Personal profile

Biography

Distinguished development practitioner and academic with 35+ years of comprehensive experience at the intersection of education and international development. Extensive experience delivering graduate and professional development courses across multiple institutions. Recognized expertise in development policy formulation, planning, implementation, and evaluation with demonstrated leadership in managing multi-million dollar development programs across primary, secondary, and higher education sectors in partnership with major international organizations including the World Bank, Asian Development Bank, UNICEF, UNESCO, UNFPA, USAID, and bilateral development partners.

Recognized leader in program design with expertise in Sector-Wide Approaches (SWAp), results-based management, multi-stakeholder coordination, and institutional capacity building. Proven track record in designing and implementing large-scale development initiatives (PEDP series, SEDP, LAISE) that advance the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG4 on quality education. Extensive experience in development policy analysis, strategic planning, project cycle management, and stakeholder coordination across government, civil society, and international development agencies.

Active participant in global development discourse with regular representation at high-level international forums including United Nations forums, UNESCO conferences, and Commonwealth meetings. Successfully represented Bangladesh at UN Transforming Education Summit, G20 Education Ministers Meeting, World Economic Forum, Education World Forum and Commonwealth Education Accelerated Development Mechanism. Published researcher on development themes including inclusive development, rights-based approaches, education for sustainable development, and the nexus between education policy and socio-economic development.

Combines strong academic credentials (PhD in Education from Monash University, Australia; European MA in Special Education Needs from UK, Netherland & Czech Republic) and scholarly rigor with practical development expertise, bridging the gap between development theory and implementation. Brings cross-cultural understanding from international study and partnerships in Australia, Europe, and across Asia. Committed to equity, social justice, and sustainable development through evidence-based policy and practice. Possesses practical experience in the field of development which include policy advisory experience at ministerial level and working on projects, programs or policy implementation in various contexts.

Education/Academic Qualification

Education Psychology, PhD, Education Psychology, Education Leadership, Education System Reform, Monash University

2011 → 2015

Award Date: 25 July, 2015

Special Education Needs / Magistr, MA, Roehampton University

2007 → 2008

Award Date: 20 December, 2008

Development Planning, PGD, National Academy of Planning and Development

1998 → 1999

Award Date: 20 December, 1999

English Literature, MA, Chittagong University

1986 → 1987

Award Date: 20 October, 1987

English Literature, BA, Chittagong University

1983 → 1986

Award Date: 25 August, 1986

External positions

Director General (A.C), Directorate of Secondary and Higher Education (DSHE), Ministry of Education, Bangladesh
2025

Director of Planning and Development Wing, Directorate of Secondary and Higher Education (DSHE), Ministry of Education, Bangladesh
2020 → 2025

Secretary, BAC, Bangladesh Accreditation Council (BAC) | Ministry of Education
2020

Chief of DLP Division and Research Wing, Bangladesh Bureau of Educational Information and Statistics (BANBEIS), Ministry of Education
2018 → 2019

Lead Program Support Consultant / Program Coordination Consultant, Third Primary Education Development Program (PEDP3), Ministry of Primary and Mass Education
2015 → 2017

Deputy Director, Quality Assurance Unit (Higher Education Quality Enhancement Project), University Grants Commission (UGC) Bangladesh
2015

Deputy Director (Policy & Operations) / Head of Inclusive Education Cell & Pre-Primary Education Cell, Second Primary Education Development Program (PEDP2), Directorate of Primary Education
2008 → 2011

Assistant Chief of Planning, Ministry of Primary and Mass Education (MoPME), Government of Bangladesh
1998 → 2003

Resource Person / Guest Speaker, National Academy for Education Management (NAEM)
2026 → Ongoing

Adjunct Faculty (Professor of Education), Asian University of Women (AUW), Chittagong, Bangladesh
2024

Resource Person / Guest Faculty, Institute of Educational Research (IER), Dhaka University
2020 → 2024

Guest Speaker / Resource Person, Bangladesh Institute of Administration and Management (BIAM)
2018 → 2019

Guest Faculty / Resource Person, Institute of Educational Development, BRAC University
2009 → 2011

Lecturer, Assistant Professor, Associate Professor and Full Professor (English), National University affiliated Colleges - As Member of BCS (Education), Bangladesh
1990 → 2025

Research expertise keywords

Education Policy Inclusive Education Special Education Needs Education Psychology Higher Education Secondary Education Primary Education International Development Sector-Wide Approaches Results-Based Management Monitoring and Evaluation Program Management Policy Formulation Strategic Planning Capacity Building Teacher Professional Development SDG4 Sustainable Development Goals Global Citizenship Education Education for Sustainable Development Rights-Based Approach Gender Equity Social Inclusion SRHR Climate Smart Education Climate Change Adaptation Blended Learning Digital Transformation Fourth Industrial Revolution Education Management Information Systems Quality Assurance Accreditation Curriculum Development Development Planning Project Cycle Management Multi-Donor Coordination Education Reform System Transformation Education Statistics Feasibility Studies Impact Evaluation Knowledge Management Social Justice

📚

Research output

Article

Conference paper

Books

Books Chapter

2024

Is Technology Sufficient to Transform Blended Education? Reflections on Implementing the National Blended Education and Skills Master Plan of Bangladesh

Azam, A.Q.M.S. (2024) 'Is Technology Sufficient to Transform Blended Education? Reflections on Implementing the National Blended Education and Skills Master Plan of Bangladesh', in Blended Learning in Smart Education – Perspectives from South Asia, Aspire to Innovate – a2i (UNDP), February 2024.

Research output : Contribution to chapter › Article › peer-review

Global Citizenship Education in Bangladesh: Exploring School-Level Practices and Perceptions in Promoting Inclusion, Tolerance, Social Justice, and Peace

Azam, A.Q.M.S. (2024) 'Global Citizenship Education in Bangladesh: Exploring School-Level Practices and Perceptions in Promoting Inclusion, Tolerance, Social Justice, and Peace', presented at the Global Citizenship Education Cooperation Centre (GCC) Bangladesh Conference, NAEM, October 2024.

Research output : Contribution to conference › Article › peer-review

2019

Quality Education Data for Achieving SDG4 Targets in Bangladesh: Prospects and Challenges

Azam, A.Q.M.S. (2019) 'Quality Education Data for Achieving SDG4 Targets in Bangladesh: Prospects and Challenges', presented at the 7th International Conference on Data Science and SDGs, Rajshahi University, December 2019.

Research output : Contribution to conference › Article › peer-review

2018

Educational Information: Achieving SDG4 Targets in Bangladesh

Azam, A.Q.M.S. (2018) 'Educational Information: Achieving SDG4 Targets in Bangladesh', presented at the National Conference on Achieving Sustainable Development Goals in Bangladesh, IER, University of Dhaka, April 2018.

Research output : Contribution to conference › Article › peer-review

2017

Inclusive Education in Bangladesh

Azam, A.Q.M.S. (2017) 'Inclusive Education in Bangladesh', presented at the 4th International Conference on Inclusive Education, Asian Centre for Inclusive Education (ACIE), Dhaka, January 2017.

Research output : Contribution to conference › Article › peer-review

2015

Administrators' Preparedness for Inclusive Education Reform

Azam, A.Q.M.S. (2015) 'Administrators' Preparedness for Inclusive Education Reform', PhD Thesis, Faculty of Education, Monash University, Australia.

Research output : Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

2013

Administrators' Preparedness for Inclusive Education Reform

Azam, A.Q.M.S. (2013) 'Administrators' Preparedness for Inclusive Education Reform', presented at the Monash Education Research Community (MERC) Annual Conference, Monash University, Australia, July 2013.

Research output : Contribution to conference › Article › peer-review

2012

Inclusive Education to Ensure Education for All in Bangladesh: Conquering the Challenges

Azam, A.Q.M.S. (2012) 'Inclusive Education to Ensure Education for All in Bangladesh: Conquering the Challenges', presented at the MERC Global Education Systems Day, Monash University, Australia, November 2012.

Research output : Contribution to conference › Article › peer-review

2011

In the Quest of Effective Teaching: Teaching Approaches for Children with Autism – A Challenging Perspective between Theories and Practices

Podder, D. & Azam, A.Q.M.S. (2011) 'In the Quest of Effective Teaching: Teaching Approaches for Children with Autism – A Challenging Perspective between Theories and Practices', NAEM Journal, Vol. 6, Issue 11.

Research output : Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

2010

Teachers' Perception about Inclusive Education in UK Mainstream Primary Schools

Thorpe, A. & Azam, A.Q.M.S. (2010) 'Teachers' Perception about Inclusive Education in UK Mainstream Primary Schools', The International Journal of Interdisciplinary Social Sciences, Volume 5, Issue 3.

Research output : Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

Achieving Education for All (EFA) through Inclusive Approach in Education: Is Bangladesh Ready for It?

Malick, J. & Azam, A.Q.M.S. (2010) 'Achieving Education for All (EFA) through Inclusive Approach in Education: Is Bangladesh Ready for It?', The MASAUM Journal of Social Sciences and Applications, Volume 1, Issue 2; and BRAC University Journal, Volume VI, No. 2, pp. 18.

Research output : Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

Prevalence of Children with Special Needs in Government Primary Schools of Bangladesh

Azam, A.Q.M.S., Ahsan, M.T. & Sayed, A. (2010) 'Prevalence of Children with Special Needs in Government Primary Schools of Bangladesh', NAEM Journal, Vol. 6, Issue 10.

Research output : Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

Sensory Processing for Learning Achievement in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

Azam, A.Q.M.S., Ahsan, M.T. & Sayed, A. (2010) 'Sensory Processing for Learning Achievement in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)', NAEM Journal, Vol. 5, Issue 8.

Research output : Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

A Study of Teachers' Perception about Inclusive Education in UK Mainstream Primary Schools

Azam, A.Q.M.S. (2010) 'A Study of Teachers' Perception about Inclusive Education in UK Mainstream Primary Schools', presented at the 5th International Conference on Interdisciplinary Social Sciences (Virtual), University of Cambridge, UK, August 2010.

Research output : Contribution to conference › Article › peer-review

Achieving EFA through Implementing Inclusive Education: Country Report from Bangladesh

Azam, A.Q.M.S. (2010) 'Achieving EFA through Implementing Inclusive Education: Country Report from Bangladesh', presented at the International Conference on Child Friendly Inclusive Education, IER, University of Dhaka, January 2010.

Research output : Contribution to conference › Article › peer-review

2009

Second Primary Education Development Programme of Bangladesh and Inclusive Education

Azam, A.Q.M.S. (2009) 'Second Primary Education Development Programme of Bangladesh and Inclusive Education', Bangladesh Shiksha Samiksha, Year 6, Number 2.

Research output : Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

2008

Inclusive Education (Poster Presentation)

Azam, A.Q.M.S. (2008) 'Inclusive Education', poster presented at the Erasmus Mundus SEN International Conference 2008 - Inclusive Learning Environment, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic, March 2008.

Research output : Contribution to conference › Article › peer-review

📖

Supervised Work

🤝

Participations

💡

Project

🏆

Awards

2018

Recognized for contribution as National Coordinator for collecting education institutions' data

Professor Dr. AQM Shafiul Azam (Recipient), 2018

Certificate of Award, Bangladesh

2011

Monash Graduate Scholarship (MGS)

Professor Dr. AQM Shafiul Azam (Recipient), 2011

Scholarship, Australia

Monash International Post-Graduate Research Scholarship (MIPRS)

Professor Dr. AQM Shafiul Azam (Recipient), 2011

Scholarship, Australia

2007

Erasmus Mundus Scholarship

Professor Dr. AQM Shafiul Azam (Recipient), 2007

Scholarship,

👥

Membership

Inclusion Initiatives for Special-Needs Bangladesh (IISB) Member