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Nirmol Bangladesh

Dr. Maria Zaman
Dr. Maria Zaman

Head of the Division

Division of Earth, Ocean and Climate Science,
Nirmol Bangladesh

Contact Details

Email:
Official: maria_zaman@nirmol-bangladesh.org
Personal: mariazaman23@gmail.com
Mobile
Home: +88-02-9138590
Mobile: +880-1726298229

Address:
House No. 117/1, Road No. 6, Mohammadi Housing Society, Mohammadpur, Dhaka-1207, Bangladesh
Office:

Room-402, 91, Uttara-11, Dhaka-1230
Office Hour:
9 AM – 5 PM

Social Media

Dr. Maria Zaman is a distinguished Bangladeshi academic, researcher, and environmental advocate with over 15 years of multifaceted experience in education, research, and development. As the Assistant Professor and Head of the Department of Marine Fisheries and Aquaculture at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Maritime University (BSMRMU), Dhaka, she has been instrumental in advancing research and education in fisheries, aquaculture, and marine sciences.

Dr. Zaman’s academic journey reflects her passion for scientific inquiry and environmental stewardship. She holds a Ph.D. in Fisheries from the University of Dhaka, where her groundbreaking doctoral research focused on the migration and bioenergetics of selected fish species in Bangladesh. Her expertise spans various disciplines, including climate change, biodiversity conservation, environmental pollution, disaster management, and coastal afforestation.

In addition to her academic roles, Dr. Zaman has made significant contributions through her work with international and national organizations such as the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), WorldFish, and the Department of Environment. Her projects have addressed critical challenges in sustainable development, including energy efficiency, disaster preparedness, and natural resource management.

Dr. Zaman is a proud member of the Nirmol Bangladesh Advisory Board, where she oversees the organization’s research initiatives. Since January 2023, she has served as the voluntary Divisional Head of the Division of Earth, Ocean, and Climate Science at Nirmol Bangladesh, leveraging her expertise to drive impactful environmental and scientific endeavors.

A passionate advocate for community empowerment, Dr. Zaman has worked extensively with minority communities, including tribal populations in Bangladesh, to promote sustainable fisheries and aquaculture practices. Her dedication to bridging gaps between scientific research and practical application underscores her commitment to improving livelihoods and protecting natural ecosystems.

Dr. Zaman’s achievements also include presenting research at national and international conferences, publishing in peer-reviewed journals, and contributing as an editor and consultant for numerous reports. Outside her professional life, she has enriched public awareness through her work as a news presenter for Radio Bangladesh, focusing on agriculture, climate change, and livelihood issues.

Dr. Maria Zaman’s academic credentials showcase her strong foundation in zoology and fisheries, emphasizing her commitment to research and academic excellence.

  • Ph.D. in Fisheries
    Institution: Department of Zoology, University of Dhaka
    Period: February 2013 – February 2018
    Thesis Title: Onset of Migration and Bioenergetics of Selected Fishes of Bangladesh
  • Master of Science (M.S.) in Zoology (Fisheries)
    Institution: Department of Zoology, University of Dhaka
    Year of Completion: 2006
    Result: First Class (72.67%)
    Thesis Title: Study on the Status of Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) and Harmful Pesticide Residues in Some Fishes of Matlab Floodplain of Bangladesh
  • Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Zoology (Fisheries)
    Institution: Department of Zoology, University of Dhaka
    Year of Completion: 2004
    Result: First Class (61.38%)
    Project Title: Relative Dependence on the Aerial Respiration of the Indigenous Catfish, Heteropneustes fossilis (Bloch, 1794)

Dr. Maria Zaman has an extensive research portfolio spanning over 15 years, focusing on fisheries, aquaculture, biodiversity, and environmental sciences. Her work has contributed significantly to addressing critical issues such as climate change, environmental pollution, and natural resource management. Below is an overview of her diverse research experience:

Current Role:

  • Divisional Head (Voluntary), Division of Earth, Ocean, and Climate Science, Nirmol Bangladesh (January 2023 – Present):
    Overseeing research initiatives related to climate science, oceanography, and environmental sustainability.

Academic and Professional Research Roles:

  • Assistant Professor and Head of Department, Marine Fisheries & Aquaculture, BSMRMU (November 2021 – Present):
    Leading academic and research programs on marine fisheries and aquaculture, focusing on sustainable development and biodiversity conservation.
  • Doctoral Research Fellow, IFST, BCSIR (March 2011 – March 2015):
    Conducted doctoral research on fish bioenergetics and migration, focusing on the biological components of aquatic species, food grains, and related environmental aspects.
  • Research Associate, Padma Bridge Museum Project (January 2021 – October 2021):
    Assisted in implementing the project through research on flora and fauna associated with the Padma Bridge.
  • Research Associate, Biodiversity Study of Coastal Belt of Bangladesh, University of Dhaka (May 2012 – May 2013):
    Conducted extensive field studies in Sonadia, Kutubdia, Moheshkhali, and Cox’s Bazar to assess fisheries resources and biodiversity.
  • Research Fellow, Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) Project, BCSIR and Dhaka University (January 2005 – October 2008):
    Analyzed the presence of harmful pollutants in aquatic ecosystems and contributed to the development of scientific documentation.

Consultancy and Collaborative Research:

  • UNDP Bangladesh (2011–2019):
    Worked on various environmental and disaster management projects, including climate change documentation, flora and fauna studies, and energy efficiency initiatives.

    • Example Projects:
      • Flora and Fauna Study Report of CHT (2020)
      • Coastal Afforestation in Bangladesh Project (2012–2013)
      • Comprehensive Disaster Management Program (2013–2014)
  • WorldFish (2008–2011):
    Conducted data analysis and supported projects on fisheries entrepreneurship, particularly focusing on tribal communities in Bangladesh's northwestern regions.

Field and Analytical Research:

  • Identified and cataloged 260 freshwater and 30 marine fish species during her tenure as an Intern Researcher at CARITAS Fisheries Programme (2003–2005).
  • Conducted laboratory analysis of pesticide residues and pollutants in fish species as part of her Master’s and Ph.D. research.

Dr. Zaman’s research reflects her dedication to bridging the gap between scientific discovery and practical applications, making significant contributions to sustainable development and environmental conservation.

Dr. Maria Zaman has demonstrated exceptional leadership and collaboration in her professional career, contributing to academic, research, and environmental initiatives through various key roles:

Academic Positions

  • Assistant Professor and Head of Department, Marine Fisheries & Aquaculture, Faculty of Earth and Ocean Sciences, BSMRMU (November 2021 – Present):
    Leading academic programs and research in marine sciences while mentoring students and collaborating with faculty on innovative projects.
  • Lecturer, Mohammadpur Kendrio College, Dhaka (2010–2013):
    Delivered theoretical and laboratory classes in zoology and fisheries for undergraduate and higher secondary students.

Advisory and Voluntary Roles

  • Divisional Head, Division of Earth, Ocean, and Climate Science, Nirmol Bangladesh (January 2023 – Present):
    Guiding research and initiatives to address critical issues in climate science, oceanography, and environmental sustainability.
  • Advisory Board Member, Nirmol Bangladesh:
    Contributing strategic insights to the organization’s mission of promoting environmental sustainability and addressing climate challenges.

Consultancy and Project Roles

  • National Consultant, UNDP Bangladesh (2011–2019, 2020):
    Provided expertise on projects related to climate change, disaster management, biodiversity, and energy efficiency standards.

    • Edited the Flora and Fauna Study Report for the Chittagong Hill Tracts (2020).
    • Worked on the Comprehensive Disaster Management Program and coastal afforestation projects, collaborating with government and community stakeholders.
  • Research Associate, Padma Bridge Museum Project (January 2021 – October 2021):
    Played a pivotal role in implementing the museum project by assisting with biodiversity-related research and documentation.
  • WorldFish (2008–2011):
    Supported fisheries entrepreneurship projects for tribal communities and contributed to monitoring, evaluation, and data analysis initiatives.

Multidisciplinary and Community Engagement

  • News Presenter, Radio Bangladesh (2005–2015):
    Hosted programs focusing on agriculture, climate change, and livelihoods, bringing critical environmental issues to public attention.
  • Event Organizer and Facilitator:
    Active in organizing seminars, conferences, and symposiums on environmental and scientific topics at national and international levels.

Dr. Zaman’s professional engagements highlight her ability to work with diverse teams, address complex environmental challenges, and drive impactful initiatives for academic and societal progress.

Dr. Maria Zaman has received numerous awards and scholarships in recognition of her academic excellence, research contributions, and dedication to environmental science and education:

  • Prime Minister’s Special Scholarship:
    Awarded for outstanding academic achievements in higher education.
  • Dr. Qudrat-E-Khuda Doctoral Fellowship (2011–2015):
    Granted for her doctoral research on fish migration and bioenergetics, supporting her contributions to fisheries science.
  • Dr. Qudrat-E-Khuda Postgraduate Fellowship (2006):
    Acknowledged for her exceptional performance in her Master’s studies in Zoology (Fisheries) at the University of Dhaka.
  • Dhaka University Merit Scholarships:
    Awarded for consistently outstanding academic performance during her Bachelor of Science and Master of Science programs.

These accolades reflect Dr. Zaman’s unwavering commitment to advancing knowledge in her field and her pursuit of academic and research excellence.

Dr. Maria Zaman has contributed extensively to peer-reviewed journals, conference proceedings, and collaborative research projects. Her publications address critical topics in fisheries science, biodiversity, climate change, and environmental conservation.

  1. Zaman, M.;Debnath, S.K.; Miah, M. F. and Naser, M. N. 2020. RAPD assay to evaluate the cost of Migration in Two Carps, labeo rohita and catla catla. World Journal of Fish & Marine sciences. 12(3), 67-73.ISSN 2078-4589.  
  2. Zaman, M. and M. N. Naser, 2019. Fish species using the fish Passage between Jamuna and Bengali River at Sariakandi. J. biodivers. conserv. bioresour. manag. 5(2) VOL 5.  
  3. Maria Zaman, Umme Kulsum Navera, Ahmadul Hassan and M. Niamul Naser, 2017. Fish Pass: A New Concept for Bangladesh Purpose. FAN Bangladesh. ISSN 2219-137 VOL 5. BFRF.  
  4. Maria Zaman, Maruf Hassan and M. Niamul Naser, 2017. People’s Perception on Managing the Aquatic Resources of South East Coastal Bangladesh. Coastal and Marine Environment of Bangladesh. BAPA-BEN, 209-306.  
  5. U. K. Navera, R. Rahman and Maria Zaman. 2016.  Observation of Flow Behavior in a Vertical Slot Fish Pass. 6th International Conference on Water & Flood Management (ICWFM).
  6. Zaman, Maria; Sultana, N; Husain, M and Naser, M.N. 2016.  Pesticide Residue in Fishes from Rangpur, Bangladesh. Bangladesh J. Zool. 44(1).
  7. U. K. Navera, R. Rahman, Maria Zaman & M.N. Naser. 2015. An Experiment Study of Flow Hydraulics in a Vertical slot Fish Pass. International Conference on Climate Change in Relation to Water & Environment. (I3CWE-2015).
  8. Maria Zaman, M. Niamul Naser, Abu Tareq Mohammad Abdullah and Nasima Khan.  A Comparison of Nutrient Content of Popular Freshwater and Marine Fish Species of Bangladesh. Bangladesh Journal of Zoology, 2014 (December). Bangladesh, J. Zool. Sci.
  9. Zaman, Maria; Sultana, N; Husain, M, M.N. Pesticide Residues and Harmful Organic Pollutants Analysis of Some Fishes from Matlab Floodplain Area of Bangladesh. Bangladesh, J. Zool. 2009.
  10. Naser, M.N; Zaman, Maria; Sultana, N; Husain, M and Kazi, A.I (2007) Organic Pollutants in the Tissues of Taki (Channa punctatus), Shol (Channa stariatus) and Gojar (Channa marulius) from a floodplain of Bangladesh, Dhaka Univ. J. Biol. Sci. 16(2):149-156, 2007 (July).
  11. Naser, M.N and Zaman, Maria (2006) Relative Dependence on the Aerial Respiration of the Indigenous Catfish, Heteropeneustes fossilis (Bloch, 1794), Bangla, J. Zool. 34(2):229-236, 2006.