Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed is a distinguished economist and policymaker with extensive experience in Bangladesh's financial sector. He served as the Governor of Bangladesh Bank from May 1, 2005, to April 30, 2009, where he implemented significant reforms to enhance financial stability and promote inclusive growth. Prior to this, Dr. Ahmed was the Managing Director of Palli Karma Sahayak Foundation (PKSF) from 1996 to 2005, overseeing microcredit operations that empowered rural communities.

Currently, as the Adviser to the Finance Division of the Ministry of Finance, Dr. Ahmed continues to influence economic policy and governance in Bangladesh. At the Empowering Bangladesh conference, he will share his insights on sustainable economic strategies and leadership in governance, inspiring actionable change for Bangladesh's future.

Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir is a veteran Bangladeshi politician, economist, and the Secretary General of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). With decades of experience in governance and policy-making, he has been a central figure in Bangladesh’s political landscape, advocating for democratic reforms, free and fair elections, and good governance.

A former State Minister for Agriculture, Mirza Fakhrul has been a key voice in shaping policies aimed at economic stability and political transparency. His leadership in Bangladesh’s opposition movement has been instrumental in addressing electoral integrity, human rights, and institutional accountability.

As a close friend of Ambassador Serajul Islam, he worked alongside him on key foreign policy discussions, particularly in BNP’s Foreign Relations Committee, where they sought to strengthen Bangladesh’s diplomatic engagements and international positioning.

At the Empowering Bangladesh conference, Mirza Fakhrul will speak on "The Future of Bangladesh: Governance and Democracy." His session will provide an in-depth analysis of Bangladesh’s current political climate, the challenges of ensuring fair electoral processes, and the roadmap toward strengthening democratic institutions.

Ambassador Jashim Uddin, the Foreign Secretary of Bangladesh, is a distinguished diplomat with a career serving as Ambassador to Greece, Qatar, and China, as well as Deputy Chief of Mission in Washington, D.C., and Deputy High Commissioner in Islamabad. He also served at Bangladesh Embassies in New Delhi and Tokyo. At the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Uddin’s strategic leadership has played a pivotal role in fostering regional cooperation, advancing economic partnerships, and addressing global challenges.

At the Empowering Bangladesh conference, Mr. Uddin will bring his deep expertise in diplomacy, governance, and international relations to the discussions, offering attendees insights into shaping Bangladesh’s role on the global stage.

Farah Kabir is a prominent advocate for social justice, gender equity, and sustainable development. With over three decades of leadership experience, she has spearheaded transformative initiatives that have empowered marginalized communities and advanced human rights across Bangladesh.

Under her guidance, ActionAid Bangladesh has tackled critical issues such as climate justice, women's rights, and youth empowerment, fostering systemic change through innovative programs and grassroots engagement. At the Empowering Bangladesh conference, Mrs. Kabir will share her insights on building inclusive and equitable societies, offering attendees actionable strategies for creating lasting impact.

Dr. Hossain Zillur Rahman is a renowned economist and social thinker, with a career spanning decades in policy advocacy and governance. A former adviser to the Caretaker Government of Bangladesh, he played a pivotal role in steering national reforms during a critical period.

As the founder of the Power and Participation Research Centre (PPRC), Dr. Rahman has been instrumental in addressing issues of poverty, governance, and social development. His extensive research and publications have influenced key policy decisions in Bangladesh and beyond.

At the Empowering Bangladesh conference, Dr. Rahman will share his insights on fostering inclusive growth and effective governance.

Dr. Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir is a distinguished economist, policy analyst, and academic specializing in sustainable development and climate resilience. He serves as the Chairman of Unnayan Onneshan, a policy research organization, and as a Professor of Economics at the University of Dhaka.

With extensive expertise in international development, Dr. Titumir has contributed to global policy dialogues, focusing on balancing economic growth with environmental sustainability. Dr. Titumir's work spans governance, economic resilience, and trade policies, with a particular emphasis on addressing the challenges of climate change. His insights on creating inclusive and sustainable economic models have been instrumental in shaping public discourse in Bangladesh and beyond.

He will bring his expertise to the Empowering Bangladesh conference offering valuable perspectives on economic transformation in Bangladesh and its implications for the country’s future development.

Syeda Rizwana Hasan is a celebrated environmental lawyer, activist, and as the Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change of Bangladesh’s current caretaker government, where she plays a pivotal role in shaping environmental and governance policies during this crucial transitional period. As the Chief Executive of the Bangladesh Environmental Lawyers Association (BELA), she has been at the forefront of landmark legal battles addressing industrial pollution, urbanization, and environmental degradation.

With her legal expertise, Ms. Hasan has been instrumental in shaping policies and holding industries accountable for their environmental impact, earning her global recognition, including the prestigious Goldman Environmental Prize in 2009. Her advocacy extends to empowering communities, particularly women and youth, to actively engage in environmental preservation efforts and sustainable development.

Ms. Hasan brings a wealth of experience and insight to the Empowering Bangladesh conference, addressing the intersection of governance, environmental sustainability, and youth empowerment in building a resilient and equitable Bangladesh.

Anisuzzaman (Anis) Chowdhury is an esteemed economist and policymaker with extensive experience in macroeconomic policy, sustainable development, and youth empowerment. He is an Emeritus Professor at Western Sydney University and has held key leadership positions at the United Nations, including Director of the Macroeconomic Policy and Development Division and Statistics Division at UN-ESCAP, as well as Chief at the Financing for Development Office at UN-DESA in New York. He has also taught at the University of Singapore, the University of New England (Australia), and the University of Manitoba (Canada).

Prof. Chowdhury is a leading voice on economic transformation in Asia, having published extensively on macro-development, labor markets, and income distribution. He is the founding Managing Editor of the Journal of the Asia Pacific Economy and currently serves as the Managing Editor of the Asia Pacific Sustainable Development Journal (UN-ESCAP). His academic background includes a PhD and Master’s from the University of Manitoba, along with honors and Master’s degrees from Jahangirnagar University, Bangladesh.

At the Empowering Bangladesh conference, Dr. Chowdhury will explore the critical role of young people in shaping the nation’s future. His session will focus on how Bangladesh can avoid the fate of becoming "old before becoming developed" and instead leverage its youth as a driving force for sustainable economic and political transformation, ensuring that the aspirations of the next generation are reflected in governance and policy.

Dr. M. Rashiduzzaman is Professor Emeritus at Rowan University, New Jersey, and a scholar of South Asian politics and history. With a career spanning decades, Dr. Rashiduzzaman taught at Dhaka University from 1958 to 1970 before undertaking postdoctoral research at Columbia University, New York. He is a prolific author, with numerous books, scholarly articles, and analytical commentaries in leading newspapers and magazines to his credit. His latest book, Parties and Politics in East Pakistan 1947–71: The Political Inheritances of Bangladesh (Peter Lang, 2024), offers a deep dive into the roots of Bangladesh’s political evolution.

As Ambassador Serajul Islam’s professor and mentor at Dhaka University, Dr. Rashiduzzaman played a formative role in shaping his intellectual foundation. Their relationship evolved into one of mutual respect and collaboration, with the two engaging in profound intellectual exchanges on governance, politics, and nation-building.

At the Empowering Bangladesh conference, Dr. Rashiduzzaman will present “Memories of Intellectual Exchanges with Ambassador Serajul Islam,” reflecting on their dynamic relationship and analyzing how Ambassador Islam’s vision and insights remain relevant to the challenges facing Bangladesh today.

Dr. Rashiduzzaman’s academic achievements, deep personal connection to Ambassador Islam’s legacy, and expertise in South Asian political history make him an invaluable contributor to the conference’s mission of fostering meaningful dialogue and actionable strategies for Bangladesh’s future.

Barrister Fuaad is a lawyer at the Supreme Court of Bangladesh and a prominent voice in the national discourse on constitutional reform, electoral justice, and democratic renewal. As General Secretary of the Amar Bangladesh (AB) Party, he has been playing a central role in shaping the party’s agenda around second generation politics i.e. politics of issues, service and problem solving. He has been outspoken campaigner for good governance, rule of law and civic accountability.

His expertise and deep commitment to democratic principles have positioned him as a thoughtful advocate for institutional reforms and inclusive leadership. Over the years, Barrister Fuaad engaged in numerous discussions with Ambassador Serajul Islam on the urgent need for structural reforms in Bangladesh’s political and legal systems.

At the Empowering Bangladesh conference, Barrister Fuaad will speak on the pathway to fair elections and political transformation—drawing from his legal background, years of policy advocacy, and his shared vision with Ambassador Islam to outline steps toward a more transparent and accountable governance structure.

Dr. Faisal M. Rahman is a renowned economist, educator, and corporate leader, serving as the Professor and Founding Dean of the Graham School of Management at Saint Xavier University in Chicago. With a Ph.D. in Economics from Saint Louis University, he has seamlessly bridged academia and industry, holding leadership roles in NYSE-listed companies and advising esteemed institutions like the World Bank, the U.S. Attorney General's Office, and the Government of Bangladesh.

Dr. Rahman has authored over 150 articles in professional journals and major newspapers, addressing topics ranging from economic growth to healthcare access and governance in South Asia. His work reflects a deep commitment to tackling critical challenges in education, healthcare, and economic policy. He is the recipient of prestigious honors, including the Dhaka University Chancellor’s Gold Medal and an Honorary Doctorate in International Management from the European Institute of International Management (IEMI).

At the Empowering Bangladesh conference, Dr. Rahman will share his perspective, informed by his extensive discussions with Ambassador Serajul Islam, on how Bangladesh can harness the expertise and experience of non-resident Bangladeshis (NRBs) to drive economic transformation, foster accountability, and ensure sustainable development.

Topic of Presentation:
"Accessing and Utilizing the Expertise and Experience of Non-Resident Bangladeshis to Accelerate Economic Growth"

Dr. Dilara Chowdhury is a distinguished academic, political scientist, and advocate for women’s empowerment in Bangladesh. She is Professor Emeritus of Political Science at Jahangirnagar University, where she dedicated decades to teaching and researching governance, democracy, and the role of women in politics. Her work has made significant contributions to understanding the complexities of gender and political structures in South Asia.

Dr. Chowdhury worked closely with Ambassador Serajul Islam and engaged in in-depth discussions on governance and democracy, which influenced her critical perspectives on political systems in Bangladesh. She has published extensively on governance, political participation, and the challenges women face in achieving meaningful empowerment. Her contributions as a speaker and thought leader in international forums underscore her commitment to fostering equitable governance and inclusive political systems.

At the Bangladesh Empowered conference, Dr. Chowdhury will present on the topic “The Myth of Political Empowerment of Women in Bangladesh.” Her session will critically examine the realities of women’s participation in politics, juxtaposing symbolic representation with substantive empowerment, while also reflecting on Ambassador Islam’s writings and their relevance to addressing governance and democracy today.

Dr. Chowdhury’s deep expertise in political science, her personal connection to Ambassador Islam’s legacy, and her unwavering commitment to gender equity make her an invaluable contributor to the conference’s mission of shaping a more inclusive and just future for Bangladesh.

Dr. Anindita Ghoshal is an Associate Professor of History at Diamond Harbour Women’s University in Kolkata, India, specializing in Partition and refugee studies with a focus on eastern and northeastern India and Bangladesh. A Charles Wallace Trust Fellow, she is the author of Refugee, Borders, and Identities: Rights and Habitat in East and Northeast India (Routledge, 2021) and editor of Revisiting Partition: Contestation, Narratives and Memories (Primus, 2022).

Dr. Ghoshal's extensive research includes leading and collaborating on international projects that explore the historical and social dynamics of refugeehood and migration. Her scholarly contributions have been recognized globally, with numerous presentations at conferences and publications in reputed journals. Her latest works include the Bengali book Prantik Manus o Paribortit Rastrabyabostha (2024) and the forthcoming Refugee Voices in Modern Global History: Reckoning with Refugeedom (OUP, 2025).

At the Empowering Bangladesh conference, Dr. Ghoshal will deliver a session titled "Imagining a Better Future: Ambassador Serajul Islam's Vision of Democracy in Bangladesh," exploring the continued relevance of Ambassador Islam's prescient writings on governance and their impact on current political dynamics in Bangladesh.

Dr. Saleh Md. Shahriar is a political historian and economist, serving as an Assistant Professor in the Department of History and Philosophy at North South University, Bangladesh. He earned his Ph.D. in Economics from Northwest A&F University, China, with a specialization in the Chinese economy and trade. Before that, he achieved his Bachelor (BSS Honors) and master’s in political science from the University of Chittagong, Bangladesh. His research focuses broadly on comparative politics, South Asian history, border security, China studies, international trade, and historical memory studies, making him a respected scholar in these fields.

Dr. Shahriar has published extensively in renowned peer-reviewed journals. His chapters are included in various edited books and encyclopedias. Moreover, he is a peer reviewer and assistant editor of a few reputed journals. He has presented his work at different international conferences and seminars. Dr. Shahriar writes occasionally in Bangladeshi newspapers including the Daily Star, the New Age and the Dhaka Tribune.

At the Empowering Bangladesh conference, Dr. Shahriar will present a session on Ambassador Serajul Islam’s profound insights into Bangladesh-China relations. His presentation will highlight the historical significance of these writings and their relevance to contemporary challenges in governance, diplomacy, and trade.

M Harun uz Zaman is based in Columbus, Ohio, USA, and is a nuclear engineer with specialization in electric power system safety. An accomplished researcher and analyst, Dr. Zaman has more than 30 years of experience in academia, government agencies and industry in the United States. He has published reports, articles and papers on reliability and safety of nuclear power plants, economic regulation of the energy industry, competitiveness of energy markets and environmental impacts of energy production.

Outside of his professional work, Dr. Zaman takes a strong interest in the socio-economic development of Bangladesh, publishing in prominent papers in Bangladesh. In these articles, he critically examines safety concerns about the nuclear power plant under construction in Rooppur, Bangladesh, proposes a civil society initiative to build a “culture of safety” to tackle the festering problem of workplace accidents in Bangladesh and exposes the false dichotomy inherent in the “democracy vs development” debate.  

Dr. Zaman earned a Ph.D. in Nuclear Engineering from the Ohio State University, USA, and an M.Sc. in Physics from the University of Dhaka, Bangladesh.

At the Empowering Bangladesh conference, Dr. Zaman will speak on “Bridging divisions and depolarizing discourses to build a pluralistic and inclusive democratic polity in Bangladesh.”