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.
Aroma Dutta
Aroma Dutta is a prominent social and women rights activist from Bangladesh. She currently serves as a member of the National Parliament of Bangladesh. Dutta is recognized for her commitment to social justice, equality for all, and women empowerment, making her a highly respected figure in the country. She has been actively involved in initiatives aimed at empowering women, children, and indigenous minority communities, ensuring their access to fundamental rights, such as education, healthcare, and employment.
Her work in promoting human rights has earned Dutta numerous awards and accolades, including the “Nari Shakti Puruskar” from the Government of India in 2009, the “Bangabandhu Award for Human Rights” in 2012, the “Women’s Leadership Award” in 2013, and the highest state Award “Begum Rokeya Padak” for her contribution in women empowerment.
Dutta is actively involved in various initiatives to promote social justice, equality, and sustainable development. She is a member of several human rights organizations and has spoken at international forums on the issues facing women and children in Bangladesh. Dutta also served as a member of the National Human Rights Commission of Bangladesh.
Monjun Naher
Ms. Monjun Naher is a Social Scientist and Development Activist who is a pioneer in the Fields of Policy Advocacy, Gender and Women Development, and Social Accountability. She has accomplished my Master’s degree on sociology from University of Dhaka. Later accomplished another Master’s degree in development studies (major in gender and policy) from Bath University, UK. In her long working career, Ms. Nahar took the responsibilities of serving prominent national Development Organizations such as BRAC, PROSHIKA, and PRIP Trust. Her development work enlists a wide range of national and international organizations like- JOHN HOPKINS University, IPPF, UNDP-CHTDF, project of Asian Development Bank, Aga Khan Foundation (AKF), Affiliated Network for Social Accountability, South Asia Region (ANSA-SAR) Manusher Jonno Foundation (MJF) TDH, Netherland, Nari Pakkha and different Government Ministries.
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.