I'm currently serving as a Green Initiatives Specialist at the Secretariat of the Bangladesh Sustainability Alliance (BSA), BRAC. Prior to this, I held key positions at Development Solutions Consultant Limited (DSCL), a renowned multidisciplinary consultancy firm, where I worked as Deputy Manager (Environmental and Social Studies) starting in December 2022, and earlier as Jr. Environmental Specialist/Assistant Manager from September 2021. During my time at DSCL, I was honored to receive the "Best Employee of the Year 2022" award for my contributions.

My academic and research journey began as a Research Assistant (RA) in the 'Monitoring of Environmental Pollutants & Risk Assessment Research Group'. My work focused on microplastics pollution assessment, trace metals analysis in water, sediment, soil, and fish species, groundwater dynamics, and bio-aerosols risk assessment. These efforts have led to the publication of seven research articles and one book chapter in peer-reviewed Q1 journals.

I hold an M.Sc. in Environmental Science and Management from the Bangladesh University of Professionals (BUP) and a B.Sc. in Environmental Science and Disaster Management from Noakhali Science and Technology University (NSTU), Bangladesh.

Through my professional roles and research initiatives, I am committed to developing lasting solutions that address pressing environmental and social challenges, contributing to a more sustainable and resilient world.

PUBLICATIONS

1. Iqbal, M. A.; Siddiqua, S. A.; Faruk, M. O.; Islam, A. R. M. T.; Salam, M. A. Systematic review, and meta-analysis of the potential threats to respiratory health from microbial Bioaerosol exposures. Environmental pollution 2024, 341, 122972. ELSEVIER. DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.122972 (Q1, IF=7.6).

2. Iqbal, M.A.; Salam, M.A.; Nur-E-Alam, M.; Rubaida, N.J.; Rahman, H.; Uddin, M.F. Monitoring groundwater vulnerability for sustainable water resource management: A DRASTIC-based comparative assessment in a newly township area of Bangladesh, Groundwater for Sustainable Development, Volume 27, 2024, 101373, ISSN 2352-801X, ELSEVIER. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gsd.2024.101373 (Q1, IF=4.9).

3. Priya, U.; Iqbal, M.A.; Salam, M.A.; Nur-E-Alam, M.; Uddin, M.F.; Islam, A.R.M.T.; Sarkar, S.K.; Imran, S.I.; Rak, A.E. Sustainable Groundwater Potential Zoning with Integrating GIS, Remote Sensing, and AHP Model: A Case from North-Central Bangladesh. Sustainability 2022, 14, 5640. https://doi.org/10.3390/su14095640 (Q1, IF=3.3).

4. Islam, M. S.; Nur-E-Alam, M.; Iqbal, M. A.; Khan, M. B.; Mamun, S. A.; Miah, M. Y.; Rasheduzzaman, M.; Appalasamy, S.; Salam, M. A. Spatial distribution of heavy metal abundance at distance gradients of roadside agricultural soil from the busiest highway in Bangladesh: A multi-index integration approach. Environmental research 2024, 250, 118551. 10.1016/j.envres.2024.118551 (Q1, IF= 7.7).

5. DEY, B.; Abir K.A.M.; Salam M.A.; Redowan M.; Miah M.D.; Iqbal M.A. Identifying and Modeling Groundwater Potential Zone in the North-Eastern Part of Bangladesh using an Integrated Approach of GIS-AHP and Machine Learning Algorithms. Ecological Indicators, 2023, ELSEVIER, DOI: 10.1016/j.ecolind.2023.110886 (Q1, IF=7.0).

6. Salam, M.A.; Paul, S.C.; Rahman, F. N. B. A.; Iqbal, M. A.; Siddiqua, S. A.; Rak, A.E.; Ahmad, R. B.; Kadir W. R. A. Trace Metals Concentration and Associated Risk Assessment in Sediment of Kelantan Coastline Area Estuaries, Malaysia. Soil and Sediment Contamination: An International Journal 2021, 30(02), Taylor & Francis. https://doi.org/10.1080/15320383.2020.1867503. (Q2, IF=2.4).

7. Salam, M. A.; Paul, S.C.; Zain, R.A.M.M.; Bhowmik, S.; Nath, M. R.; Siddiqua, S. A.; Aka, T. D.; Iqbal, M. A.; Kadir, W. R.; Ahamad, R.B.; Khaleque, M.A.; Rak, A.E.; Amin, M. F. M. Trace metals contamination potential and health risk assessment of commonly consumed fish of Perak River, Malaysia. PLOS ONE 2020, 15(10), e0241320. Public Library of Science. DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0241320 (Q1, IF=2.9).

BOOK CHAPTER

1. Gautam, S.; Salam, M.A.; Sumon, M.H.; Iqbal, M.A.; Pavoni, B.; Khan, M.B. Transmission Mechanisms of Bioaerosols: An Unseen Threat to Human Health. Gautam et al. (eds.). Bow Ties in Process Safety and Environmental Management: Identifying the Current Trends and Future Perspectives. CRC Press – Taylor & Francis 2021. ISBN: 9781003140382. DOI: 10.1201/9781003140382.

CONFERENCE PAPER

1. Akhter, A.; Iqbal, M.A.; Mamun, M.F.K.; Salam, M.A. Accumulation and distribution pattern of Microplastics Abundance in Commonly Consumed Fish Species of Labeo bata in the Lower Meghna Estuary of Bangladesh. 1st International Seminar on Climate Change and Environmental Sustainability-2024 (ISCCES-2024), P015, 2024. Noakhali Science and Technology University (NSTU), Bangladesh.

2. Islam, M.M.; Reza, S.S.; Iqbal, M.A.; Das, S.; Dey, B; Miskat, M.; Ahmed, R.; Salam, M.A. Applicability of Machine Learning Approaches and GIS-based Multivariate Analysis for Accessing Groundwater Vulnerability: a Case-Study in a New Township Area of Keraniganj. 1st International Seminar on Climate Change and Environmental Sustainability-2024 (ISCCES-2024), P014, 2024. Noakhali Science and Technology University (NSTU), Bangladesh.

3. Das, S.; Reza, S.S.; Iqbal, M.A.; Islam, M.M.; Miskat, M.; Ahmed, R.; Salam, M.A. Trace Metal Contamination and Associated Health Risk of Groundwater: A case study from New Township Area of Keraniganj. 1st International Seminar on Climate Change and Environmental Sustainability-2024 (ISCCES-2024), P016, 2024. Noakhali Science and Technology University (NSTU), Bangladesh.

4. Alam, M.N.; Islam, M.S.; Iqbal, M.A.; Hossain, M.L.; Salam, M.A. Risk Assessment and Pollution Status of Heavy Metals in Sediments from Central and Eastern Coastal Regions of Bangladesh. 1st International Seminar on Climate Change and Environmental Sustainability-2024 (ISCCES-2024), P014, 2024. Noakhali Science and Technology University (NSTU), Bangladesh.

5. Iqbal, M.A.; Mamun, F.K.; Islam, M.S.; Riya, K.A.; Rahman, T.; Alam, N.E.; Salam, M.A. Environmental Consequences of Microplastics in Bay of Bengal, and Their Impact on Blue Economy. BCSIR Congress – 2022, Dec. 2022. Bangladesh Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (BCSIR), Bangladesh.

6. Salam, M.A.; Iqbal, M.A.; Alam, M.N. Groundwater Vulnerability in North-Central Bangladesh: A Comparative Assessment for Sustainable Water Resource Management. International Conference of Physical Sciences (ICPS-2022), Oct. 2022. Shahjalal University of Science and Technology (SUST), Bangladesh.

7. Salam, M.A.; Alam, M.N.; Iqbal, M.A. Pollution Indices and Potential Ecological Risk of Trace Metals in Ship Breaking Yard Coastal Sediments: A case study from the largest ship-breaking hub of Bangladesh. International Conference on Environmental Protection for Sustainable Development (ICEPSD-2022), Sept. 2022. University of Dhaka (DU), Bangladesh.

RESEARCH & PROJECT WORKS  

1. Research on Microplastics Pollution Assessment: Assessment of Microplastics pollution in rivers and canals around Dhaka City [This study was funded by the World Bank Group and done in association with the Department of Zoology, University of Dhaka (DU)].

2. Research on Heavy Metals and Microplastics: Characterization, Distribution and Source Identification of Heavy Metals and Microplastics in Sediments of the South-eastern Coastal Region of Bangladesh [The work is supported by grants from the Research Cell, Noakhali Science and Technology University].

3. M.Sc. Thesis: A Comparative Assessment of Modified and Conventional DRASTIC Index Modelling for Aquifer Vulnerability Assessment in Savar and Dhamrai Upazila of Dhaka, Bangladesh.  [Supervisor: Professor Dr. Abu Helal Md. Abdul Baqee, Department of Geography and Environment, University of Dhaka (DU), Bangladesh].

4. Undergraduate Research Work: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of the Potential Threats of Microbial Bio-aerosol Exposures to Respiratory Health. Project Supervisor: Dr. Mohammed Abdus Salam, Associate Professor, Dept. of Environmental Science and Disaster Management, Noakhali Science and Technology University, Bangladesh [funded by NSTU Research Cell].

KEY GOV./NGOs/INGOs FUNDED PROJECT WORKS 

1. Collaborating with the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MOEFCC) to develop action plans and implement immediate measures for the Government's “Plastic-Free Saint Martin’s Island” initiative (as a part of BSA work team; position held: Specialist, Green Initiatives) (Oct. 2024 – continuing).

2. Conceptualization, planning, and implementation of the "Transforming BRAC University into Bangladesh's First Plastic-Free Campus and Progressively Moving Towards a Zero-Waste Campus" Project at BRAC University (as a part of BSA work team; position held: Specialist, Green Initiatives) (Sept. 2024 – continuing).

3. As a focal from BSA, Supervised the Awareness Event of “Youth-Led Action on Plastic Pollution: Workshop, Post-Flood Cleanup, and Medical Camp” in Feni (Hosted by Bangladesh Sustainability Alliance (BSA), in association with BRAC, and PRAN-RFL Group) (Sept. 2024).

4. Coordinated and Moderated a Webinar on “Breaking the Plastic Habit: Exploring Pathways to Sustainable Alternatives and Substitutes” (as a part of BSA initiative) (Apr. 2024).

5. Conceptualization and planning for “Piloting Zero-Waste City Concept in Selected Areas of Savar Municipality and Progressively Transforming Savar Municipality into A Model Zero-Waste City” Project (as a part of BSA work team) (June 2024 – continuing).

6. Supervised the daylong awareness event on waste segregation at source and proper disposal in Savar Municipality to commemorate the World Environment Day on June 5, 2024 (Event Activities: 'Awareness Through Art" workshop: 400 participants from 7 schools & 1 college; Open discussion session with local community and municipal authorities; Saplings distribution to all the participants; community cleanup drive).

7. IEE study for “Capacity Enhancement of Distribution Network in 13 Industrial Hub Enriched PBSs Surrounding Dhaka City under BREB” project (Dec. 2023 to date) (Client: IIFC/BREB) (Positions held: Mid-level Environmental Specialist). 

8. EIA, SIA, Model Simulation, and Source Vulnerability Assessment under “Water Resources Availability and its Impact Due to Abstraction, Use and Discharge in the surrounding Project Area of Coca-Cola Bangladesh Beverages Limited, Bhaluka, Mymensingh” project (Nov. 2023 to date) (Client: Coca-Cola) (Positions held: Mid-level Environmental and Social Consultant). 

9. IEE, EIA, and SIA study for “Construction of Raipura 120 MWp (AC) Grid Tied Solar Power Plant Project at Raipura, Narsingdi” project (October 2023 to ongoing) (Client: IDCOL/Ashuganj Power Station Company Limited) (Positions held: Jr. Environmental Consultant).

10. EIA and SIA study for “Replacement of Damaged/Narrow /Temporary Bridges and Culverts of Mymensingh Zone” project (September 2023 to ongoing) (Client: IIFC/RHD) (Positions held: Jr. Environmental and Social Specialist). 

11. EIA, and SIA study for “Supply of Treated Water from Meghna River to Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Shilpa Nagar” project. (July. 2023 to date) (Client: Grant Thornton/CWASA) (Positions held: Jr. Environmental and Social Specialist). 

12. Environmental Quality Assessment, Consultations and Modeling under “Feasibility Study for Construction of Bridges over the River Meghna on Shariatpur-Chandpur Road & Gazaria-Munshiganj Road and Preparation of Master Plan for Bangladesh Bridge Authority” project (May. 2023 to date) (Client: TYPSA/BBA) (Positions held: Jr. Environmental and Social Specialist).

13. EIA, IEE, LAP, and RAP study for “Construction of Double Line Track Between Khulna-Darsana Junction Section of Bangladesh Railway” project; Funded by Government of India (LOC) and GoB (Mar 2023 to date) (Client: STUP Consultants Pvt. Ltd., India/Bangladesh Railway) (Positions held: Mid-Level Environmental Expert).

14. IEE and EIA study of “2 development cum assessment well (Sundalpur-4 and Srikail-5) and 2 Exploration Well (Sundalpur South-1 and Jamalpur-1) Development” project (Jan. 2023 to date) (Client: IIFC/BAPEX) (Positions held: Jr. Environmental Specialist). 

15. Feasibility study for “water resources availability and its impact due to abstraction, use and discharge in the surrounding project area, as per requirement of WARPO for BSRM industrial park, Sonapahar, Mirsarai, Chattogram” project (December 2022 to October 2023) (Client: BSRM/WARPO) (Positions held: Jr. Consultant).

16. ESIA study of “3 MW (AC) Off-Grid Solar PV-Battery-Diesel Hybrid Power Plant Project at Monpura, Bhola” project (July 2023 to January 2024) (Client: IDCOL/Western Monpura Solar Power Limited) (Positions held: Jr. Environmental Expert).

17. Assessment of Micro-Plastic (MP) Pollution in Rivers and Canals around Dhaka City (June 2022 to October 2023) (Client: World Bank Group) (Positions held: Junior Consultant/Co-Ordinator).

18. Monthly Environmental Quality Assessment and Monitoring for “Climate Change Adapted Urban Development (CCAUD) Programme for Barisal Component Phase-1” project (September 2021 to date) (Client: KFW/Barisal City Corporation) (Positions held: Co-Ordinator/Mid-level Environmental Specialist).

19. IEE, EIA, and SIA study for “Replacement of Dilapidated and Narrow Bailey Bridge at Important Points (Chattogram Zone)” project; Funded by GoB (August 2022 to March 2023) (Client: RHD) (Positions held: Jr. Environmental Specialist).

20. IEE and EIA study of “3D Seismic Survey at Habiganj, Bakhrabad, and Meghna Gas Field” project (February 2023 to November 2023) (Client: IIFC/BGFCL) (Positions held: Jr. Environmental Consultant).

21. EIA study for “Procurement of 2000hp Rig Purchase” Project; Funded by GoB (June 2023 to August 2023) (Client: IIFC/BAPEX) (Positions held: Jr. Environmental Specialist). 

22. EIA study for “One Deep Exploration Well (Srikail Deep-1) Drilling” project; Funded by GoB (Jan. 2023 to Jan. 2024) (Client: IIFC/BAPEX) (Positions held: Jr. Environmental Specialist). 

23. EIA, SIA, and RP study for “Improvement of the Hatirjheel-Rampura-Bonoshree Ideal School and College Sheikherjaiga-Amulia-Demra Highway into 4-lanes (including link to Chittagong Road intersection and access to Tarabo) through Public Private Partnership” project (June 2022 to February 2023) (Client: Dhaka RAD Elevated   Expressway Company Limited / Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB)) (Positions held: Jr. Environmental Specialist) (Activities performed: Updating the EIA; SIA; and RP reports).

24. Quarterly and Monthly Environmental Quality Assessment and Monitoring of Dhaka Elevated Expressway PPP Project (December 2021 to date) (Client: ITD Bangladesh Company Limited (Tranche-1) and SDRB-SINOHYDRO JV (Tranche-2)) (Positions held: Environmental Quality Expert). 

25. ESIA study of 1.494 MWp Industrial Rooftop Solar Project of NAAFCO Pharma Limited, Bhaluka, Mymensingh (October 2021 to December 2021) (Client: IDCOL/NAAFCO Pharma Limited) (Positions held: Jr. Environmental Specialist). 

26. Feasibility Study Along with Detailed Design for Rehabilitation/Reconstruction of the Bridges and Tracks in Eastern and Western Zone of Bangladesh Railway (May 2022 to January 2023) (Client: Bangladesh Railway/IIFC) (Positions held: Jr. Environmental Specialist). 

N.B.: All tasks were carried out as part of my job responsibilities at BSA, BRAC & DSCL

Awarded "Best Employee of the Year, 2022" by DSCL

AD Sccintific Index's Researchers' Ranking

Area of Expertise: 

• Environmental Monitoring, Management, and Modeling: Macro and Microplastics Pollution Assessment and Mitigation; Bio-aerosols Health Impact Assessment; Groundwater Resource Management and Modelling; Climate Change Impact Assessment and Locally-led Adaptation; Environmental and Socio-economic Due diligence Reports for Development Projects.

• Health Impact Assessment: Systematic Review and Meta Analysis; Environmental Toxicology.

• Waste Management: Solid Waste Management; Plastic Waste Management.

• Social Awareness: Social Impact Assessment (SIA); Land Acquisition and Resettlement Planning; BCC Campaigns; Public Consultation and Trainings.

• GIS and Remote Sensing: Environmental Modelling; GHGs Emission Assessment; Vulnerability Assessment; Climate Change and Risk Modelling; Machine Learning.

Professional Experience:

1. Specialist, Green Initiatives at Secretariat, Bangladesh Sustainability Alliance (BSA) under Urban Development Program (UDP), BRAC. (Website: www.brac.net). Responsibilities: Responsible for- Planning, implementing, monitoring and managing the overall activities of Bangladesh Sustainability Alliance (BSA), BRAC.

2. Former Deputy Manager (Environmental and Social Studies) at Development Solutions Consultant Limited (DSCL). (Website: www.dsclbd.com)  Responsibilities: Project coordination, project management, team management, client communication, business development, reviewing and updating environmental and social due diligence reports, so on.

3. Former Assistant Manager/Junior Environmental Specialist) at Development Solutions Consultant Limited (DSCL). (Website: www.dsclbd.com) Responsibilities: collecting field data, conducting environmental testing, and preparing the environmental and social due diligence reports to mitigate the adverse environmental and social impacts associated with development projects.

4. Research Assistant (RA) of Dr. Mohammed Abdus Salam, Associate Professor, Dept. of Environmental Science & Disaster Management, Noakhali Science and Technology University, Noakhali, Bangladesh. (Website: www.masalamresearchgroup.com ) Responsibilities: Worked as a research assistant of Dr. Mohammed Abdus Salam, Associate Professor, Dept. of ESDM, NSTU; Assisting and conducting research in the field of environmental science; Working with lab members for research purposes; Primary and secondary data collection for research; conducting data analysis and interpreting data for finding the outputs of research; and so on.

Education and Professional Training:

1. M.Sc. in Environmental Science & Management, Bangladesh University of Professionals (BUP), Dhaka, Bangladesh. (www.bup.edu.bd)

2. B.Sc. in Environmental Science and Disaster Management, Noakhali Science and Technology University, Noakhali Bangladesh. (www.nstu.edu.bd)

3. Post Graduate Diploma (PGD) in Project Management (NGO and Development Sector), Edupro and CPD certification Services, UK (Delivered by: Academy of Business Professionals, Bangladesh) (www.eduprouk.com)

4. Professional Training on "Strategies to End Plastic Pollution", Anil Agarwal Environment Training Institute, Rajasthan, India.

5. Professional Training on "Fundamentals of GIS", Geospatial Science and Research Foundation, Dhaka, Bangladesh.

6. Professional Training on "Environmental Compliance Based on ISO 14001 & Higg FEM 3.0", Institute of Professional Learning & Development, Dhaka, Bangladesh.

Volunteering Activities:

1. Worked as a Peer-Reviewer for "Applied water science" Journal, Springer Nature (New York, US), ISSN: 2190-5495. Review identifier(s): 42400363-2f88-439c-aa78-d5bee40f25d5.

2. Worked as a Peer-Reviewer for "Soil & sediment contamination" Journal, Clarivate PLC (London, GB), ISSN: 1532-0383, Review identifier(s): UxyI51Zi.

3. Worked as a Campus Ambassador for "International Workshop on Communication Skills 2018" BY WOC, EO, Noakhali Science and Technology University, Bangladesh.

4. Worked as a Campus Ambassador for "Young Entrepreneurs’ Conference 2018" BY WOC, EO, Noakhali Science and Technology University, Bangladesh.

Organizational skills:

1. General Member, Bangladesh Paribeshbid Society, since October 2021.

2. Former General Member, Coastal Environmental Network (COEN), an Environmental Club of Noakhali Science and Technology University, Bangladesh.

Workshops/Online Courses:

List of Key Workshops/Short Courses:

• Workshop on "Enhancing Inclusivity and Accessibility to Climate Technologies for All" by UNITAR, CTCN, and CIFAL Jeju.

• Short course on "Environmental and Social Framework - ESF Fundamentals" by World Bank Group.

• Workshop on "Biodiversity & Nature Conservation" by Chittagong University (CU) Nature Club, Bangladesh.

• Short course on "Introduction to Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis" through Coursera online platform.

• Workshop on "Sedimentary Structures- Description & Application to Fieldwork" by University of Dhaka Student Chapter of SEG, Bangladesh.

• Workshop on "Environmental Business & Career Progress in Green Jobs" by ECO NETWORK (CU), Chattogram University, Bangladesh.

• Short course on "Air Pollution – a Global Threat to our Health" through Coursera online platform.

• Short course on "Ecology: Ecosystem Dynamics and Conservation" through Coursera online platform.

• Short course on "Natural Attenuation of Groundwater Contaminants: New Paradigms, Technologies, and Applications" through Coursera online platform.

• Short course on "Machine Learning for All" through Coursera online platform.

• Short course on "International Water Law" through Coursera online platform.

• Short course on "Introduction to Environmental Law and Policy" through Coursera online platform.