2011 to 2015
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Education Psychology
Faculty of Education, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia

2007 to 2008
Master of Arts in Special Education Needs (Magistr, joint degree)
Roehampton University (UK), Fontys University of Applied Science (Netherlands), and Charles University (Czech Republic)

1998 to 1999
Postgraduate Diploma in Development Planning
National Academy of Planning and Development (NAPD), Ministry of Planning, Dhaka

1986 to 1987
Master of Arts (MA) in English Literature
Department of English, Chittagong University, Bangladesh

1983 to 1986
Bachelor of Arts (BA) in English Literature
Department of English, Chittagong University, Bangladesh

1999 and 2002
Professional development courses
Planning, Management and Evaluation in Education (1999), Homerton College, University of Cambridge, UK
Decentralized Planning Process in Education (2002), School of Education, Birmingham University, UK

Trainings attended

Oct to Nov 2025

Leadership and negotiation, Asian Development Bank

Developing Leadership Skill (November 2025) and Negotiation Strategies for Development Practices (October 2025), at NAPD, Bangladesh

Nov to Dec 2021

School management post-COVID-19

Study visit on best practices, London and Scotland, UK

Dec 2019

Educational information management

Planning and management of integrated EMIS, Toronto, Canada

2018

Education statistics development

National Strategy for Development of Education Statistics, supported by UNESCO Institute for Statistics

Aug to Oct 2015

Quality assurance in higher education

Quality Assurance Program at MTC Global, Bangalore, India (October 2015); Peer Reviewer Training, University Grants Commission, Bangladesh (August 2015)

2001 to 2003

Procurement, financial management, and computing

World Bank procurement, Administrative Staff College of India (2001); Financial Management, Bangladesh Institute of Management (2003); Computer Applications, BUET (2002 to 2003)

Training led and delivered

Led capacity building for more than 100,000 education professionals. Selected programs:

• Inclusive education training, PEDP2 (2008 to 2011): Course Director and Lead Trainer for 60,932 head teachers, 2,740 field officers, and 132 master trainers.
• Pre-primary education training, PEDP2 (2008 to 2012): interim package training for 37,672 pre-primary teachers, field officers, and head teachers.
• Inclusive education and autism awareness, PEDP3 (2017 to 2020): Resource Person for 58,900 head teachers.
• Psychosocial first aid for secondary teachers, with BRAC IED and DSHE (2023 to 2025): Advisor and Resource Person.
• Basic ICT training of trainers for head teachers and education managers (2024 to 2025): Lead Trainer and Advisor.
• Ethics Education Fellowship training for grade 6 teachers, BIAM Foundation (February 2025): Lead Facilitator.
• National Integrity Strategy and SDG trainings for BANBEIS officials (2018 to 2019): Course Director and Lead Trainer.

Teaching

Academic appointments

1990 to 2025

Lecturer, Assistant Professor, Associate Professor, and Professor (English)

National University affiliated colleges, as a member of BCS (Education)

• Taught English language and literature at undergraduate and graduate level and developed course materials and assessment strategies.
• Examiner in English language and literature for BA (Hons) and MA examinations under National University.

2024

Adjunct Faculty (Professor of Education)

Asian University for Women, Chittagong

• Course: Understanding Education Policy: Formulation, Analysis and Implementation (MA in Education).
• Supervised student research projects and mentored graduate students.

2020 to 2024

Resource Person and Guest Faculty

Institute of Educational Research (IER), Dhaka University

Guest lectures on education policy, research methodology, inclusive education, and system transformation. External examiner for MA theses in Education.

2018 to 2019

Guest Speaker and Resource Person

Bangladesh Institute of Administration and Management (BIAM)

Sessions on education policy, development planning, and administrative reform.

2009 to 2011

Guest Faculty and Resource Person

Institute of Educational Development, BRAC University

Sessions on education policy, research methods, and contemporary educational issues.

Ongoing

Resource Person and Guest Speaker

National Academy for Education Management (NAEM)

Training on education management, policy implementation, and quality assurance. Reviewer of institutional research proposals.

Journal articles, book chapters, and thesis

1. Azam, A.Q.M. Shafiul (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.
2. Azam, A.Q.M. Shafiul (2015). Administrators' Preparedness for Inclusive Education Reform. PhD thesis, Faculty of Education, Monash University, Australia.
3. Anis, F., Prashad, D., and Azam, A.Q.M. Shafiul (2011). 'In the Quest of Effective Teaching-Learning Approaches for Children with Autism: A Challenging Perspective between Theories and Practices.' NAEM Journal, Vol. 6, Issue 11.
4. Thorpe, A. and Azam, A.Q.M. Shafiul (2010). 'Teachers' Perception about Inclusive Education in UK Mainstream Primary Schools.' The International Journal of Interdisciplinary Social Sciences, Vol. 5, Issue 3.
5. Azam, A.Q.M. Shafiul and Mullick, J. (2010). 'Achieving Education for All (EFA) through Inclusive Approach in Education: Is Bangladesh Ready for It?' The MASAUM Journal of Social Sciences and Applications, Vol. 1, Issue 2, and BRAC University Journal, Vol. VI, No. 2, pp. 1-8.
6. Azam, A.Q.M. Shafiul, Ahsan, M.T., and Sayed, A. (2010). 'Prevalence of Children with Special Needs in Government Primary Schools of Bangladesh.' NAEM Journal, Vol. 5, Issue 10.
7. Azam, A.Q.M. Shafiul, Ahsan, M.T., and Sayed, A. (2010). 'Sensory Processing for Learning Development in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).' NAEM Journal, Vol. 5, Issue 9.
8. Azam, A.Q.M. Shafiul, Ahsan, M.T., and Sayed, A. (2009). 'Second Primary Education Development Programme of Bangladesh and Inclusive Education.' Bangladesh Shiskha Samoiki (Bengali periodical), Year 6, Number 2.

Conference presentations (selected)

• 'Global Citizenship Education in Bangladesh: Exploring School-Level Practices and Perceptions.' GCED Cooperation Centre Bangladesh Conference, NAEM, October 2024.
• 'Quality Education Data for Achieving SDG4 Targets in Bangladesh: Prospects and Challenges.' 7th International Conference on Data Science and SDGs, Rajshahi University, December 2019.
• 'Educational Information: Achieving SDG4 Targets in Bangladesh.' National Conference on Achieving SDGs in Bangladesh, IER, University of Dhaka, April 2018.
• 'Inclusive Education in Bangladesh.' 4th International Conference on Inclusive Education, Asian Centre for Inclusive Education, Dhaka, January 2017.
• 'Administrators' Preparedness for Inclusive Education Reform.' Monash Education Research Community (MERC) Annual Conference, Monash University, July 2013.
• 'Inclusive Education to Ensure Education for All in Bangladesh: Conquering the Challenges.' MERC Global Education Systems Day, Monash University, November 2012.
• 'A Study of Teachers' Perception about Inclusive Education in UK Mainstream Primary Schools.' 5th International Conference on Interdisciplinary Social Sciences (virtual), University of Cambridge, August 2010.
• 'Achieving EFA through Implementing Inclusive Education: Country Report from Bangladesh.' International Conference on Child Friendly Inclusive Education, IER, University of Dhaka, January 2010.
• 'Inclusive Education' poster. Erasmus Mundus SEN International Conference, Charles University, Prague, March 2008.

Editorial and advisory roles

• Associate Editor, The International Journal of Interdisciplinary Social Sciences, Vol. 5, Issue 3 (2010)
• Advisory Board Member, Education Watch Group report School Education in Bangladesh: Post-Pandemic Resilience and Sustainability, CAMPE (2023)
• Research proposal reviewer, National Academy for Education Management (NAEM)

Keynotes & International Forums

Keynote addresses

• Transforming Education Summit and Follow-Up Actions, National Sharing Workshop, SHED (December 2022)
• Reimagining Secondary Education for the 21st Century: Bangladesh Perspective, University of Dhaka (August 2022)
• Envisioning the Future of Higher Education, 1st International Higher Education Conference, DSHE and Michigan State University (February 2023)
• Accelerating Blended Education for Smart Bangladesh, Accelerators Network, World Economic Forum, ICT Division, and UNDP (May 2023)
• SDG4: Pathway Towards Smart Education, National Consultation Workshop, DSHE (May 2023)
• Situation of SRHR and Education in Bangladesh, 8th SRHR Knowledge Fair, Share-Net Bangladesh (September 2023)
• Smart Education and Smart Employment to Boost Smart Economy, Ministry of Education with a2i (June 2024)
• Promoting Empathy in Education through SDG 4.7 Initiatives, Ministry of Education (September 2024)
• Action Plan for Implementation of the National Social Security Strategy, General Economic Division and Prime Minister's Office (March 2022)

Bangladesh delegations and country presentations

Represented Bangladesh at more than 30 international forums, including:

• UN Transforming Education Summit, New York (September 2022)
• UNESCO Asia-Pacific Regional Education Ministers' Conference II, Bangkok (June 2022)
• G20 Education Ministers Meeting, Pune, India (June 2023)
• World Economic Forum Annual Meeting, Davos (May 2022)
• Education World Forum, London (2022 and 2023)
• Commonwealth Education Ministers Action Group and Commonwealth Accelerated Development Mechanism for Education, London (May 2023)
• UNESCO policy guide launch on addressing hate speech through education, Kathmandu (June 2023)

• Inclusive education, special educational needs, and disability rights
• Education policy, system reform, and education leadership
• SDG4 monitoring, education statistics, and evidence-based planning
• Quality assurance and accreditation in higher education
• Blended learning, digital transformation, and artificial intelligence in education management
• Gender equity, adolescent health, and sexual and reproductive health rights in education
• Climate-smart education and education for sustainable development

Research studies supervised and led (selected)

Supervised or led more than 15 commissioned studies for policy and program development, including:

• Teacher Policy Review towards the Comprehensive National Teacher Strategy, UNESCO CapED Program (2022 to 2025)
• Digital Learning Impact Study, with Sajida Foundation and Khan Academy (2025)
• Digital Lab Access in Bangladesh, with Florida International University and Singapore Management University (2024)
• Feasibility Study for the LAISE project, including an Environmental and Social Systems Assessment (2023)
• Female Secondary School Stipend Program Evaluation, supported by ADB (2022)
• Higher Secondary Education Situational Analysis, USAID BMEL activity (2021)
• Adolescent Menstrual Health Study, WaterAid Bangladesh with Burnet Institute and BRAC James P Grant School of Public Health (2022 to 2025)
• Six commissioned BANBEIS studies (2018 to 2019) on teacher education, library facilities, technical education and the job market, joyful teaching-learning, WASH facilities, ICT teacher training, and challenges for rural girl students

2018
Certificate of Award
BANBEIS, Ministry of Education
For contribution as National Coordinator for the nationwide online collection of education institution data.

2011 to 2015
Monash International Post-Graduate Research Scholarship and Monash Graduate Scholarship
Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
For doctoral study and research.

2007 to 2008
Erasmus Mundus Scholarship
European Commission
For the joint MA in Special Education Needs at three European universities.

• Working Group Member, Education Watch Reports, Campaign for Popular Education (CAMPE)
• Member, National Technical/Working Committee for Implementation of Transforming Education in Bangladesh, SHED, Ministry of Education
• Member, National Technical/Working Committee for Monitoring Implementation Progress of SDG4 in Bangladesh, SHED, Ministry of Education
• Member, Project Steering Committee for the GCED Cooperation Center, NAEM, with APCEIU
• Member, Generation Unlimited (GenU) Bangladesh Youth Education, Skills and Training Taskforce
• Member, Bangladesh Civil Service General Education Cadre
• Member, Inclusion Initiatives for Special-Needs Bangladesh (IISB)
• Member, Administrative Staff College of India (ASCI), Hyderabad
• Member, Erasmus Mundus Alumni Association; Roehampton University International Alumni; Monash University International Alumni; Monash Education Research Community (MERC)
• Member, Dhaka Officers Club, Dhaka

Jan to Feb 2025

Director General (Acting Charge)

Directorate of Secondary and Higher Education (DSHE), Ministry of Education

• Led operations of a directorate overseeing more than 30,000 institutions serving 15 million students with 500,000+ teachers.
• Managed annual development budget allocation and monitoring across projects worth $500+ million.

Dec 2020 to Dec 2025

Director, Planning and Development Wing

DSHE, Ministry of Education

• Designed the $300 million Learning Acceleration in Secondary Education (LAISE) project, funded by the World Bank (2023 to 2028).
• Helped secure $350 million in new financing: $300 million from ADB and a $50 million GPE grant for the NextGen Education Program.
• Provided oversight of the Secondary Education Development Program (SEDP) and supervised 10+ concurrent projects valued at $500+ million.
• Advised the Minister and Secretary on Transforming Education Summit follow-up, the Blended Education Master Plan, and the National Teacher Strategy.
• Project Director (additional charge), Generation Breakthrough Project Phase 2, funded by UNFPA (2018 to 2022).

Jan to Dec 2020

Secretary

Bangladesh Accreditation Council (BAC), Ministry of Education

• Developed quality assurance standards and guidelines and supported implementation of the Bangladesh National Qualification Framework.
• Co-drafted the Bangladesh Accreditation Council laws, rules, and regulations.

Jan 2018 to Dec 2019

Chief, DLP Division and Research Wing

Bangladesh Bureau of Educational Information and Statistics (BANBEIS), Ministry of Education

• Led development of the National Indicator Framework and the National Strategy for Development of Education Statistics under UNESCO CapED.
• Supervised eight major research studies and led editorial work on Bangladesh Education Statistics 2017.

Nov 2015 to Dec 2017

Lead Program Support Consultant / Program Coordination Consultant

Third Primary Education Development Program (PEDP3), Ministry of Primary and Mass Education

• Coordinated a sector-wide program co-financed by the Government of Bangladesh and nine development partners.
• Led design of the PEDP4 program document as Lead Consultant.

May to Nov 2015

Deputy Director, Quality Assurance Unit

University Grants Commission of Bangladesh, Higher Education Quality Enhancement Project (HEQEP)

Led establishment of quality assurance mechanisms and monitored Institutional Quality Assurance Cell activities in universities.

Nov 2008 to Apr 2011

Deputy Director (Policy and Operations), Head of Inclusive Education Cell and Pre-Primary Education Cell

Second Primary Education Development Program (PEDP2), Directorate of Primary Education

• Led national rollout of inclusive education to 60,932 schools.
• Developed four action plans on children with disabilities, tribal children, vulnerable children, and gender.
• Launched the Pre-Primary Operational Framework (2008) and Interim Package on Pre-Primary Education (2010).

Jan 1998 to Aug 2003

Assistant Chief of Planning

Ministry of Primary and Mass Education, Government of Bangladesh

Contributed to primary education policies and strategic plans, analyzed data for planning, and monitored primary education projects.

1990 to 2025

Lecturer to Professor (English)

National University affiliated colleges, BCS (Education)

Teaching, research, and academic leadership, with administrative roles at the Ministry, UGC, BAC, DPE, BANBEIS, and DSHE.