Directorial and Professional Staff

Dr. Durga Prasad Paudyal, Nepal
[Master’s in Social Planning, University College of Swansea, U.K; Ph.D. in Local Level Planning, Wageningen Agricultural University, The Netherlands]
Director General

Email: dgcirdap@cirdap.org

With the expertise on local governance and decentralisation, Dr. Paudyal has extensive research experience on rural development issues across the Asia-Pacific region. He worked as Executive Director of Rural Self-Reliance Development Centre (1999-2004), Nepal. A Consulting Specialist, Dr. Paudyal served several national and international organisations in Nepal.  He was also a professional staff-member of CIRDAP from 1986-1995. He has contributed a lot in the policy-making process of Nepal as a member of the High Level Decentralisation Coordination Committee (1997) with the Chair of the Prime Minister of Nepal, and as a Member-Secretary of the High Level Committee to Strengthen Local Bodies (2003) constituted under the Chair of Minister of Local Development. Several papers and articles have been published to his credit, in both Nepali and English, in leading national and international newspapers and journals. Dr. Paudyal has assumed the position of the Director General of CIRDAP from 6 July 2004.

Dr. B. Sudhakar Rao, India

[Ph.D. in Economics, India]

Director, Training Division

Email: srao@cirdap.org

A well-known academic, Dr. Rao specialised in the fields of development policy, poverty alleviation, employment generation in the non-farm sector, good governance and partnership building, and backward area development. He participated in the activities of several national and international organisations as a researcher and a resource person. He was short-term UN Consultant for UCB in Kampala; Visiting Faculty of Development Economics, Asian Institute of Technology, Bangkok; Visiting Fellow at ILGS, University of Birmingham; National Resource Person for poverty alleviation training in Asia and the Pacific (IFAD-assisted projects coordinated by AARDO in India) and Expert Committee Member of some ministries (HRD, S&T etc.) in India. He worked as a faculty member at the National Institute for Small Industry Extension Training (NISIET), Hyderabad, India. Dr. Rao has organised more than 30 international training programmes, and directed a number of research studies. He also authored/coauthored many books and papers. Prior to joining the Centre, he worked as Director at National Institute of Rural Development (NIRD), India. Dr. Rao has joined CIRDAP in January 2002.

Mr. K.A.S. Dayananda, Sri Lanka

[M.Sc. Development Communication, University of Philippines at Los Banos]

Director ,Information and Communication

Email: kdaya@cirdap.org

Mr. Dayananda worked as the Head, Information and Publication Unit of the Hector Kobbekaduwa Agrarian Research and Training Institute, Sri Lanka for a long time. The institute regularly published research reports, occasional papers, training manuals, seminar/workshop proceedings, research journals, farmers journals and newsletters in three languages. He also was involved in operating a successful food market information programme that was initiated with the assistance of USAID/FAO. He was a member of the National Farm Broadcasting Committee and has worked in an advisory capacity for the Ministry of Agriculture to produce extension manuals and public relation programmes. Under a USAID programme, he has undergone training in communication planning and strategy at the Cornell University, USA, where he got an exposure to the operations of the Information/ Publication Departments of UN Headquarters, World Bank and also VOA, US library of Congress etc. Mr. Dayananda joined CIRDAP on 1 July 2005.

Dr. Nasreen Khundker, Bangladesh

[Ph.D. in Economics, U.S.A]

Director, Research

Email: nkhundker@cirdap.org

Dr. Nasreen Khundker, Professor of Economics at the University of Dhaka, has joined CIRDAP as Director, Research on April 2, 2007. Dr. Khundker has a Ph.D in Economics from Boston University, U.S.A. and an Msc.(Econ) from the London School of Economics, U.K. She is a reputed researcher and has published widely in national and international journals. She has also served the Government of Bangladesh as Member (economist), National Wages and Productivity Commission 1998, and subsequently as member National Minimum Wages Board. She was also Member, Consultative Committee to the Finance Minister, Government of Bangladesh, 1996-2001.  She has participated in many international conferences, and has also worked as a consultant for several international agencies. Her research has concentrated on various contemporary issues of development, including that of rural development. She thus brings to CIRDAP a wealth of research experience.

Mr. Mazhar Ali Shaikh, Pakistan

[M.A. in Economics, University of Sindh]

Programme Officer (Training Division)

Email: mshaikh@cirdap.org

Mr. Mazhar Ali Shaikh is an academician and trainer having 14 years of working experience at the Akhter Hameed Khan National Centre for Rural Development and Municipal Administration as a faculty member. With a background in Development Economics, he has organised a number of training courses, seminars workshops on the various subjects like project planning and management, participatory methods and techniques, community participation, micro-entrepreneurship, role of NGOs/CSOs, etc. Mr. Mazhar Ali has also undertaken few research studies on the topics of socio-economic development, including the AARDO research project on “Provision of Micro-Credit and Enhancement of Local Savings for Poverty Alleviation”. Prior to his tenure in NCRD, he worked in Pakistan Government’s special development programme “Peoples Works Programme” as Project Director. Mr. Mazhar Ali has joined CIRDAP in July 2004.

Ms. San San Hla, Myanmar

[M.Sc. in Agronomy,

North Dakota State University, USA]

Programme Officer, Pilot Projects Division

Email: shla@cirdap.org

As an agronomist, Ms. San San Hla has served Myanma Cotton and Sericulture Enterprise for about one year till September 2004. She worked as Action Research Fellow for one of CIRDAP’s pilot projects from 2000 to 2003. She was with the Minister for the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation’s Office as an Administrative Officer from 1993 to 2000. She worked as a Cropping System Research Fellow specialising in rice based cropping system from 1991 to 1993 after her study abroad from 1988 to 1991. She has nine years of experience as Research Fellow in the field of Crop Production and Crop Breeding specialising in cotton and jute when she was with the Agricultural Research Institute in Myanmar from 1980 to 1988. Ms. San San Hla has joined CIRDAP in October 2004.

Dr. Majibar Rahman, Bangladesh 

[Master in Rural Social Development,

University of Reading, U.K.

M.Com. (Mgt.) First Class First ( Dhaka University)

Ph.D., Preston University, USA.]

Special Officer, PRMU Bangladesh

Email: mrahman@cirdap.org

Mr. Majibar Rahman has joined as Special Officer at the Planning and Resource Mobilisation Unit in CIRDAP in June 2006. A government servant for more than 15 years he has been serving in senior positions as a counterpart to expatriate/international advisors in several donor assisted projects devoted to rural development, poverty alleviation and livelihood improvement of the poor in Bangladesh. His areas of expertise/ specialisations include: Local governance, micro finance, promotion of income generating activities, micro enterprise development, flood proofing, participatory rural development and poverty alleviation, participatory planning, gender development, project preparation, implementation, monitoring and evaluation. More specifically he worked for 8 years in RD-5 project as Deputy Project Director supported by SIDA and for 2 years in RD-9 project as Sr. Economic Development Manager assisted by EU . Mr. Majibar Rahman also acted as the Project Director in Participatory Rural Development Project ( PRDP) popularly known as the Link Model supported by JICA for long 4 years. Before joining to CIRDAP he worked in the capacity of Project Director, in Char Livelihood Programme (CLP) implemented by RDCD with financial and technical support from DFID. Mr. Rahman got National Award for his outstanding performance and contribution in the field of Cooperatives and Rural Development in 1986. He received training in UK, Greece, India and Japan in the field of Rural and Social Development; Cooperatives;  Micro finance; Human Security; Participatory Rural Development and Local Government in Japan; and  Rural Regional Development Planning  etc.

Mr. Muhammad Anisuzzaman, Bangladesh

[B.A (Hons), M.A. in History,

M.A (International Relations),LL.B (Dhaka University)

Certificate in Management, Soviet Union (USSR)]

Administrative Officer

Email: azaman@cirdap.org

As an Officer of the Administrative service of Bangladesh, Mr. Anisuzzaman worked in different Ministries and Organisations for 30 years including the Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives – Contact Ministry of CIRDAP. Though his expertise is on Administration and Management, he has developed knowledge and expertise in rural development of Bangladesh while he worked as Upazila Nirbahi Officer (Head of a small Administrative Unit under district) and Deputy Project Director under the Ministry of LGRD and Cooperatives. Mr. Anisuzzaman has joined CIRDAP in February 2005 as Administrative Officer.

Mr. Shafiqur Rahman, Bangladesh

[Master’s in Statistics, Dhaka University]

Assistant Programme Officer

Email: srahman@cirdap.org

Mr. Rahman gained wide experience in the field of sustainable development and environment and related issues, with his active involvement in the multidisciplinary research/action research projects of CIRDAP. An expert-trainer of participatory development programmes, and a resource person in a number of seminars/workshops, Mr. Rahman is trained in statistical methods; community nutrition; research methodology and management of rural development projects; project design, monitoring and evaluation; poverty measurement and analysis; social accounting matrix; general algebraic modelling system; computerised information system; spreadsheet analysis using Lotus 1-2-3; and programming on Cobol and Foxpro. He has authored/coauthored a number of research articles and publications of the Centre. Mr. Rahman worked as a project staff in the project “Food Control Drainage and Irrigation (FCDI) since 1986 prior to his formal joining in CIRDAP IN 1991.

Engr. Md. Waliul Hasnat, Bangladesh

[M. Sc in Computer Science & Engg. (DIU),

B.Sc. in Computer Science & Engg. (DUET)]

Computer Programmer

Email: hasnat@cirdap.org

Mr. Md. Waliul Hasnat joined CIRDAP as a Computer Programmer on 14 August 2008. He is an  IT professional with comprehensive technical skills and expertise on Information Technology, Computer Hardware and Network Management. He is conversant with most of the computer softwares along with essential utility softwares. He has worked in a number of national intuitions/organisations. Before joining CIRDAP, he has worked in SAARC Agriculture Centre (SAC), Dhaka, Bangladesh as an IT Manager. He also worked at the Prime Minister’s Office, Bangladesh as an IT Engineer. He has carried out numerous IT projects and assignments in national and international organisations. He has experience to prepare Specifications, Tender Documents and Procurement as per Public Procurement Regulation 2003 (PPR03).

Muhammad Shahadat Hossain, Bangladesh

[M.Com (Acct.), MBA (Finance)-EWU, CA (cc),

Finance Officer

Email: shahadat@cirdap.org

Mr.Muhammad Shahadat Hossain has Joined CIRDAP as a Finance Officer on 15 April 2008.Previously he worked in a Multinational organization named Asian Consumer Care (Pvt) Ltd (A joint venture of Dabur International & ACI Ltd), ACI Center, 245 Tejgaon Dhaka-1208. & he worked also PRAN-RFL group As a Assistant Manager(Accounts & Fund Management), PRAN-RFL group is one of the largest Local Food manufacturing company in Bangladesh. His total job experience in Accounts & Finance section for 8 years. He has intensive experience on Budgeting, Financial Planning and Reporting, ratio analysis,fund management, company Law, Local TAX & VAT. 

Mr. David Hilton, Bangladesh

[B.S.S. (Hons.), M.S.S. in Govt. & Politics, Jahangirnagar University, Bangladesh,

M.S in Economic Development,

Eastern University, USA]

Assistant Programme Officer

Email: dhilton@cirdap.org

Prior to joining CIRDAP, he served as Training Officer for two years and later Research and Evaluation Officer for three years in World Vision of Bangladesh (an international NGO). Worked as an Intern Consultant in two non-profit organisations, viz. Olde Kensington Redevelopment Corporation and St. Simeon's Community Centre, Philadelphia, USA, and assisted in developing their strategic plan, funding strategy, organisational development etc. His areas of expertise include project feasibility, baseline survey, management, participatory monitoring and evaluation. Experienced as facilitator in Participatory Project Cycle Management and PRA exercises both at home and abroad. He also participated in several workshops, trainings at national and international level. Mr. David has joined CIRDAP in March 1998.

Mr. Safiul Azam, Bangladesh

[B.Sc. (Hons), M.Sc. in Statistics,

Chittagong University]

Assistant Protocol Officer

Email: sazam@cirdap.org

He has a good experience in organising travel and tour, related to international seminar, workshop, conference etc. To accomplish his protocol duties, he has to get in touch with the high-ranking officials and dignitaries at home and abroad. Mr. Azam has to arrange travel facilities for the CIRDAP staff as well as CMC dignitaries. He also has to contact the diplomatic missions in Dhaka for passports, visas and other travel documents for the CIRDAP delegates coming from abroad. Mr. Azam has joined CIRDAP in March 1991.

Ms. Zeenat Ahmed, Bangladesh

[M.S.S. in Economics, Dhaka University]

Assistant Information and Communication Officer

Email: zahmed@cirdap.org

She has experience in project management, monitoring and evaluation, and information management. Ms. Zeenat is also trained in economic modelling, growth and poverty issues.  She was a Research Associate at the Research Division for five years and was particularly involved with the IDRC-funded ‘Monitoring Adjustment and Poverty’ project.  At CIRDAP, she also served as Training Associate. Since April 2000, she has been serving as Assistant Information and Communications Officer. Ms. Zeenat has joined CIRDAP in August 1994.

Dr. Usharani Boruah, India

[Ph.D. In Library Science, Moscow State University of Arts And Culture. Russia, Moscow]
Librarian

Email: usharani@cirdap.org

Dr. Usharani Boruah served as a Librarian in various Organisations for more than 8 years. She worked as a Librarian in the Indian Embassy, Moscow and Indian International School  Moscow, Russia. She worked as Librarian of the University of Development Alternative (UODA ) Dhaka, Bangladesh and also as  Medical Librarian in Apollo Hospitals Dhaka. Dr. Boruah has vast experience in Library Development Education Programmes, Community Development Education Programme, Ethenic Development Educations Programme through Library Education and Policy. Dr. Usharani Boruah joined CIRDAP in July 2007.

Mr. S. M. Saifuddin, Bangladesh

[B.A (Hons), M.A in Mass Communication and Journalism, Dhaka University;

M.Phil. in English Studies, National University]

Publication Assistant

Email: saifuddin@cirdap.org

With his primary background in the field of information management and journalism, Mr. Saifuddin developed his expertise on editing and page layout. He has edited several publications of CIRDAP. Equipped with knowledge on DTP software packages, he has good experience in printing and publishing line. As a Sub-editor, he worked in the English daily The Daily Star for about eight years.  Mr. Saifuddin has joined CIRDAP in December 2000.