Faculty & Staff Directory

Dr. Shamim Jubayer is a Bangladeshi public health professional and researcher with expertise in hypertension control, tobacco dependence treatment, oral health, and noncommunicable disease prevention. He is associated with the National Heart Foundation of Bangladesh, where he has contributed to research, program management, and primary care strengthening initiatives. His work reflects a strong commitment to improving access to quality care, promoting community awareness, and supporting evidence-based public health interventions in Bangladesh.

Mustak Hassan Md Iftekhar is an accomplished public servant, health economist, and social sector researcher with more than 35 years of experience spanning social, economic, industrial, and health reform & restructuring. He is currently a Consultant for Large Scale Food Fortification at the National Heart Foundation of Bangladesh, where he leads evidence-based advocacy for fortified edible oil, safety & quality and cost-effective packaging. Throughout his career, Mr. Iftekhar has demonstrated exceptional leadership in building and modernizing organizations. He served as the Founder Chairman and CEO of the Bangladesh Food Safety Authority, establishing its strategic framework and regulatory foundation. As Chairman and CEO of the Bangladesh Small & Cottage Industries Corporation, he managed 26 industrial projects and promoted high-quality salt fortification. His extensive background includes senior roles as Joint Secretary for the Ministry of Industries and Line Director of the Health Economics Unit. In the Ministry of Industries, he was actively involved with edible oil fortification. An active researcher, he has conducted 16 studies, often collaborating with the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. Mr. Iftekhar holds an M.Sc. in Health Economics from the University of York, UK, and a Master of Laws from the University of Rajshahi.

Dr Mahfuzur Rahman Bhuiyan is a public health professional with specific interest on non-communicable diseases (NCD). He graduated MBBS and later completed Master of Public Health from The University of Melbourne, Australia. During his career path, he worked for World Health Organization as National Consultant; Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids, USA as Grants Manager. Currently working for National Heart Foundation of Bangladesh as Additional Program Director, Bangladesh Hypertension Control Initiative in Department of Epidemiology and Research. He also looks after the Road Safety and Injury Prevention program as Project Director. JICA SHASTO2 Project as Country Lead and Quality Improvement Consultant.

Dr. Ummay Afroza (Tamanna) is a public health professional and epidemiologist with over eight years of experience in research, program implementation, and evidence-based public health initiatives. She currently serves as a Senior Program Officer in the Department of Epidemiology & Research at the National Heart Foundation Hospital & Research Institute, Bangladesh. Her expertise lies in epidemiological research, data analysis, and the design and implementation of large-scale public health interventions, particularly in the field of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). She has played a key role in multiple national and international research projects focusing on cardiovascular health, nutrition policy, and sodium reduction strategies. Dr. Afroza has collaborated with leading global organizations, including the World Health Organization (WHO), Johns Hopkins University, Resolve to Save Lives, USA, and the Gates Foundation. She has contributed to several peer-reviewed publications in high-impact journals, addressing critical public health challenges such as dietary sodium intake, food labeling, and NCD prevention. Her work is driven by a commitment to translating research into policy and practice to improve population health outcomes in Bangladesh.

Abu Jafor serving as a Senior Communications Officer at the Department of Epidemiology and Research, National Heart Foundation Hospital & Research Institute, Dhaka. He designs and drives integrated media campaigns to advance tobacco control law amendments and taxation reforms in Bangladesh. With over a decade of experience across journalism and public health communication, he brings deep expertise in media advocacy, policy messaging, and public engagement. He actively collaborates with journalists to generate evidence-based, in-depth reporting that influences policy discourse, while leading digital and social media campaigns to build public demand for stronger tobacco control measures. Before transitioning to public health, he held key editorial roles at leading national outlets including Daily Samakal, Bangladesh Pratidin, and RTV Online, and began his career at Radio Padma. His journalism background enables him to translate complex policy issues into compelling narratives. Abu Jafor has represented Bangladesh at international advocacy platforms in Thailand, Kenya, and Morocco. He holds a Master’s degree in Mass Communication and Journalism from the University of Rajshahi.

Ishrat Azam Ishita is a public health nutrition professional with a strong background in nutrition, food systems, and evidence-based policy advocacy in Bangladesh. She holds a Master of Science in Food and Nutrition and currently works as a Project Officer in the Epidemiology and Research Department at the National Heart Foundation and Research Institute, where she contributes to large-scale initiatives on food fortification, dietary risk reduction, and cardiovascular disease prevention. Her experience spans research, field-based studies, and community engagement across South Asia, along with contributions to systematic reviews, including work on mustard oil and health outcomes. She has been actively involved in nutrition policy, program evaluation, and stakeholder engagement, with a focus on translating research evidence into actionable public health interventions. Her professional interests lie at the intersection of nutrition, public health research, and policy implementation, with a commitment to improving population health through culturally relevant and sustainable strategies.

I am a physician-researcher with a strong foundation in public health research, clinical trials, and health systems strengthening. My research journey began at the Centre for Injury Prevention and Research, Bangladesh (CIPRB), where I developed practical experience in injury epidemiology and prevention. I subsequently joined the Center of Excellence for Health Systems and Universal Health Coverage at BRAC James P. Grant School of Public Health as a Research Medical Officer, where I worked on implementation research and strategies to advance universal health coverage. At Projahnmo Research Foundation, I served as a Study Physician on several impactful projects, including the Moderna vaccine trial, the ACTION-I follow-up cohort study, and a PSBI caregiver-centric outcome study. These experiences strengthened my skills in clinical trial operations, ethical research conduct, and both qualitative and quantitative data collection. Currently, I am working as a Divisional Program Officer in the Bangladesh Hypertension Control Initiative (BHCI) at the Department of Epidemiology and Research, National Heart Foundation Hospital and Research Institute. In this role, I am involved in program implementation and strengthening health systems for non-communicable disease control. Across these roles, I have developed strong competencies in clinical research, data collection and analysis, and evidence-based program implementation. I am deeply committed to generating research that informs policy and improves health outcomes, particularly in underserved and resource-limited settings.

Dr. Progga Mahajabin is a public health professional with over five years of experience in noncommunicable disease (NCD) prevention and health system strengthening in Bangladesh. She currently serves as a Program Officer in the Department of Epidemiology and Research at the National Heart Foundation. In this role, she supports policy development, stakeholder engagement, and the implementation of national strategies aimed at reducing cardiovascular risk factors. Her work focuses on evidence generation and policy advocacy, particularly in areas such as noncommunicable disease prevention, cardiovascular health, dietary risk reduction, and public health research. She contributes to translating research evidence into actionable public health policies and programs. Dr. Mahajabin has been actively involved in the development of the National Dietary Salt and Sodium Reduction Strategy and Roadmap for Bangladesh (2025–2030), supporting national efforts to address diet-related health risks and improve population health outcomes. She is committed to advancing equitable, evidence-driven, and sustainable public health interventions to reduce the burden of NCDs and strengthen health systems in Bangladesh.

I am a doctor, having completed my MBBS from Army Medical College, Jashore, and my MPH from the National Institute of Preventive and Social Medicine (NIPSOM). I am currently serving as the Divisional Surveillance Medical Officer in the Khulna Zone under the Hypertension Control Initiative Program of the National Heart Foundation of Bangladesh. In this role, I regularly visit NCD Corners at Upazila Health Complexes across five districts of the Khulna division, where I monitor and oversee the ongoing activities of the NCD program.

Dr. Ahsan is a dedicated public health professional with a strong academic and clinical background. He holds a postgraduate degree in Public Health from the National Institute of Preventive and Social Medicine (NIPSOM), Bangladesh, and is currently serving as a Surveillance Medical Officer in the Bangladesh Hypertension Control Initiative at the National Heart Foundation Hospital and Research Institute. With over four years of experience in public health practice and more than five years of teaching experience in medical colleges and universities, Dr. Ahsan has worked extensively with both Bangladeshi and international students. His professional journey reflects a balance among field implementation, academic engagement, and research, underscoring his commitment to advancing public health outcomes. Driven by an aptitude for continuous learning and professional growth, Dr. Ahsan strives to contribute meaningfully to reputable institutions and the wider community. His work is guided by a vision to strengthen health systems and improve population health.

Md. Sazzad Hossain is a public health professional and registered pharmacist with over 15 years of experience in healthcare program management, pharmaceutical quality control, and business development. He currently serves as Program Officer for the Hypertension Control Program at the National Heart Foundation of Bangladesh, in collaboration with the DGHS, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, and RESOLVE to Save Lives (USA). In this role, he leads district-level program activities, supports Upazila Health Officers, and ensures effective monitoring and reporting to strengthen hypertension detection, treatment, and follow-up at the primary healthcare level. Sazzad has authored six publications in the field of public health and pharmacology, and his research contributions are accessible via his Google Scholar and ResearchGate profiles. He holds an M.Pharm in Clinical Pharmacology, an Executive MBA in Marketing, and an MPH, reflecting his multidisciplinary expertise. Recognized for his analytical skills, leadership, and commitment to advancing public health, he continues to drive impactful initiatives that improve patient outcomes and strengthen health systems in Bangladesh.

I am an Anthropologist and currently serve in a collaborative public health program involving the National Heart Foundation of Bangladesh, Non-Communicable Disease Control (NCDC), and Resolve to Save Lives (USA). My experience includes 1.5 years as a Research Officer and 4 years as a Divisional Program Officer for the Bangladesh Hypertension Control Initiative, National Heart Foundation of Bangladesh. Additionally, I have 4 years of experience in qualitative research in public health in Bangladesh. My background in program administration, strategic planning, and community-based program execution has enabled me to lead initiatives that raise awareness among community, conduct screening HTN and DM campaigns, and implement evidence-based programs and research. I have contributed to three articles in reputable journals and drafted several original research papers. These achievements reflect my commitment to advancing knowledge and delivering meaningful results in my field. My research and analytical skills allow me to evaluate epidemiological data, assess program effectiveness, and identify areas for improvement. Through collaboration with governmental organizations, healthcare providers, local leaders, and international partners, I have achieved program goals and built lasting relationships.

Dr Md Mashuk Shahriar is a public health professional with a Master of Public Health (MPH) and extensive experience in research, policy analysis, and programmatic work in Bangladesh. His expertise spans health systems strengthening, sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), non-communicable diseases (NCDs), and nutrition policy. He has been actively engaged in evidence generation and policy advocacy, particularly in areas such as edible oil fortification, and food safety. Mashuk has contributed to multiple research and advocacy initiatives, including cost-effectiveness analyses, community-based interventions, and national-level policy documents aimed at improving population health outcomes. His work reflects a strong focus on translating research into actionable policy, with experience in stakeholder engagement, technical writing, and program evaluation. He has also been involved in collaborations with national and international partners, contributing to reports, policy briefs, and research outputs addressing critical public health challenges in Bangladesh. His professional interests lie at the intersection of research, policy, and implementation, with a commitment to advancing equitable and sustainable health systems.

I am Dr. Aruna Sarker, MBBS, MPH (Epidemiology), a public health physician currently serving as the Program Coordinator of the Tobacco Control Program at the Department of Epidemiology and Research, National Heart Foundation Hospital & Research Institute, Dhaka, Bangladesh. My professional work focuses on epidemiological research, tobacco control advocacy, and public health program coordination, with particular emphasis on the prevention of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and strengthening evidence-based tobacco control policies. I have been involved in several research initiatives addressing cardiovascular health and its associated risk factors. My research experience includes studies on dyskalemia among hypertensive patients and sleep-related health problems among Bangladeshi adults. I have practical expertise in research design, data collection, and statistical analysis, utilizing software such as SPSS, R, and NVivo for quantitative and qualitative research. In addition, I actively contribute to research proposal development, stakeholder engagement, organize different advocacy event and scientific communication. My research findings have been published in peer-reviewed international journals, reflecting my commitment to advancing evidence-based public health practice and policy development.

Jubaida Akhtar is currently working as a Research Medical Officer in the Department of Epidemiology and Research at the NHFH&RI. She holds a Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) from University Dental College and a Master of Public Health (MPH) from North South University. Her research focuses on non-communicable diseases (NCDs), particularly in areas such as hypertension control, salt reduction initiatives, and tobacco-related studies. She is actively involved in the Bangladesh Hypertension Control Initiative, contributing to the development of models for screening, detection, and management of hypertension in rural primary healthcare settings. She has also played a key role in implementing a community-based teleconsultation model for hypertension treatment and management. In addition, she works on tobacco cessation and has contributed to piloting and launching the first tobacco quitline service in Bangladesh. She has authored and co-authored several national and international publications related to NCD prevention and control.

Dr. Aliva Haque Lorin is currently working as a Medical Officer in the Department of Epidemiology and Research at the National Heart Foundation Hospital and Research Institute, Mirpur, Dhaka. She holds a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) degree and has completed her Master of Public Health (MPH) with a specialization in Epidemiology. Her professional journey reflects a strong commitment to public health research and policy implementation, with a focus on non-communicable diseases (NCDs), nutritional epidemiology, and health systems research. She has actively contributed to large-scale initiatives, including food fortification advocacy and hypertension screening programs, working towards evidence-based strategies for disease prevention. Dr. Lorin has hands-on experience in research methodology, data analysis, and program management, utilizing robust scientific approaches to address public health priorities. Her work is guided by the objective of advancing health outcomes through impactful research, targeted interventions, and enhanced public health surveillance.