Governing Body

Mrs. Monowara Begum is a distinguished leader in the NGO sector in Bangladesh, commended for her pioneering work in women’s empowerment, community development, and sustainable livelihoods. As the founder and Executive Director of PROTTYASHI, she has dedicated over forty years to advancing the rights and welfare of marginalized communities, with a special focus on women and children.

Under Mrs. Begum’s visionary leadership, PROTTYASHI has not only made significant strides in humanitarian response, such as early interventions for Rohingya refugees and ongoing support in Cox’s Bazar and Bhasanchar, but has also transformed its microfinance program into one of the top 20 microfinance providers in the country. Her strategic oversight has been crucial in
shaping this program, which now plays a vital role in supporting sustainable livelihoods for countless individuals.

Mrs. Begum’s commitment to creating a positive work environment at PROTTYASHI is equally noteworthy. Her efforts to foster a supportive and productive workplace reflect her broader dedication to excellence and ethical practices. Beyond PROTTYASHI, she has served as Chairperson of the Association of Development Agencies in Bangladesh (ADAB) and as a member of the PKSF
Board, Vice-Chairperson of Scouts Movement in Chattogram to foster volunteerism and youth engagement, pivotal role in nurturing women NGO leader forum, advocating for enhanced NGO networks and collaboration with the government.

Her academic background, including a Master of Arts in Islamic History & Culture from Chittagong University, combined with extensive international training, underscores her expertise and dedication. Mrs. Begum’s ongoing commitment to social justice and community development continues to inspire and drive impactful change across Bangladesh.

Syed Shahid Uddin is a dedicated development & humanitarian professional, serving as the Deputy Executive Director at PROTTYASHI. His leading role includes organizational development and driving institutional capacity building. With over a decade of experience at PROTTYASHI, Mr. Shahid’s expertise spans program development, resource mobilization, and donor management. He excels in cross-departmental collaboration and has a strong track record in overseeing humanitarian response initiatives, including emergency programs at Cox’s Bazar and Bhasanchar.

Mr. Shahid holds an MBA and BBA in Marketing from the University of Science and Technology in Chattogram, complemented by certifications in humanitarian standards and leadership skills. His proactive approach in staff supervision, program management, and strategic communication underscores his commitment to social development and community mobilization. His background in managing donor relations and executing project goals demonstrates his capacity to lead and innovate within the development and humanitarian sector. Mr. Shahid’s career is marked by his dedication to advancing social programs and his ability to navigate complex development landscapes effectively.

Mr. Shahid is particularly passionate about innovating solutions through social business and enterprise development to alleviate poverty and women economic empowerment. He has demonstrated expertise in market system and value chain development, notably leading PROTTYASHI’s social business initiatives, including the GRASSROOTS project. These initiatives focus on empowering rural women artisans, injecting technology, and exploring international market opportunities. His innovative approaches have significantly expanded the social business, benefiting artisans and driving economic growth in underserved communities and contributing to poverty graduation.

Mohammad Nasim Haider has been a pivotal leader at PROTTYASHI since 1998, serving as the Director of the Microfinance Program. With a Master’s and Bachelor’s in Social Science from National University, he brings over two decades of in-depth experience in microfinance management. His role involves not only overseeing program operations and ensuring effective implementation but also enhancing workforce accountability and addressing field staff discrepancies.

Mr. Nasim is recognized for his exceptional leadership and organizational development skills, adeptly managing and motivating teams across various departments. His strategic vision includes cross-departmental collaboration to streamline processes and improve overall efficiency. He has received specialized training in microfinance management, communication, and rights-based approaches, furthering his capability to lead and innovate within the organization.

His dedication to advancing microfinance initiatives and improving organizational effectiveness is evident through his extensive hands-on experience and practical knowledge. Mr. Nasim’s leadership is instrumental in driving PROTTYASHI’s mission forward and achieving its goals in community development and financial stability contributing to its core business.