Leading Impact, Fostering Growth: AIM Master in Development Management Alumnus Advances Sustainable Development in Bangladesh
In the world of international development, where leadership must be anchored in purpose, innovation, and driving sustainable change, few journeys are as inspiring as that of Dr. Md. Muzaffar Ahmed, a 1997 alumnus of the Master in Development Management (MDM) at the Asian Institute of Management (AIM).
Dr. Ahmed’s impactful career in Bangladesh, spanning critical areas from food security to climate resilience, demonstrates how the MDM program cultivates professionals who champion sustainable development across Asia. His professional trajectory reflects the high demand for experts equipped with both purpose and policy acumen in the region’s evolving development landscape.
Today, Dr. Ahmed serves as the Managing Director and Senior Consultant at the Centre for Sustainable Social and Technology Development (CSSTD). With over two decades of leadership experience in both national and international development organizations—including CARE International, Save the Children, WorldFish, and the DFID/Shiree Program—he credits the MDM program as a pivotal force in shaping his professional path.
A Foundation for Leadership
Dr. Ahmed’s decision to pursue graduate studies was driven by a clear vision: to elevate his capacity to serve and lead in the development sector. The MDM program at AIM surpassed his expectations.
“The curriculum and course modules were perfectly aligned with my hopes and aspirations,” he shares. “They equipped me with critical skills that have been invaluable throughout my professional journey.”
Through the program, Dr. Ahmed honed expertise in strategic planning, financial oversight, program management, and donor engagement—skills that continue to define his contributions to large-scale initiatives in Bangladeshi food security, climate resilience, governance, and social protection.
From Classroom to Community Impact
What sets the MDM program apart, according to Dr. Ahmed, is its practical orientation and emphasis on real-world impact. The knowledge gained empowered him to take on key roles in high-impact projects. His post-MDM career is marked by transformative initiatives, including:
- A national-level research project on development needs and public sector performance recognized by the Asian Productivity Organization, Japan.
- An economic empowerment study for Rohingya communities – as Bangladesh shares a border with Myanmar – commissioned by Oxfam.
- The EU-funded LEAN project, focusing on food security in the Chittagong Hill Tracts.
- A World Bank-funded study on adaptive capacity and multiple women’s empowerment programs supported by the European Union.
He shares, “Through these initiatives, I continue to shape sustainable development solutions, influencing policies and improving lives at both national and global levels.”
A Network That Grows With You
Beyond technical competencies, Dr. Ahmed speaks highly of the AIM alumni network, which continues to offer him platforms for collaboration, research, and leadership. His active affiliations with organizations such as the Bangladesh Economic Association (BEA), the International Institute of Fisheries Economics & Trade (IIFET), and Civika have allowed him to stay at the forefront of development discourse and innovation.
“This program is more than an academic journey—it’s a launchpad for high-impact careers in development management.” he exclaims. Through the lens of Dr. Ahmed’s career, the impact of the Master in Development Management program is evident: it nurtures professionals who are capable not just of managing projects, but of shaping policies, leading innovations, and transforming lives.
Learn more about the Master in Development Management at AIM.
