TBT REPORT
In a groundbreaking move, the government has appointed Dr. Md. Nazmul Islam, a young academic who was a victim of severe torture by the banned student organization of fascist Sheikh Hasina during his studies at Dhaka University, as Bangladesh’s new ambassador to the Maldives. At just 33 years old, his appointment has generated significant interest and praise within diplomatic circles, marking a rare event in the nation's history.
He is being widely lauded by teachers and students of Dhaka University and various other communities. Dr. Nazmul is celebrated both at home and abroad for his multifaceted talents, wisdom, and resilient life story. His appointment is being seen as a new dawn for Bangladesh's diplomacy.
Appointment Process and Background
According to a gazette notification signed by Abu Saleh Md. Mahfuzul Alam, Deputy Secretary of the Ministry of Public Administration, Dr. Nazmul Islam was given a contractual appointment as the High Commissioner of Bangladesh to the Maldives on July 27th. The notification stipulated that he must relinquish any other professional, business, or employment ties with public, semi-public, or private institutions for a two-year term starting from his date of joining. Subsequently, on August 3rd, an office order signed by Md. Abul Hasan Mridha, Director General (Administration) of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, assigned him as an officer on special duty to the Foreign Ministry and announced his appointment as High Commissioner in Malé.
It is worth noting that in August 2013, he suffered severe injuries, including broken bones in his hands and feet, following torture by the banned student organization of fascist Sheikh Hasina at Dhaka University, allegedly due to his involvement with the student wing of the BNP. This brutal experience led him to leave the country and pursue higher education abroad. This difficult period fueled his deep interest in geopolitics, which has today established him on the global stage.
The Talents of an Academic and Diplomat
A native of Noakhali district, Dr. Nazmul Islam was a student in the Department of Peace and Conflict Studies at Dhaka University from 2009-10 and completed his master's degree in 2014. He then received a scholarship from the Turkish government to pursue a Ph.D. at Ankara Yildirim Beyazit University, where he later became an associate professor.
His academic contributions are recognized internationally. He has authored numerous books and research articles, which are preserved in the libraries of top universities worldwide, including MIT, Harvard, and Oxford. One of his most notable theories is "Power of Bonding," which has received widespread acclaim in the field of international relations.
In addition to his professorship in Turkey, he served as a special advisor to the Foreign Relations and Protocol Department of the Turkish Parliament, a rare honor for a non-citizen in its century-long history. Furthermore, Dr. Nazmul was appointed to the US Department of State’s Foreign Service Institute for South Asia, where he serves as a guest lecturer. He has also represented Bangladesh in various important forums, including the UN, OIC, and the Inter-Parliamentary Union. His diplomatic and academic efforts to address crises, such as the Rohingya issue and minority problems in different countries, have been particularly noteworthy.
A Courageous Role in the Mass Uprising
Dr. Nazmul's personal life is a testament to resilience and struggle. During the tumultuous days of the 2024 mass uprising, he took a strong stance in favor of the movement in both international media and civil society. His courageous role has earned him widespread praise both at home and abroad, making him an inspirational figure for the new generation.
