A M MAHMUDUL HASAN

Deputy Manager- Communication & Outreach

Deputy Manager - Communication and Outreach, A M Mahmudul Hasan has been serving in an integral role for 4 years. Behind every successful event of FFB, be it workshop, coalition or training, Mahmud’s neat orchestration and lead is to be praised. He started his career as a freelance event manager, from which he bagged an opportunity as an assistant director in the film industry through FDC. He then got an opportunity to coordinate and lead the “March for science” campaign for Cornell Alliance for Science (AFS). Shortly after, he joined as one of the former members of FFB, where he supervised individual components of an event, including Public Relations, Financial budget, Community engagement and stakeholder outreach. Following this, Mahmud has over 12 years experience in Audio Visual production with significant works in several AFS and FTFBP projects.

Ananya Sanyal

Senior Manager, Project Management and Communication

Ananya Sanyal, holds the position of Senior Manager - Project Management and Communication at FFB. She possesses a strong set of skills in the communications sector along with a diverse background in journalism and developmental experience. At FFB, she has an ongoing project titled Global Biotech Potato Partnership (GBPP). She studied Mass Communication and Journalism at Dhaka University. She has over 9 years of experience as a Journalist in BBC Bangla Service, where she has the opportunity to represent renowned political debate show BBC Bangladesh Sanglap as the Press Officer. She has also worked in two distinct initiatives of BRAC, BRAC Education Program and BRAC Migration Program. In addition to this, Ananya worked at Action Aid Bangladesh and Public-Private Partnership Authority.

Anwar Faruque

Associate Director: Advocacy & Policy Affairs

Anwar Faruque takes the role of advisor - agriculture and public administration in FFB. With his extensive expertise in public administration, parliamentary affairs, and agricultural policy and legislation, he has been a valuable resource for government agencies, international organisations, and private sector firms. His contributions to the seed industry have been instrumental in improving the quality and quantity of crops, thereby enhancing food security in the country. He has over 40 years experience in several Ministries of Bangladesh, working with relief, rehabilitation, NGOs, social welfare, and agricultural development. Anwar's dedication to his work and his passion for agriculture has earned him widespread recognition and respect. He is a sought-after speaker and has published numerous articles on Food security in Bangladesh.

ARIF HOSSAIN

CEO and Executive Director

CEO and Executive Director of FFB, Md. Arif Hossain leads the project in close partnership and supervision of Cornell Alliance for Science. His commendable Skills, Accomplishments and Experience in the Development and Communications Sector stimulates the team forward to greater achievements. Mr. Hossain has extensive knowledge in human rights, community involvement, media, and science communication at both national and international level. He is the former Communications Director of “Feed the Future” - South Asia Eggplant Improvement Partnership with Cornell AFS. He was also the Senior Specialist- Outreach & Communication at International Rice Research Institute (IRRI). Mr. Hossain was awarded the Alliance for Science Global Leadership Fellow (2015) and currently holds position of Visiting Fellow and Honorary Visiting Scientist at Cornell University.

Farah Kabir

Management Trainee

Farah Kabir plays the dynamic role of a Management Trainee at FFB. She has completed B.Sc. in Biomedical Engineering from Military Institute of Science and Technology (MIST), Dhaka. She was honoured with the prestigious Dean’s List of Honor due to her exceptional academic performance. Prior to joining FFB, she worked as a project coordinator at a charity crowdfunding platform, Give Bangladesh Foundation, acquiring 3 years of experience in the development sector. She worked as a medical intern at Evercare Hospital, Dhaka. She identifies with collaborative and communicative style of problem solving. She is a BYLC graduate and has attended their 10th Youth Leadership Summit. Also, as an entrepreneur, Farah strongly believes in women empowerment and engagement in all sectors. In addition to her educational and work background, she has a gift for music, art, and baking.

Fariha Afrin Mustafa

Management Trainee

Fariha Afrin, has joined FFB as a Management Trainee. She deals with agri biotechnological policy advocacy, which requires her to work closely with researchers and stay abreast of the latest developments in the field. She is responsible for meeting with the biotech researcher community, planning workshops, events, tracking media coverage, and assisting the core management with her knowledge in agriculture. Her impressive academic performance in BS Botany earned her the prestigious Dean's Award from the Faculty of Biological Science at Dhaka University. Additionally, she received a National Science and Technology fellowship for her MS research in Plant Molecular Ecology. Her internship in the Soil and Environment laboratory at BCSIR exhibit her keen interest in research. Apart from her professional and academic pursuits, Fariha has a knack for calligraphy and painting, exposing her creativity and ability to think outside the box.

Faruq Hasan

Senior Manager- Advocacy & Policy Affairs

Faruq Hasan serves the role of Senior Manager - Policy and Advocacy at FFB with over 17 years experience in Journalism, Policy Advocacy, and Development Work. He started his career at BRAC’s first Advocacy Unit as a Policy Analyst, assisting in promotion and dissemination of advocacy issues regarding BRAC's Ultra Poor Program. He has worked as a journalist and editor for various prominent national newspapers and magazines, including The Daily Star, Dhaka Tribune, and Ice Today. Faruq also has substantial experience in the development field, serving as a monitoring and evaluation specialist for Helen Keller International and for Shiree, DFID funded organisation. 

Fatin Hasnat

Management Trainee

Fatin Hasnat serves a versatile role as a Management Trainee at FFB. He is a BBA Graduate with a concentration in Human Resource Management from North South University. He completed his Internship at Devour World Ltd, where he was positioned in the Human Resource Department. He has a basic understanding of HRIS, HRP, Appraisal systems, etc. He has previously worked as a Community Manager for a cloud-based kitchen in Dhaka. Fatin is skilled in customer communication, query management, and social media management tools, with a keen interest in the prospect of GM varieties nationally, making him a great prospect for FFB.

GAZI SHAMEEM HOSSAIN

Senior Manager- Finance & Admin

Gazi Shameem Hossain looks after Accounts, Finance & Admin as the Senior Manager with over 15 years experience in the field. He is an expert when it comes to effective Client & Vendor Relationship, Complex Issue Identification and Mitigation, and meeting Financial & Administrative objectives with innovative solutions. He has completed both M. Com and B. Com in Accounting. Prior to FFB, he has worked with various reputed organisations some of which include, Eusof Group, WARID Telecommunications, Powerbreeze Engineering Ltd., Grameen Trust. He also worked in various prominent projects funded by USAID, UKAID, Coca-Cola, and more. Shameem is a salient member of the team who looks after the most tedious challenges.

Kashfia Zaman

Management Trainee

Kashfia Zaman, a self-driven individual with a strong work ethic, working as a Management Trainee at FFB. Her everyday activities cover a wide range of sectors, including finance, admin, procurement, content creation, research, and monitoring media reports. She is an economics graduate from East West University. During her student life she has worked as freelance writer, content writer, and education coordinator. As a development enthusiast, Kashfia is determined to make a positive difference among people. Her knowledge of economics spans a variety of development fields, including microfinance, education, food, and agriculture, all of which offer the potential to change lives. She is vital to FFB for her exceptional patience in handling issues and capacity to propose rational solutions.

Md. Abdulla Sheikh

Office Assistant

Abdullah - a dedicated office assistant who takes care of various tasks and responsibilities in the office. He is a hardworking individual who is always ready to assist his colleagues and superiors. With his excellent communication skills, Abdullah interacts with clients and visitors in a professional and courteous manner. He ensures that everything is in order, well-stocked, and organised to facilitate smooth and efficient operations. Abdullah's attention to detail and ability to multitask make him an asset to the office. He takes pride in his work and demonstrates a positive attitude and willingness to learn, which has made him an indispensable member of the team.

Md. Martuza Hasan Antar

Associate: Multimedia & Communication

Hasan Antar plays a dynamic role as an Associate: Multimedia & Communication at FFB. He specialises in Audio-Visual Production, Visual Communication Design & Branding. He has a notable career in Bangladeshi Film and Media industry, closely collaborating with the most promising Directors, Cinematographers, Editors, Sound Designers & Composers of Bangladesh. He has worked in remarkable Feature Films, Documentaries, Web Series & Advertisements. He is equally passionate about Visuals & Sounds.  His ultimate goal is to tell stories that influence, inspire and create impact. Besides Arts, Hasan Antar is adaptive to ever changing Science & Technology. He is an artist of the New Media Age. Apart from art, he loves to travel, read books and play string instruments.

Mustare Ahamed Madobe

Research Associate

Mustare Madhobi is the only member from FFB assigned to Bangladesh Agriculture and Research Institute as a full-time research assistant in the Biotech Division where she practises her skills and knowledge in Plant genetics and engineering, tissue culture, plant pathogen detection, plant breeding and so on. She worked on Morphological and molecular characterization of Maize inbred populations during Master’s thesis. Mustare exhibits excellent leadership qualities and always guides her team. As a young scientist, she is passionate about developing the agro-sector through biotechnological approaches and is on an agenda to help elevate global hunger. Previously she worked as Telemarketing research officer at Supreme Seed Company, focusing on agro-based digital marketing, communication and consultancy. Mustare believes that collective efforts of individuals, coupled with science and technology nurtured in an enabling environment will bring about sustainable growth in the future.

Nasim Ahmed

Assistant Manager: Finance & Admin

Nasim serves FFB as the assistant manager of Finance and Accounts exhibiting over 8 years of experience.  With a creative and sharp mind, he navigates complex issues with ease, crafting innovative solutions to achieve financial and admin goals. From his experience working with ADD International Bangladesh and Ogroni Informatix Limited Development Project funded by UKAID, EU, CAFOD & CBM, he's no stranger to challenges. Confident and determined, he's ready to take on any task thrown his way and deliver optimum satisfaction to the organisation. Nasim holds an MBA in accounting from National University, Bangladesh.

SADIQUE UDDIN

Senior Specialist- Project Management & Communication

Sadique Uddin, Senior Specialist - Project Management and Communication, leads outreach and communication activities at FFB. He has over 10 years experience in this sector, working with renowned media outlets, agencies and, both private profit and non-profit organisations. His expertise in Communication Strategy, Media, and Project Management ensures that the organisation flourish exponentially. He has worked with IUCN Bangladesh, Bengal Group and more. In 2011, Sadique conducted market research across the country aimed “To Understand the Donation Pulse of Bangladeshi People’’ in an effort to develop and implement a fundraising campaign. Sadique holds a Master's degree in Development Studies and a Bachelor's degree in Media and Communication.

Samira Khalil

Assistant Manager- Business Development & External Affairs

Samira orchestrates Business Development and Project Management as an Associate. She takes the form of a backbone in FFB, bringing about cross-departmental harmony and swift execution of duties. She is highly passionate to work in the development sector with focus on global economics, global health perspectives and sustainable development. Prior to joining FFB, she worked in a non-profit organisation, AGROHO as the Relationship Manager. She also worked as The Communication Officer in Technosoft Academy, New York where she successfully organised a job seminar for Manhattan Business Association. Samira holds a Bachelor in Mass Communication and Media Arts from American International University Bangladesh (AIUB) with a MAGNA CUM LAUDE. She completed her Master’s degree in International Relations from Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts.

Shomia Nahar Nanchi

Management Trainee

Shomia Nahar works as a Management Trainee at FFB. She assists the core management with various central and subsidiary tasks such as Content Development, Scientific Research, Media Tracking, and Formulation of Communication Briefs.  She has graduated from BRAC University with a BS in Biotechnology and a minor in Business from BRAC Business School. She has been working as a content writer at several distinct firms since 2019. Additionally, she has an on-going research collaboration with Sheikh Russel Gastroliver Hospital Dhaka as a part of her thesis. Shomia recognizes consumers as the key stakeholders of Agri-biotechnological innovations and firmly believes that without advocacy, innovation is futile.

Zahid Mohammad Imran

Assistant Manager- Advocacy & Policy Affairs

Zahid Mohammad Imran takes the role of Assistant Manager - Advocacy and Policy Affairs. Although he has been serving the communication department at FFB, he has a strong background in STEM which serves as a strength for the organisation. His knowledge in GMOs and Biosafety regulation helps FFB develop robust communication and advocacy strategies. He demonstrates excellent analytical skills and a positive attitude in all circumstances. He holds B.Sc. and M.Sc. in Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering. Imran believes that in order to secure a better future for the next generation and the planet, the advancements and advantages of science must be accessible to all.