted numerous webinars, symposiums, and seminars. His research interests include political conflict, violence, speech and violence, electoral processes, geopolitics, international relations and advocating for democracy.
He can be reached at: mdmazharuddinbhuiyan@gmail.com
Tahmina Akter Nupur
Tahmina Akter Nupur is a Program Associate at the Micro-Governance Research Initiative, coordinating the “Democracy from Theory to Practice” (DT2P) course. With over five years of experience in civic education, democracy, women’s leadership, and human rights, she manages programs and conducts training across sectors. Nupur is a master trainer at the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES) and SAVE Youth. She led campaigns like the “Campaign Against Dangerous Speech” with the Asia Foundation and Meta, and represented Bangladesh at the Digital Rights Asia-Pacific 2023 (DRAPAC23) summit in Thailand. Her research includes work as a Research Assistant on the Dangerous Speech Project at Harvard University’s Berkman Klein Center. As Co-President of SAVE Youth Dhaka University Chapter, Nupur advocates for women’s leadership, serving also as Co-President of the Political Science Debating Club, organizing workshops, seminars, and webinars.
She can be reached at: tahminanupur4291@gmail.com
Nowshin Anjum
Nowshin Anjum is a Program Associate at the Microgovernance Research Initiative. She is an undergraduate student in the Department of Political Science at the University of Dhaka. She serves as a Master Trainer for Youth Leadership and Civic Engagement at SAVE Youth Network. She previously worked as a Data Intern at MGR and served as a Teaching Assistant for the course “Democracy from Theory to Practice.” She is the Team Lead of She Leads at SAVE Youth, Dhaka University chapter, a YES member of Transparency International Bangladesh, and a Campus Ambassador for Teach for Bangladesh. She has the experience of working for the welfare of secondary and higher secondary level students’ education, and she is a Red Crescent Youth of Bangladesh Red Crescent Society. Additionally, she worked as a data assistant at the Refugee and Migratory Movements Research Unit (RMMRU) and runs a small arts and crafts business as an entrepreneur.
She can be reached at: nowshin.mgr@gmail.com
Arnab Roy Partha
Arnab Roy Partha, an undergraduate student of Political Science at the University of Dhaka, with over 4 years of experience working with SAVE Youth Bangladesh. He has a strong background in organizing and coordinating events, honed through various projects. His skills in networking, communication, and teamwork make him well-suited for program management roles. He is passionate about youth development and social initiatives, and he excels at fostering collaboration and building relationships to ensure successful program execution.
He can be reached at: partha@mgrdu.org
Shaharia Mahmud
Shaharia Mahmud is a multifaceted professional who thrives at the intersection of research, leadership, and data expertise. As a Research Associate and Data Intern at Microgovernance Research Initiative, he delves into complex datasets, extracting valuable insights. Simultaneously, Shaharia wears the hat of a Team Lead for Event and Outreach at SAVE Youth Bangladesh, orchestrating impactful initiatives that empower youth. He is also a master Trainer at the International Foundation for Electoral System (IFES). Proficient in Microsoft Excel, IBM Cognos, and Google Dashboard, Shaharia bridges data-driven decision-making with real-world impact.
He can be reached at: shaharia.mgrdu@gmail.com
Fuad Naser Bondhon
Fuad Naser Bondhon serves as the IT and Infographics Consultant at the Microgovernance Research Initiative (MGR) within the Faculty of Social Sciences at the University of Dhaka. His role at MGR is enriched by his concurrent position as a Digital Marketing Intern at Apple Soft IT. Fuad earned his Bachelor of Science in Leather Engineering from Khulna University of Engineering and Technology, complemented by his foundational education at DRMC – Dhaka Residential Model College.
Beyond his academic achievements, Fuad is acknowledged as an SEO expert. As a dedicated professional, Fuad is committed to keeping up-to-date with the latest trends in digital marketing and IT consulting.
He can be reached at: fuadbondhon7061@gmail.com
FORMER EMPLOYEES
Shahrier Adnan
Shahrier Adnan is a dedicated professional with a diverse background in youth leadership, civic engagement, and social research. Currently serving as the Program Coordinator at Microgovernance Research Initiative (MGR), he oversees initiatives focused on the microanalysis of governance and conflict resolution. As a Master Trainer at SAVE Youth, he empowers young individuals to combat violence and promote peace. With experience ranging from financial management to event coordination, Shahrier is committed to driving positive change in his community through education, advocacy, and active participation.
He can be reached at: adnan7p@gmail.com
Gazi Rausan Habib Anika
Gazi Rausan Habib Anika works as a Program Coordinator- DFTP and SAVE Youth at Microgovernance Research Initiative. She is also a Master Trainer and Facilitator of the International Foundation for Electoral Systems(IFES) and SAVE Youth. She is a former Cadet Under Officer at the naval wing, Dhaka University Contingent in Bangladesh National Cadet Corps (BNCC). She is also a former Youth Leader who completed a three-month Social Action Project (SAP) supported by WAVE Foundation, British Council. She is interested in secularism, identity politics, human rights and political violation, and climate change & migration.
She can be reached at: rausanhabib@gmail.com
Md. Abdullah-Al-Sayed
Md. Abdullah-Al-Sayed serves as the Program Coordinator, Training and Workshops at the Microgovernance Research Initiative. He holds undergraduate and graduate degrees in Communication Disorders from the University of Dhaka and is presently pursuing an MBA at the Institute of Business Administration (IBA), University of Dhaka.
Sayed secured a small grant from the International Republican Institute (IRI) for his project, “Journey to Equal Rights,” focused on eliminating discrimination against the indigenous Santal people in northern Bangladesh. Additionally, he serves as a master trainer for SAVE Youth, having facilitated sessions on Leadership, Peace, Tolerance, and Diversity for over 2500 students from 15 public universities across Bangladesh. Previously, Sayed held the position of Co-President at SAVE Youth-Dhaka University Chapter.
As a young professional and youth leader, Sayed is dedicated to fostering a peaceful, diverse, and inclusive society within his country.
He can be reached at: sayedcd2.du@gmail.com
Omar Faruk Apurbo
Omar Faruk Apurbo is the Data, Infographics & IT Consultant and Research Associate and Data Intern at the Microgovernance Research Initiative. He is also the former team lead of Youth Employability of SAVE Youth Dhaka Univesity Chapter. Moreover he is a master trainer and facilitator at International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES). He also worked as an IT Consultant for the Center for Bangladesh and Global Affairs (CBGA).
He can be reached at: omfapurbo@gmail.com
Halima Binte Islam
At the Microgovernance Research Initiative, Halima Binte Islam works as a research analyst. She received both her undergraduate and graduate degrees in economics from the Bangladesh University of Professionals. She wants to make a difference in the area of public policy. She previously worked with SANEM (South Asian Network on Economic Modeling) and The Business Standard. She has also been a Research Fellow at Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES).
She can be reached at: halimabinteislam93@gmail.com
Israat Rubaba Tahseen
Israat Rubaba Tahseen works as a research analyst at the at Microgovernance Research Initiative (MGR). She received her undergraduate and graduate degrees in Peace and Conflict Studies, University of Dhaka. She wants to work in the field of human rights, gender discrimination and violence faced by the minority groups and explore conflict resolution from the perspective of Bangladesh.
She can be reached at: israatrubabatahseen@gmail.com