Early Academic Pursuits
Dr. Md Nazrul Islam embarked on his academic journey with a solid foundation in the humanities. He completed his Secondary School Certificate (SSC) in 1991 from Ranapasha Secondary School and his Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) in 1993 from Govt. B.M. College, both with a concentration in Humanities. His higher education began at the University of Dhaka, where he earned a Bachelor of Social Sciences (BSS) in 1996 and a Master of Social Sciences (MSS) in 1997, both in Political Science. His further advanced his studies in international relations at Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Singapore, obtaining a Master of Science (MSc) in 2012. He culminated his formal education with a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Sociology from NTU in 2017.
Professional Endeavors
His professional career commenced in academia, where he served as a Lecturer in Political Science at New Model Degree College, Dhaka, from 2000 to 2003, and then at Jhalakati Govt. College until 2005. He joined Shahjalal University of Science and Technology (SUST) in 2005, where he progressively ascended through the ranks from Lecturer to Professor by 2017. His roles have included significant teaching responsibilities and administrative duties, including supervising undergraduate and graduate theses and conducting seminars.
Contributions and Research Focus
his made substantial contributions to the fields of political science and sociology, particularly focusing on religion and politics, Islamism and democracy, governance and development, and labor studies. His research projects, many funded by SUST Research Center, span diverse areas such as the sociopolitical dynamics in South Asia and the socioeconomic conditions of tea workers in Bangladesh. His doctoral dissertation, "God in Politics: His, Islamism and Democracy in Bangladesh," exemplifies his research focus on the intersection of religion and politics.
Accolades and Recognition
Throughout his academic career, His received numerous scholarships and awards. Notably, he was awarded the NTU Research Scholarship for his PhD studies from 2012 to 2016, and the Student Research Assistant (SRA) Study Award at NTU in 2011-2012. He also received merit scholarships during his undergraduate studies at the University of Dhaka and for his SSC and HSC examinations.
Impact and Influence
His impact is evident in his extensive publication record, which includes books, book chapters, and numerous articles in peer-reviewed journals. His works often explore critical issues in South Asian politics and society, contributing valuable insights into the role of His in political processes and the socioeconomic challenges faced by marginalized communities. His research has been published in esteemed journals such as Labor History, Politics, Religion & Ideology, and International Journal of Environmental Studies.
Legacy and Future Contributions
His legacy is characterized by his commitment to advancing knowledge and fostering academic excellence. His teaching and mentoring have influenced a generation of students and scholars in political science and sociology. As he continues his academic and research endeavors, His is poised to further contribute to the understanding of complex social and political phenomena in South Asia and beyond. His ongoing research projects and publications are expected to continue shaping the discourse in his areas of expertise, ensuring his lasting impact on the academic community.
Notable Publications
Islam, Politics and Secularism in Bangladesh: Contesting the Dominant Narratives
Politics and Islamic Revivalism in Bangladesh: The Role of the State and Non-State/Non-Political Actors
“Environmentalism of the poor”: the Tipaimukh Dam, ecological disasters and environmental resistance beyond borders
Human-animal relationship: Understanding animal rights in the Islamic ecological paradigm
Islam and Democracy: Conflicts and Congruence
Life behind leaves: capability, poverty and social vulnerability of tea garden workers in Bangladesh
The Rampal Power Plant, Ecological Disasters and Environmental Resistance in Bangladesh
Understanding good governance in Islam: A conceptual analysis
Political Islam in South Asia: a critical appraisal of the Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami
Voices of the poor: demystifying the nexus between rights and agency of Bangladesh’s tea workers