Our Team

Advisors – Development

Prof. Mahfuza Khanam

Prof. Mahfuza Khanam is a prominent social activist and academic based in Bangladesh. With over four decades of experience in the field of education and activism, she has made significant contributions to the betterment of society. In January 2018, she was appointed as the President of the Asiatic Society of Bangladesh and has been serving in this capacity with distinction. In addition to her role at the Asiatic Society of Bangladesh, Prof. Mahfuza also serves as the head of the Federation of World Teachers’ Association.

She started her career as a student leader at the University of Dhaka, where she served as the elected Vice President of the Dhaka University Central Students’ Union. Her tenure as the General Secretary of the Asiatic Society of Bangladesh in 2009 established her as a well-respected figure in the community. She has also held several important positions, including General Manager of the Directorate of Secondary and Higher Education and Principal of Manikgonj Gov’t Women’s College.

Her tireless efforts to improve the lives of children and women have earned her recognition and accolades, including the Begum Rokeya Padak in 2012, Anannya Top Ten Awards in 2013, and the Ekushey Padak, the second-highest civilian honor in Bangladesh, in 2021.

Pulak Raha

Pulak Raha, CEO of TEAM Associates, has 28 years of experience in project development and
management in areas such as Development communication, Advocacy, Behavior Change
Communication, and Social Mobilization. He spent 16 years working with UNICEF Bangladesh Country
office and focused on the Meena Communication Initiative (MCI), advocating for girls' education, health,
nutrition, and protection issues. Pulak has experience in developing animation films and cartoons,
including 12 animation films, 6 animation spots, and 12 cartoon books for the MCI project.
He has also worked with different government departments and ministries and developed 10 animation
films on ASRH, prevention of child marriage, and gender diversity funded by UNFPA. Pulak was the lead
consultant for Engender Health Bangladesh Country Office, where he developed various programs and
initiatives such as a media advocacy program on fistula, a case study on long acting methods in
Bangladesh, and a BCC Activation program.
Pulak has also acted as a Program Research Officer and produced six TV dramas and an advocacy
documentary on autism issues. He maintained an Interactive Popular theatre Network with 170 Theatre
groups and a Journalist forum network from 64 Press club of Bangladesh. Furthermore, he has six
publications on Drama, Communication, and Training facilitation. Currently, Pulak works as a guest
trainer and facilitator for different institutions, including the National Institute of Mass Communication,
Press Institute of Bangladesh, and Bangladesh Center for Communication Program.