Mr. Steve Micetic, Fulbrigh scholar, joined CGS as a Researcher on February 03, 2007. Mr. Micetic holds a BS in finance from Azusa Pacific University in Los Angeles, USA. His work contributes to the Centre's State of Governance Report 2007.
CGS held a strategic planning meeting on February 06, 2007 to discuss the ongoing development and long-term plans for the Centre. The discussion was guided by a prospectus prepared by Dr. Ted Thomas who was in attendance at the meeting. In addition to CGS faculty and staff, Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed, Dr. Anwarul Haque and Professor Gowher Rizvi participated in the session.
Mr. Haydory Akbar Ahmed, Research Associate, presented a keynote paper at the workshop organized by Manusher Jonno Foundation on 'Right to Transparent Governance: Bangladesh Perspective' held at CIRDAP auditorium, Dhaka on February 06, 2007.
CGS hosted an alumni meeting and dinner at Rafflesia restaurant in Gulshan, Dhaka on February 07, 2007. Participants and the graduates in the MA program and the faculty were present. Professor Gowher Rizvi attended as a special guest.
MA degrees in Governance and Development were conferred to fifteen students, out of twenty-six, during the BRACU Convocation on February 08, 2007. Professor Dr. Iazuddin Ahmed, President of the People's Republic of Bangladesh was the Chief Guest. Professor J R Choudhury, Vice Chancellor of BRACU was present. Professor Gowher Rizvi, who taught in the MAGD program in 2006, was the Convocation Speaker. MAGD graduate, Ms. Asma Dina Ghani received a Vice Chancellor's medal for her academic achievements.
Dr. Rizwan Khair, Academic Coordinator, made a presentation on research methodology to the participants at the National Defence College, Mirpur, Dhaka on February 15, 2007.
CGS organized a two-week executive education course on 'Sustainable Water Management and Good Governance' for twenty young professionals of the Bangladesh Water Development Board February 17 - March 01 2007 at BCDM Rajendrapur. The course familiarized the participants with principles of good governance and their importance for management of natural resources through a series of lectures, case studies, participatory exercises and participants' presentations. A field trip to Tongi water project was conducted on February 20, 2007 as part of an experiential learning module. The Certificate Awarding Ceremony and closing dinner were held on March 01 2007 at BRAC Inn. Professor J R Choudhury, VC, BRACU chaired the program and HE Mr. Kees Beemstorboer, Ambassador, The Royal Netherlands Embassy, Dhaka was Guest of Honour and distributed the certificates among the participants. Mr. Md. Habibur Rahman, Chief Planning, Bangladesh Water Development Board was also present as a special guest.
Barrister Manzoor Hasan, Director, attended a stakeholders consultative meeting organized by UNDP on the upcoming South Asia Human Development Report. The Report will focus on anti-corruption efforts in the region. The meeting took place on February 22-24, 2007 in Bangkok, Thailand.
Dr. Beata Czajkowska, Dr. David Skully, Dr. Shahnaz Karim and Mr. Sanjan Haque participated in a workshop on case studies development and teaching conducted at BRAC Business School by Professor Richard Cash of Harvard University on February 22, 2007.