Dr. Md. Shafiqul Islam

Academic Qualifications

Dr. Md. Shafiqul Islam is a distinguished academic in agricultural economics and rural development. He holds:

• PhD in Agricultural Extension and Rural Development from Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Agricultural University (BSMRAU) (Now Gazipur Agricultural University), Gazipur (2006)
• MSc in Agricultural Economics (Production Economics & Farm Management) from Bangladesh Agricultural University (1985)
• BSc in Agricultural Economics (Hons.) from the same university (1984)

Professional Experience

Dr. Islam brings more than 35 years of multifaceted experience in training/teaching, research, rural development, and project management.

Key Positions Held

• Director (Administration, Agriculture, Rural Economics, and Environment Divisions), Bangladesh Academy for Rural Development (BARD), Cumilla
• Project Director for several integrated rural development projects (e.g., Lalmai-Mainamati Hill Area Development, E-Parishad project)
• Socio-Economist and Team Leader for national-level impact and evaluation studies under ministries such as LGED, Health, and Planning
• Scientific Officer at Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute (BARI) and Bangladesh Fisheries Research Institute (BFRI)
• His leadership roles include overseeing national training programs, conducting impact assessments, designing M&E frameworks, and managing rural development interventions.

International Training & Expertise

Dr. Islam has received extensive international training in:

• Rural development (Japan, India, China, Philippines, Pakistan)
• Social science research methods
• Results-based management
• Food and nutrition planning
• He is also an alumnus of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

Publications & Research

Dr. Islam is the author/co-author of:

• 19 books and technical manuals on rural development, livelihoods, village planning, and agricultural productivity
• 22+ journal articles in both national and international scientific publications
• Numerous workshop reports, conference papers, and newspaper articles on development, agriculture, and policy

His research focuses on:

• Agricultural productivity and economics
• Rural livelihoods
• Project evaluation and impact assessment
• Gender and employment
• Sustainable development practices

Skills & Software

• Data analysis using SPSS, Excel, MSTAT, IRRISTAT
• Computer applications in project planning and evaluation
• Proficient in English and Bangla, both written and spoken

Professional Memberships

• Bangladesh Agricultural Economics Association
• Krishibid Institution Bangladesh
• JICA Alumni Association