Present
position/ title:
Former Executive Director, Institute of Water Modelling
(IWM) and now
Consultant to IWM
How
AIT degree helped you in achieving your career potential/goals
Mathematical
Hydraulic Modelling was the thesis in my graduate program. I was inspired to
work closely with the Government and development partner (DANIDA) in the
institutionalization of ongoing TA project for National water planning using
mathematical models to an independent non-profit Institute called IWM. IWM has
been greatly contributing to the research and development planning of riverine
Bangladesh in the sustainable water resources management developing various
scenarios optimizing impact assessment.
Education/qualifications:
M Eng. (WRE, 1980), Post graduate Diploma in Management, Denmark
Career/Accomplishment record
after graduation from AIT:
I started my career as a Water
Resources Management Engineer in 1970, under Bangladesh Water Development
Board. Acquired field management of coastal polders, major irrigation project,
flood management of Brahmaputra right embankment, Gumti and Meghna Dhanogoda.
With a break for higher studies in 1978 leading to M Engg at AIT, with
specialization on Numerical Modelling of Unsteady Flow Covering Flood Plain and
Coast, resumed works in the design, and then moved to Joint Rivers Commission
and Flood Action Plan. Later joined as Deputy Team Leader of Flood Action Plan
(FAP 25) under COWI on lien from BWDB and worked closely in the development of
Flood Hydrology Study (FHS), Flood Modelling and Management (FMM) and
coordinated the model development at SWMC for the regional studies and later
became a member of SWMC in 1994 when the institutionalization process of the
ten year long Danida supported TA was looking for a home where the models can
be housed and it can render subsequent support. SWMC Trust was the choice that
came into being in 1997 and I continued my journey with SWMC as its leader and
later with IWM in 2002 as the Chief Executive until I retired in January, 2011.
It
was a wonderful experience to serve IWM, with a team of dedicated hydraulic
Engineering professionals, serving for flood management and flood forecasting,
drainage and irrigation, river training and dredging, surface and ground water
assessment, climate change and storm surge, land reclamation and delta
development, river training and navigational route management, reservoir
operation and dam release, basin and coastal zone management and so on.
Workshop, training, HRD and R&D, participation as national delegate at bilateral
negotiations were common on the agenda. Representing the nation at
international conference or delivering lecture at renowned global institutions
was both exciting and rewarding.
Had
been Member of Joint Rivers Commission, represented the nation at most of the
global conferences, was identified as the most successful institution developer
in the high tech area of a third world country by the Institution of Engineers,
Bangladesh.
IWM
has housed about 125 highly qualified professionals, support bilateral/multilateral
research with international Universities, develop appropriate tools for
sustainable development and assists international development partners with
data and information in the selection of projects for funding.
Contribution
in the seminars and symposium on water and water supply management, climate
change adaptation and institutional management are some of the current
activities. Many of these development might not happen had I not been at AIT.
IWM has greatly relieved the national Government in receiving expatriate input
that in place are available with IWM including post project support. Made
potential contribution to AIT Chapter of Bangladesh being President.