Md. Abu Shahen has been the Director of the Socioenvironmental Research Center Bangladesh (SRCB) since its inception. Born on October 23, 1991, in Nilphamari, Bangladesh, he excelled academically, completing his Dakhil and Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) with distinctions in 2006 and 2008, respectively. He earned a Bachelor of Social Science (Hons.) in Social Work from the University of Rajshahi in 2012, followed by a Master of Social Science (M.S.S.) in 2013 and an MPhil in Public Administration, supported by a fellowship from the Ministry of Education of Bangladesh and the IDA-World Bank. Mr. Shahen has actively participated in the academic community, presenting papers at international conferences and engaging in numerous national workshops and seminars. His research contributions include original studies on various social issues, with several publications in reputable international journals. Currently, he is doing his PhD degree in Social Work at the University of Rajshahi.

Before his role at SRCB, Mr. Shahen served as the Chief Executive Officer of the Bangladesh Research Institute for Development (BRID), and before that, he worked as a Research Associate with the Eco-Social Development Organization (ESDO). His research expertise encompasses a wide range of topics, including climate change, rural and urban development, poverty, health issues, child labor, globalization, disability, and gender-based violence. He has conducted various assessments and studies, including field surveys and impact evaluations, contributing significantly to the understanding of socio-economic challenges in Bangladesh. Mr. Shahen’s work reflects a commitment to addressing pressing socio-environmental issues through research and advocacy, making him a prominent figure in the field of socio-environmental development in Bangladesh.