Executive Director, Centre for Peace and Justice
Since its inception, CPJ has developed working relationship with various academic institutions like National University of Singapore (NUS), Georgetown University, University of New South Wales (UNSW) and International Institute of Social Studies (ISS) of Erasmus University Rotterdam. CPJ has undertaken training, research and advocacy in response to the Rohingya crisis, together with promotion of paralegalism and civic education for youths.
CPJ has also engaged with various UN agencies (UNDP, UN WOMEN, IOM, UNHCR, WFP) and donors, such as, Open Society Foundation, The Asia Foundation, DFID, USAID and IDRC. CPJ is a founding member of the Asia Justice Coalition, which is chaired by Manzoor Hasan. CPJ has acted as a facilitator to develop a broad network of legal aid and legal empowerment organizations in Bangladesh and other South Asian countries. CPJ and UN Women promoted the establishment of two Women Peace Cafés in two public universities – Begum Rokeya University, Rangpur and Jatiya Kabi Kazi Nazrul Islam University, Mymensingh.
In 2019, CPJ established a Refugee Studies Unit and established a ‘satellite’ office in Ukhiya, Cox’s Bazar to undertake research and other activities related to Rohingya and host communites. This facility is close to the camps, and serves as workstation for CPJ’s researchers and trainers. CPJ has developed partnership with community-based organisations, including educational institutions, in the camps and host community of Ukhiya, Cox’s Bazar.