A B M Siddique is the Founder President of Padakhep Manabik Unnayan Kendra, a distinguished freedom fighter, and a visionary economist. He was born in Goila village, in Agoiljhara Upazila of Barisal Division, Bangladesh, and was raised in the port city of Chattogram. In his youth, he responded to the call of the motherland by joining the Liberation War. Academically, he holds an M.Sc. in Agricultural Economics from Bangladesh Agricultural University, a foundation that has fueled his lifelong commitment to rural prosperity. He is widely recognized as an economist and social leader who has dedicated his life to poverty reduction and human development

His professional journey began as an economist at the World Bank and included a formative period at James Finlay, where he combined rigorous research with a vision to transform the lives of tea garden farmers. Following a successful career in government service, he chose to transcend personal achievement in pursuit of building a more equitable society. In 1986, he founded Padakhep Manabik Unnayan Kendra as a grassroots movement to combat poverty.

Under his leadership for more than four decades, Padakhep has grown into one of Bangladesh’s largest and most impactful NGOs. Today, the organization operates nationwide, implementing integrated development programs in areas such as education, healthcare, microfinance, women’s empowerment, agriculture, and climate resilience, supported by a large and dedicated workforce.

As President, A B M Siddique plays a central role in governance, accountability, and strategic direction, ensuring that Padakhep’s mission of promoting equitable and sustainable development is reflected in both policy and practice. He attributes the organization’s achievements to the resilience of its beneficiaries and the unwavering support of the executive committee, general body, partners, and donors in advancing a sustainable future.

Anowara Sharmeen is a distinguished professional whose career reflects a rare combination of insight, strategic acumen, and an enduring commitment to public service. Born into a respected family in Kalabagan, Dhaka, as the daughter of a former MPA and Deputy Minister, she was shaped by a strong tradition of statecraft and humanitarian values from an early age. She holds an M.S.S. in Sociology from the University of Dhaka, along with a Postgraduate Diploma (PGD) in Development Planning from the Planning Academy at Nilkhet.

Over more than three decades in public service, she has made significant contributions to Bangladesh’s agricultural and development sectors. She excelled as Additional Director in the Department of Agricultural Extension Planning, Project Implementation & ICT Wing under the Ministry of Agriculture, she played an important role in advancing agricultural planning, strengthening Project Implementation and promoting the integration of ICT in development initiatives. Her extensive International training and policy-level experience have further deepened her understanding of the country’s development landscape.

Since joining the Board of Directors of Padakhep in 2021, she has been serving as Vice-Chairperson, where she provides steady leadership and strategic guidance. Through her work, she continues to support the organization’s mission by bringing a thoughtful, women-centered perspective that strengthens its commitment to inclusive and sustainable development.

Professor Dr. Md. Mahbubar Rahman is an eminent agricultural scientist and researcher with a remarkable academic and professional career. He holds an M.Sc. in Agricultural Economics from Bangladesh Agricultural University and a Ph.D. in Entomology from ICAR–Indian Agricultural Research Institute, reflecting a strong foundation in scientific excellence.

Throughout his career, Mahbubar Rahman has held several prestigious positions, including serving as vice-Chancellor of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Agricultural University and leading research teams at the Bangladesh Institute of Nuclear Agriculture (BINA) under the Ministry of Agriculture. His work has contributed significantly to strengthening the foundation of agricultural knowledge in Bangladesh.

His leadership in agricultural development has established him as both a scientific pioneer and a capable administrator. Beyond his national contributions, he has played a vital role in institution-building, both as a university Vice-Chancellor and as a leader of high-level research teams. Internationally, he gained distinction as a founding figure in the pesticide division of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), where he contributed to shaping global standards for agricultural safety and sustainability.

Professor Dr. Md. Mahbubar Rahman joined Padakhep’s General Board in 2021 and was elected to the Executive Board on November 17, 2024. As a member of the Board, he provides thoughtful guidance, helping ensure that the organization’s rural initiatives are grounded in scientific evidence, diligence, and enduring values.

Dr. A B M Morshed Alam Siddique is a highly regarded International Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist and Agricultural Economist, and a valued member of Padakhep’s Board. His academic journey began at the prestigious Bangladesh Agricultural University, where he laid a solid foundation in rural economics. Driven by a pursuit of academic distinction, he later advanced his studies in Japan, undertaking higher education and research at the renowned Kyushu and Nihon Universities.

He brings a compelling blend of intellectual depth and international development experience to his work. This global exposure has shaped his nuanced understanding of sustainable agricultural systems and advanced research methodologies, enabling him to apply these insights effectively within Bangladesh’s socio-economic context.

With considerable expertise in research design, data-driven analysis, and global development frameworks, A B M Morshed Alam Siddique contributes meaningfully to sustainable economic planning and policy formulation, particularly in relation to marginalized and rural communities.

Dr. A B M Morshed Alam Siddique joined Padakhep’s General Board in 2012 and was elected to the Executive Board on November 17, 2024. In his role as a Board member, he actively advances the integration of contemporary economic strategies with community-led development, playing a significant role in guiding Padakhep toward a more sustainable and inclusive future for the populations it serves nationwide.

Ms. Nahid Akter is a dynamic and visionary leader who brings a distinguished blend of creative strategy and administrative excellence to the Board of Padakhep. She holds a Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Zoology from the University of Dhaka

As a key leadership figure at Arani Advertising Ltd., Ms. Akter has played a pivotal role in successfully steering the organization through complex, nationwide projects and workshops. Her professional journey is marked by a strong commitment to operational efficiency, team cohesion, and the development of impactful communication strategies that effectively bridge corporate objectives with community needs.

Widely recognized for her contributions to the advertising and communications sector, Ms. Akter currently serves as Executive Director at Arani Advertising Ltd. In this role, she leads digital strategy initiatives and Social and Behavior Change Communication (SBCC) campaigns that drive meaningful societal impact and enhance stakeholder engagement.

Her career also includes extensive experience in management consulting and business development, having worked with organizations such as EADS. She also served as a Representative of BASIS for EADS, further strengthening her expertise in organizational growth, market strategy, and client relationship management.

Ms. Akter is a dedicated advocate for inclusive growth, with a particular focus on leveraging innovative communication and participatory approaches to empower marginalized communities. Her presence on the Board ensures a forward-looking approach to governance, where data-driven decision-making is aligned with a deep commitment to social responsibility.

She joined Padakhep’s General Board in 2021 and was elected to the Executive Board on November 17, 2024. In her current role, she continues to contribute strategic insight and leadership, driven by her passion for sustainable human development and her ability to integrate modern management practices within the non-governmental sector.

Mumtaj Sadina is a respected educator and social researcher who brings a deep understanding of human dynamics to the Board of Padakhep. She holds a postgraduate degree in Anthropology from the University of Dhaka, a discipline that has shaped her perspective on community-led development and cultural change. Her early career in academia included serving as a Lecturer at Lalmatia Mohila College, where she inspired students through her insights into the social fabric of Bangladesh.

Since joining Padakhep in 2012, Mumtaj Sadina has extended her academic expertise into the field, applying it to the grassroots realities of poverty alleviation and social equity. Over the years, she has served multiple terms on the Board, with her leadership reaffirmed on November 17, 2024, through her re-election to continue her work in advancing social transformation.

Her approach is grounded in qualitative research and anthropological methods, ensuring that the organization’s initiatives remain culturally responsive and inclusive. As a member of the Executive Board, she continues to advocate for marginalized communities, effectively bridging academic insight with practical, community-based action to support sustainable change across the country.

Muhutareem Siddique is a board member of Padakhep, contributing a modern, strategic perspective to Bangladesh’s development sector. She holds a Bachelor of Applied Science in Electrical Engineering from the University of Waterloo and a Master of Engineering from Carleton University. She is a licensed Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) with Professional Engineers Ontario and has completed a certification in Data Science and Architecture through programs affiliated with the University of Waterloo and the University of Toronto in Canada

With over a decade of experience in the technology sector, Ms. Siddique has held roles at global organizations including BlackBerry, Rogers Communications, TechInsights, and Ciena, where she contributed to advanced engineering programs. Her work spans the full product lifecycle—from early-stage research and development through to high-volume manufacturing—providing her with a comprehensive understanding of how to translate innovation into scalable, commercially viable solutions. She currently serves as a Principal Photonics Engineer at Jabil, focusing on the design and optimization of high-performance photonic transceivers and data center systems, with an emphasis on analytics-driven development and automation to improve performance and reliability.

Her academic training, combined with industry experience, informs a structured approach to operational efficiency and sustainable business practices. As a member of Padakhep’s Board, she advocates for the modernization of administrative and governance frameworks, promoting alignment between social impact objectives and disciplined organizational management.

Her contributions are centered on enhancing transparency, strengthening project execution, and improving resource utilization. In her role, she helps integrate traditional development models with technology-enabled solutions, supporting the organization’s ability to adapt to changing community needs and maintain a focus on sustainable, inclusive growth