Researchers & officials

Sheikh Sahanewaz

Research Assistant

Sheikh Sahanewaz has completed his BSS in Dept. of Archaeology from Jahangirnagar University. He has recently joined as a Research Assistant at Development Research Initiative (dRi ). He has about 7 years of experience in the field of social research. Previously, he has worked with James P Grant School of Public Health, Brac University, BRAC RED, Centre for Entrepreneurship Development (CED), Brac University, Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD).

He has expertise in both qualitative and quantitative research methods, conducting training sessions for the field researchers, supervising the field researchers as well as ensuring the quality of data collection and research output and report writing. He has a clear understanding and interest in democracy practice, socio-economics and socio-politics, political and religious freedom, climate changes, women empowerment and gender equity.

Arafat Hossain Ovi

Research Assistant

Arafat Hossain Ovi is a distinguished researcher with a strong foundation in both qualitative and quantitative research methodologies. He earned his graduate and postgraduate degrees in Anthropology from Jahangirnagar University, where he developed a deep understanding of human behavior, culture, and societal structures. His academic training not only sharpened his research skills but also ignited his passion for conducting fieldwork and exploring the complexities of human societies.

Arafat’s professional career began as a Research Assistant at the Development Research Initiative (dRi), where he seamlessly applied his theoretical knowledge to practical, real-world research projects. Over time, he has contributed to significant initiatives, such as serving as a Qualitative Researcher for Save the Children’s “Suchana Project” final evaluation, where he assessed the impact and outcomes of the project. Additionally, Arafat has worked as a Field Supervisor for the World Food Programme’s (WFP) “School Feeding Programme,” managing field operations and ensuring the successful implementation of the project.Arafat’s commitment to research, combined with his field experience, makes him a well-rounded expert in his field, and he continues to make valuable contributions to both academic and development research.

Md Ashraful Alam

Research Assistant

Md Ashraful Alam holds both BSS and MSS degrees in International Relations from Gopalganj Science and Technology University (GSTU). He is a passionate researcher with a strong academic background and hands-on experience in journalism and research.He has contributed to various research initiatives focusing on topics such as student movements, policy research, and India-Bangladesh diplomatic relations. He also participated in an international seminar organized by the Foreign Academy of Bangladesh titled “The Rohingyas in Bangladesh: In Search of a Sustainable Future.”Ashraful has extensive experience in journalism, having worked as a Campus Correspondent for national media outlets such as Daily Amader Shomoy and BD24Live, and as a Sub-Editor for The Daily Campus. These roles helped him develop skills in data collection, reporting, analysis, fieldwork, and social documentation, which are highly valuable in the field of development research. Proficient in Microsoft Office, SPSS, and video editing, Ashraful brings a diverse set of technical and communication skills to the research and consultancy space. With a combination of academic knowledge, field experience, and a strong interest in social research, he is well-equipped to contribute as a Research Assistant at dRi.

Mahjabin Hossain Akhi

Research Assistant

Mahjabin Hossain Akhi is a recent graduate from Jahangirnagar University with master’s and bachelor’s degrees in Anthropology. She has special interests in postmodernism and effects of visual media in cultural transmission. Akhi is working at dRi as a research assistant who specifically assigned under the MANTRAMS Project, funded by a European Research Council (ERC) Synergy Grant. As a member, her responsibilities include developing qualitative research tool , field management, conducting training sessions and producing final reports.
In addition, she is actively involved in the transcription, coding, and thematic analysis of qualitative data using software tools, contributing to academic publications and technical reports. Her work supports the project’s broader aims of generating innovative insights into the study of Mantras in South Asia. Her strong grounding in anthropological theory, a sensitivity to cultural complexity, and a passion for research has the opportunity to bridge academia and real-world impact.

Md. Imran Azad

Assistant Manager, Data Analytics

Md. Imran Azad is currently working as a Senior Officer of Data Analytics unit at Development Research Initiative (dRi) since January, 2018 to present. The major responsibilities performed under this organization include assisting in planning and designing of the research projects, conducting training session for the field researchers, and preparing questionnaire for survey, preparing Quantitative Data Collection Tools in various platforms such as ODK, Survey CTO, KOBO toolbox etc., operating data collection applications and maintaining servers like Survey Solution, Akvo Flow etc., supervising the field researchers and making sure that quality of data is collected, transcribe, transcript the primary materials and assist in conducting analysis of the data, assisting in cleaning raw data and analyzing it on various data analysis software like SPSS, STATA and maintaining communication with different donors for various research projects.

Md. Mostak Elehy

Junior Officer, Data Analytics

Md. Mostak Elehy has completed his graduation and post-graduation in Public Administration from University of Rajshahi. He is proficient in communicating, writing, reading and Speaking in English and Bengali. He is also expert in Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Power Point.His job responsibility includes conducting Focused Group Discussion and Public Hearing/ Consultation Meeting with Project Affected People, Data Entry, assisting In Data Cleaning, preparing EP ID card, and preparing Compensation Distribution List.

Ashiqur Rahman Rony

Officer, Data Analytics

Ashiqur Rahman Rony is a data enthusiast with a strong foundation in statistics, holding a BSc degree from Government Titumir College. He is highly motivated to transform data into actionable insights and possesses skills in data collection, analysis, and reporting, enabling him to tackle complex projects across various fields. His experience includes internships at Brac JPGSH, freelance work on Upwork’s Analytics platform, and leadership roles in student organizations.

Rony has a strong understanding of research methodologies and is skilled at translating complicated data into concise and informative reports. He uses tools like Stata, SPSS, and R to aid in this process. His deep passion for data analytics led him to establish the Government Titumir College Analytics Club, aiming to encourage collaboration and knowledge sharing among members of the data community. Additionally, during his undergraduate project, he focused on exploring the intriguing connection between internet usage, academic performance, and student mental health.

Adin Khan

Junior Officer, Data Analytics

Adin Khan has completed his Bachelors in Science (B.Sc.) in Statistics from Government Titumir College. He is an aspiring data analyst with a strong interest in research, data-driven problem-solving, and practical applications of technology. He has hands-on experience with tools like Python, Microsoft Excel, STATA and SPSS, and is steadily building expertise in data cleaning, analysis, and visualization.

Alongside his academic background, Adin has over five years of experience as a private tutor, which has strengthened his communication and critical reasoning skills. He also possesses practical experience in graphic design and 3D visualization, using tools such as Adobe Photoshop, illustrator, Blender and 3DS Max to produce structured, minimalist visuals for personal and project-based work.

Amartay Kumar Dhar

Junior Officer, Data Analytics

Amartay Kumar Dhar holds a Master of Science and a Bachelor of Science in Statistics and Data Science from Jahangirnagar University, and currently serves as a Research Assistant in the Department of Statistics and Data Science at the same institution. His academic background spans machine learning, Bayesian modeling, survey-weighted statistical analysis, and explainable AI, with a particular focus on applying these methods to health data.
Amartay is an active researcher with a strong publication record, including a first-author paper in PLOS ONE on maternal postnatal care determinants, co-authored work in BMC Infectious Diseases on COVID-19 forecasting and in Scientific Reports on Bayesian-optimized classification of metabolic syndrome, along with several manuscripts currently under review across journals such as BMJ Global Health, PLOS ONE, BMC Medical Informatics and Decision Making, and Discover Public Health. His technical toolkit includes Python, R, STATA, SPSS, Power BI, and SQL, with particular strength in predictive modeling, SHAP/LIME-based explainability, multilevel Bayesian analysis, and spatio-temporal disease mapping. Beyond research, Amartay has demonstrated leadership and community engagement as Deputy Youth Leader of Red Crescent Youth at Jahangirnagar University and previously as Joint Secretary of the Jahangirnagar University Higher Study Club, where he also instructed an R programming workshop for over 150 participants. He brings this combination of rigorous statistical training, applied research experience, and a collaborative mindset to his role as Junior Officer, Data Analytics.

Wazida Hasan

Manager, Business Development and Knowledge
Management (BDKM)

Wazida Hasan has 08 (eight) years working experience as Social Researcher and Gender Expert. She has special skill in proposal writing and conducting social research for various international and national development organizations and consultancy firms. Range of her expertise includes conducting mixed method research, training sessions, advocacy on social issues.

She has training and extensive practical experience in gender, social inclusion, SRHR, Child rights, Health and Nutrition, Labour Rights, Humanitarian Crisis etc. She has special training on social and environmental safeguard policies used in the World Bank and ADB funded projects and programs. She is also well versed in project evaluation, policy research and the design of analytical research and evaluation methodologies in both fixed and flexible design approaches. She has expertise in Planning and designing of research projects, Preparing data analysis report etc.

She has been working with Development Research Initiative (dRi) from September 2019 as Senior Officer of Fundraising & Business Development unit and she is responsible for research designing, tools development, successful completion of projects etc. As part of her job she is responsible for maintaining communication with different development partners and other organizations for various research projects as needed. She has worked on projects funded by renowned organizations including UNDP, ILO, World Bank, ADB, Save the Children Oxfam etc

Fahmida Fesrdous Maria

Senior Officer, Business Development and Knowledge
Management (BDKM)

Fahmida Fesrdous Maria has a Master’s Degree in Development Studies from BIGD, BRAC University. She has 4 years’ experience of working in project coordination, management and market research. She has expertise in proposal writing, communication and supervision and has sound knowledge on SPSS and STATA. Currently she is working as a Junior Officer of Fundraising & Business Development unit at Development Research Initiative (dRi) and responsible for writing proposals and Expression of Interest (EOI). She is working with the researchers to ensure quality of information collected and research output. She is also responsible for conducting training sessions for the field researchers and visiting fields for supervising research teams in data collection, FGD, KII, IDI as required for research projects. She is interested in market or enterprise-based research, gender inequality, social safety-net, food security, climate change, disability and child rights.

Sanjida Kabir Chowdhury

Officer, Business Development and Knowledge Management (BDKM)

Sanjida Kabir Chowdhury has completed her graduation and post-graduation from the Department of Anthropology at Shahjalal University of Science & Technology (SUST). Currently, she holds the position of Junior Officer of Business Development and Knowledge Management (BDKM) at Development Research Initiative (dRi). In this role, she assumes responsibility for drafting proposals, Expression of Interest (EOI), as well as providing support in crafting inception reports and conducting data analysis for designated projects.

With a background encompassing four academic fieldwork experiences and a proficiency in qualitative data collection methods, Sanjida brings a wealth of practical knowledge to her current endeavors. Notably, her undergraduate thesis delved into the anthropological examination of the alterations in burial rituals amid the COVID-19 pandemic within the North Dhaka City Corporation area.Sanjida’s professional interests extend to criminology, criminal psychology, health and nutrition, and social stigmatization, reflecting her multifaceted engagement with societal issues and human behavior.

Sayeda Jahin Tasnim

Junior Officer, Business Development and Knowledge Management

Sayeda Jahin Tasnim is a passionate data enthusiast with a strong academic foundation in statistics and a growing interest in social and public health research. She holds both Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Statistics from Eden Mohila College, where she secured first position in Seven Colleges affiliated with the University of Dhaka. Her professional experience includes working as a Research Intern at icddr,b’s Maternal and Child Health Division, contributing to several research projects focusing on maternal, neonatal, and child health. She has hands-on experience in data collection, management, and statistical modeling using tools such as Stata, R, and SPSS.

Her research interests lie in biostatistics, epidemiology, and social and market research. She is deeply committed to using data-driven insights to support evidence-based decision-making and sustainable development initiatives. Beyond her analytical work, she enjoys engaging in creative activities like hosting, poem reciting, and debating – experiences that have enhanced her communication and leadership skills.

Farabi Jahan Rimly

Junior Officer, Knowledge Management

Farabi Jahan Rimly holds a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Anthropology from Jagannath University. Her research interests include women’s reproductive health and empowerment, childcare, migration and diaspora, and policy and governance. Her undergraduate research explored the effects of daycare centers on children and parental experiences, focusing on the social pressures women face when choosing daycare facilities and the impact of these decisions on both child behavior and women’s daily lives. She has professional experience working as a Qualitative Field Researcher at BIGD, where she was involved in several projects on women’s empowerment and childcare. Her responsibilities included conducting FGDs, KIIs, and collecting case stories. She also served as a Research Assistant at AIRD, where she took the lead in managing INGO sector-related tasks such as proposal drafting, data collection, stakeholder communication, and report preparation. Farabi possesses strong technical skills in MS Word, MS Excel, MS PowerPoint, Canva, and the Google Workspace suite. She has joined Development Research Initiative (dRi) as a Junior Officer (Knowledge Management), where she supports the research team in writing research reports, data collection, data sorting, and data analysis across various projects. She also assists in organizing and maintaining research documentation and databases to ensure efficient knowledge management. Additionally, she contributes to coordinating with research partners and supports the dissemination of research findings through reports and presentations.

Raisa Naser

Junior Officer, Knowledge Management

Raisa Naser holds a BSc and an MSc in Applied Chemistry and Chemical Engineering from the University of Dhaka, as well as a Master of Development Studies from BRAC University. Her academic background reflects her interdisciplinary interest in the intersections of science, development, and policy, particularly in areas related to digital change, skills development, governance, and inclusive development. She has also been actively involved in student leadership and academic organizations throughout her educational journey.

Prior to joining dRi, she was involved in research and development initiatives focusing on socio-economic development, education, and governance. Her experience includes qualitative and quantitative research, stakeholder engagement, and policy analysis. At dRi, she contributes to business development, knowledge management, proposal development, and research support activities for development and policy-oriented projects.

Nishat Jahan Ananna

Officer, Communication

Nishat Jahan Ananna has pursued her BSS and MSS degree in Disaster and Human Security Management from Bangladesh University of Professionals. She has been working as a Research Assistant in Development Research Initiative (dRi) from September, 2021. She is responsible for assistance in planning and designing of the research projects, conducting training sessions for the field researchers, supervising the field researchers as well as ensuring the quality of data collection and research output, preparing desk reports and providing assistance in preparing final project reports. During her graduation, she was the treasurer of BUP Disaster Management Forum (DMF) and a general member of BUP Research Society.

Besides, she provided translation and transcription services for different organizations in her university days. Furthermore, she is involved with different voluntary organizations which aim to work for social development. She is a development researcher with hands on experience in qualitative and quantitative methods, research design, research methodology, translation, transcription, field work/data collection, analysis and report writing. She has sound knowledge on Microsoft office and ArcGIS. Disaster management, climate change, gender inequality, urban poverty, food security, disability and child rights are the focus of her area of interest.

Jubaida Islam

HR Officer

Ms. Jubaida Islam joined dRi as a Research Assistant after completing her Bachelor’s Degree from American International University – Bangladesh. She has been successfully supporting research teams that deploy qualitative and quantitative methodologies in a number of projects. Her research experiences cover different sectors such as education, child marriage, child abuse and exploitation, legal rights and social development. Her expertise includes data processing and transcription of qualitative information.

Raju Ahammed

Senior Finance and Admin Officer- I

Raju Ahammed has graduated with a Master’s in Islamic History and Culture from Rajshahi University. His responsibilities as a senior finance and administrative officer includes day to day administrative and financial issues, finance and accounts related activities including banking, keeping records of all types of inventory, preparing financial reports for the donors as required, maintaining communication with different donors for various research projects and communication with other organizations. He has also experience in conducting social research including quantitative and qualitative research tool development, field management, data processing and analysis. He has almost 16 years of programme implementation experience in Targeting the ultra-poor (TUP) & research experience in resettlement, rehabilitation and livelihood restoration of development interventions, gender and women empowerment, urban poverty, urban slums dwellers, disaster management, climate change and local adaptation strategies, food security and social safety-net issues. He worked with donor agencies including BRAC, BRAC University, Institute of Development Studies (IDS), University of Manchester, World Bank, World Food Program (WFP), Save the Children, Oxfam, Overseas Development Institute (ODI), Center for Policy Dialogue (CPD) and other local and international organizations.

Tohidul Islam

Accounts and Finance Officer

Tohidul Islam, an accomplished finance professional, holds an M. Com in Accounting from the National University and boasts over 15 years of experience spanning Finance, Administration, and Operations. Currently, he works at Development Research Initiatives (dRi). He has experience in Books of Accounts and financial statements, meticulous payroll and tax management, and the overall financial monitoring of projects.

Prior to his role at dRi, he worked at renowned organizations such as FHI 360 and AED. His dedication and proficiency in financial management have been assets to the success of these organizations. He also contributed to the growth and prosperity of Technohaven Company Ltd., where his financial acumen played a vital role in achieving the company’s objectives.

Uthshab Barua

Intern

Uthshab Barua is a Research Intern at dRi. He completed his Bachelor’s degree in International Relations from Gopalganj Science and Technology University. He is currently pursuing his Master’s degree in the same department. He has been awarded a Master’s Thesis Fellowship from the University Research Centre of his university. His undergraduate thesis explored the role of media misconceptions in the social exclusion of Buddhists in Chittagong following the 2017 Rohingya exodus. His research interests include human rights, marginalized and minority communities, climate change, migration, and sustainable development. He has also been involved with several volunteer organizations, where he has gained experience working directly with marginalized communities.

Md. Ariful Islam

Office Assistant

Md. Ariful Islam is a high school graduate and working as an Office Assistant at dRi for 06 years. His responsibilities include assisting the Senior Office Assistant in administrative activities.