Biography
Major significant and innovative contribution of
Dr. Hossain Shahriar since 1990
 Dr. Hossain Shahriar and his organization ESDO is the pioneer and the key personality of global anti polythene / Plastic movement. He is a man who had spent 13 years campaign and lobbing against the plastic bags and was the main architect of the ban of polythene bags in Bangladesh. His idea and contribution marked as millstone to make a great change in the field of social services as well as in environmental protections.
He initiated a concept for eco-friendly livelihood in Bangladesh for a sustainable environment and development. On his concept he started working to develop and modeling an eco-village in rural Bangladesh. Science 1990 he has serving the poor people through his organization ESDO, he is an ideal personality in Bangladesh because he is fighting against the evil causes of environmental degradation and damage of livelihood. He renders his service with the notion of volunteerism. From 1990 to date he serves ESDO as full volunteer.
From the childhood education to Ph.D. Shahriar’s dream comes to truth to be an environmental activist. He has a clear mission to serve for nature and life. In the field of social services in Bangladesh he started with a self-effacing approach for social and environmental changes in early 90es.
Following graduation, Shahriar started his professional career as a reporter with the Weekly Shandhani in 1980. He acquired his MSS (Political Sciences) degree from the University of Dhaka in 1982 and MS in International Relations from J.N. University (New Delhi) in 1984 and Diploma in Journalism from Indian Institute of Mass Communication (New Delhi) in 1983. Since that time, he has been contributed to a number of periodicals on a variety of topics as a reporter and as an editor. He continues to work with the Washington Post (since 1996) as a Regional Contributor on Environmental Development and with the Sydney Morning Herald and Melbourne Age (since 1998) as a foreign correspondent, but most of his attention is currently directed towards on environmental issues.
To further his ability to recognize and address environmental hazards, he obtained an MS in Environmental Studies (1995) and a Ph.D. in Urban Ecology (2001) from Duke University NC. USA. The title of his thesis was ‘Plastic Pollution: Consequences to the Environment and Human Life.’ He is a Fellow of the Center for Environmental Education (Duke University), Center of Environmental Studies (Taxes University of Al-Paso, USA), ASHOKA: Innovators for the Public (USA), and the Advocacy Institute (Washington, DC), among others. Dr. Shahriar is the founder Executive Director of Environment and Social Development Organization-ESDO and was served as the Country Representative of Bangladesh for the Advocacy Institute of Washington D.C.
Dr. Shahriar is helping the public to develop the understanding, desire and skills needed to identify and address environmental challenges particularly on conservation of biological diversity and wildlife protection. He advocates the use of environmentally friendly products while discouraging the use of plastic and polythene.
Shahriar's strategy is distinctive in its focus on women - the largest consumers of these products - and children, who will determine the future treatment of the environment and are the most receptive to new ideas.
Dr. Shahriar is an active member of several professional and activist groups, including the Forum of Environmental Journalists, Asia Pacific Forum of Environmental Journalist, Green Peace International, NGO forum on ADB, Earth Day International Network, British Council International Network on Environment, National Geographic Society USA, and Like-Minded Environmental Activists Group etc. Over the years, he has gathered extensive information, reports and materials dealing with environmental issues from organizations all over the world. With this background of knowledge, experience, and connections, Shahriar has been able to make an effective transition into full-time advocacy.
Shahriar is married and father of two daughters. His wife is a physician by profession and engaged in development field. Shahriar’s blood group is A+.
Prepared By: Even Jams Tupper of University of Oregon, USA From the Profile of the Global Environmental Leaders Forum: CEE of Duke University NC. USA 2001 |
