Who is Asif?
As an academic and researcher, I explore the complex intersections of natural disasters, non-state collective action, and political stability. My work is rooted in the belief that to understand contemporary development challenges, one must first master the historical and socio-political frameworks that precede them.
Currently, I am a Ph.D. Candidate in Development Studies at the Institute of Development Policy, University of Antwerp, Belgium. My doctoral research focuses on the critical nexus of disaster and conflict studies. Specifically, I investigate how natural disasters act as catalysts for political upheaval. By utilizing the 1970 Bhola cyclone as a pivotal case study, my research suggests that the combined efforts of non-state entities in the wake of catastrophes can escalate political tensions and, in certain environments, trigger systemic conflict.
My academic journey is multidisciplinary, spanning several world-class institutions:
- Ph.D. (In Progress): Development Studies, University of Antwerp.
- M.A. in Asian Studies: Lund University, Sweden.
- B.A. & M.A. in History: University of Dhaka, Bangladesh.
With nearly a decade of experience in higher education, I serve as a Senior Lecturer in the Department of History and Philosophy at North South University, Bangladesh. Over my nine-year tenure, I have remained committed to fostering critical thinking and historical literacy in the next generation of global citizens.
My goal is to translate rigorous academic findings into actionable insights for the public and policy spheres, ensuring that our understanding of past disasters informs a more resilient and peaceful future.
Research & Connectivity
- ORCID: View My Research Profile
- Google Scholar: View My Citations
My Mission & Motto
“Bridging History and Policy to Foster a Resilient and Informed Global Society.”
My mission is to advance critical knowledge at the intersection of development policy, disaster politics, and South Asian history. I am dedicated to producing rigorous academic research that not only deepens scholarly understanding but also actively informs public discourse and governance. I believe that by examining historical “tipping points,” we can better equip contemporary institutions to handle the complexities of social change, equity, and justice.
Teaching and Research
With over a decade of experience in higher education, I serve as a Senior Lecturer in the Department of History and Philosophy at North South University, Bangladesh (currently on study leave). My pedagogical approach is centered on cultivating analytical, historically informed graduates who are prepared to address global development challenges.
My doctoral research at the University of Antwerp’s Institute of Development Policy (IOB) explores the critical nexus between natural disasters, political transformation, and nation-building. Specifically, I investigate how catastrophic events—such as the 1970 Bhola cyclone—act as catalysts for political upheaval and the mobilization of non-state entities, ultimately influencing electoral outcomes and national identity. My technical expertise includes qualitative methods, Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA), and archival research, supported by tools such as NVivo, QGIS, and SPSS.
Publications and Awards
My scholarly contributions span peer-reviewed journals, book chapters, and influential public-facing editorials:
Peer-Reviewed Scholarship: Notably, my work “The final straw? Bhola cyclone, 1970 election, disaster politics, and the making of Bangladesh” was published in Contemporary South Asia (Taylor & Francis, 2023).
Book Chapters: I have contributed to significant volumes, including 50 Years of Bangla: A Tale of a Miracle (2022) and Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman- The Making of a Nation (2021).
Public Intellectualism: To bring academic insights to a broader audience, I regularly contribute long-form essays and Op-Eds to platforms like The Daily Star, Dhaka Tribune, and the ISS blog Bliss.
Distinguished Awards My academic rigor has been recognized through several prestigious honors:
Ali Ahmed Gold Medal: Awarded for achieving the First Class First position and the highest marks in the M.A. examination at the University of Dhaka.
NIAS SUPRA Scholarship: Awarded by the Nordic Institute of Asian Studies in Copenhagen, Denmark.
Merit-Based Foundations: My academic path is further distinguished by a First Class First rank during my Master of Arts in History at the University of Dhaka.
Media & Public Engagement
As a public intellectual, I believe that academic research must transcend the university walls to inform society1. I regularly contribute to national and international media platforms, providing historical context to modern political and environmental challenges.
Selected Op-Eds & Essays:
- Disasters as “tipping points”? — An analysis of the Bhola Cyclone’s influence on the 1970 electoral outcomes for the ISS blog Bliss (March 2024).
- The Unsung Heroes — A tribute to those who introduced Bangladesh to the global stage, published in The Daily Star (August 2023).
- The Final Straw — A deep dive into how a single natural disaster created a revolution, featured on the Asia Portal by the Nordic Institute of Asian Studies (July 2023).
- An Unforgettable Event in History — A long-form reflection on the human cost of negligence during the 1970 Bhola Cyclone for the Dhaka Tribune (November 2022).
Academic Dialogue & Global Presentations
I am an active participant in global academic discourse, frequently presenting my findings at prestigious international conferences to foster cross-disciplinary collaboration.
Key Presentations:
- The Hague, Netherlands (2023): Presented “The Final Straw? Bhola Cyclone, 1970 election, and disaster politics” at the Development Dialogue 19 Conference hosted by ISS.
- University of Oslo, Norway (2019): Delivered a paper titled “Anger Dismantled: Road Safety Movement and Its Aftermath” at the Bangladesh Studies Workshop.
- Lund University, Sweden (2008): Facilitated the “Focus Asia” workshop organized by the Centre of East and South Asian Studies (CESAS).
Institutional Leadership:
- Principal Organizer for the Institutional Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC) series at North South University, focusing on curriculum development and research networking (2017).
- Co-organizer of the Monthly Colloquium for the Department of History and Philosophy (2016–2017).
Professional Affiliations
My work is supported by and connected to a network of global professional organizations:
- Member, European Association of Development Research and Training Institutes (EADI)
- Member, International Humanitarian Studies Association (IHSA)
- Life Member, Dhaka University Alumni Association