My Story

As a PhD candidate, I am exploring the exciting interface between Other Effective Area-based Conservation Measures (OECMs) and small-scale fisheries (SSF), while weaving in valuable lessons from Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) within the Social-ecological Well-being framework. My research focuses on a vital question: “How can the well-being and equity of fishers be reinforced under the Global Biodiversity Framework’s push for bold area-based conservation targets?”

Originally from Bangladesh, I have had the pleasure of living in various coastal areas, which has deepened my love for nature and wildlife. This passion inspired my early university education in fisheries, marine science, and fish genetics. I also completed my second master's at Dalhousie University in Marine Management.

With over a decade of experience, I am an experienced fisheries manager and researcher, having worked in several government positions and the development sector. Prior to starting my PhD, I proudly served as Assistant Director in the Department of Fisheries in Bangladesh. I also took on scientific roles in the Marine Fisheries Resource Survey of Bangladesh from 2016 to 2022, which allowed me to explore every corner of the Bangladeshi part of the Bay of Bengal aboard R/V Meen Shandhani (Bangladesh) and R/V Dr Fridtjof Nansen (FAO-Norway). I feel comfortable engaging in intergovernmental negotiations, and I have had the honour of leading Bangladeshi delegates in Indian Ocean Tuna Commission catch allocation meetings in recent years.

I firmly believe that equity is the key to sustainability, and I am driven by the desire to bridge the interests of both communities and conservation.