Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman
Maritime University, Bangladesh

About: Md. Ashikur Rahman is a young professional Planner, Cartographer, GIS, and Remote Sensing enthusiast in the field of Marine Spatial Planning, Coastal Management, Physical Oceanography, Regional Geography, Environmental Setting, Disaster, and Climate Change in the Maritime region. He has been working as a Research Officer at the Institute of Bay of Bengal & Bangladesh Studies in “Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Maritime University Bangladesh” from 26 February 2020. Besides, He is also an Instructor of Remote Sensing and GIS in the Faculty of Earth and Ocean Science at the same University. Before joining the present specialized government University, he was working in a renowned government organization called “Bangladesh Rural Electrification Board (BREB)” as an Assistant Junior Engineer (GIS) in the “Office of the GIS” from 20 October 2017 to 24 February 2020. Besides administrative work, in the BREB system, he had to perform some core tasks like identifying hazards in the coastal area through satellite image analysis by GIS & Remote Sensing technique, GIS mapping for quick decision making, DGPS survey for digitizing the system in online, monitoring the survey, and reporting. In his early career, Mr. Ashikur started his profession as an Assistant GIS Specialist in the project “Local Government Engineering Department (LGED)” from 20th July 2016 to 20th October 2017. In the project, he had to perform some activities like base map preparation for the project area, preparation of existing physical feature maps by ArcGIS & AutoCAD software, location survey by handheld GPS, Total Station & RTK GPS, etc., survey data processing by ArcGIS software, satellite image processing by Erdas Imagine, mouza georeferencing with the help of GCP & Satellite Image, digitizing the mouza, land use, physical features, etc. through survey data and PRA information, map preparation, and PRA Report writing. Mr. Ashikur completed his Bachelor of Urban & Regional Planning from the Department of Urban & Regional Planning, Faculty of Civil Engineering in Khulna University of Engineering & Technology, Khulna. His bachelor thesis was “Evaluation Health Accessibility and People’ Perception in Relation to Socio-Economic Status and Spatial Distribution of Health Facilities: A Case of KCC, Khulna, Bangladesh”. He performed his Master of Science in GIS for Environment and Development from the Department of Geography and Environment at Jahangirnagar University, Dhaka. His Master thesis was “Land Cover Change Detection Using GIS and Remote Sensing Techniques: A Spatio-Temporal Study on Jamuna River, Bangladesh”. He has taken training from different government and private organizations at home (BREB, BTEB, etc.) and abroad (Eptisa, Spain and Stesalit, India, etc., IHE Delft, Netherlands) on GIS and remote sensing.

Research Area:

Research Area (Specialization): Geographical Information System, Remote Sensing, Satellite Oceanography, Environmental setting.

 

Research Project:

In BSMRMU, Mr. Ashikur has been involved and completed the following research projects:

         §     Assessment and Mapping of Index-based Coastal Soil Salinity using Remote Sensing and In-situ Data:  A Case of South Western Part of Chattogram. funded by PRMTTC, BSMRMU (June 2023-July 2024)

The study focuses on the following objectives:

         i.            To identify different indices (i.e., soil, vegetation, moisture, water) in the year 2023-2024 considering Summer and Winter seasons.

       ii.            To derivate the land cover, LST and water slope for identifying the contribution of soil salinity intensity in the research area for the year of 2023-2024.

     iii.            To assess the deviation of soil salinity by in-situ and Satellite data considering the Summer and  Winter season.

     iv.            To present the index-based soil salinity condition and other environmental parameters by mapping.

    §  Climate Change impact of Maritime Region on Environmental Economics Envisaging Blue Carbon Sequestration: A Remote Sensing Approach. funded by PGRC, BSMRMU (June 2022-July 2023)

The study focuses on the following objectives:

i.             To investigate the coastal landscape change in the Bagerhat district and adjacent BoB.

ii.            To calculate the BCS rate in the study region.

iii.           To quantify the BCS rate that impacts on maritime climate change in the study region.

iv.           To estimate the cost (environmental economics) of climate change externalities in the study region.

 

§  MSP Prospect: Prospects of Marine Spatial Planning for Bangladesh Delta Plan 2100, funded by PGRC, BSMRMU (June 2021-July 2022)

The research project focus on the following objectives:

i.         Identification of the necessity of MSP in Bangladesh and its objectives.

ii.       Analysis of the existing legal arrangements and maritime governance in Bangladesh.

iii.     Identification of the implementing authority for MSP in Bangladesh.

iv.     Analysis of the existing institutional arrangements which may enable the MSP process in Bangladesh.

 

§  A historical evaluation of Shipbuilding heritage in the Bengal region: A Geographical Perspective, funded by PGRC, BSMRMU (June 2020-July 2021)

 

i.         To find out the fall and rise of the ship building from initial to present.

ii.       To find out the area of interest that had a significance contribution for the shipbuilding industry in the Bengal region.

iii.     To find out the national and international importance of the region.

iv.     To recommend the conservation of the shipbuilding heritage in the Bengal region.

Research Interests:

Research Focus: Marine Spatial Planning, Coastal Management, Physical Oceanography, Regional Geography, Environmental Setting, Disaster, and Climate Change.

Geospatial Research Lab:

The following students conduct research activities in their undergraduate thesis under his supervision.

2018-2019 Batch (Student’s Name and Thesis Title):

Syed Foysal Ahmed. Assessment of Bio-Physical Changes in Response to ENSO and IOD Variability in the Bay of Bengal and its Vicinity.

Abdullah Al Momin. Derivation of Bathymetry and Shoreline Change in the Saint Martin Island of Bangladesh: A Geographical Information System Approach.

Md. Sami-Ul-Haque. A Remote Sensing Approach to Assess the Mineral Resource of Monpura Island, Bangladesh.

MD Saiful Islam.  Identification of the Potential Seaweed Cultivation in the Northern Bay of Bengal through Geospatial Technique.

 

2017-2018 Batch (Student’s Name and Thesis Title):

Raiyan Siddique. A Remote Sensing Approach to Identify Environmental Economics Considering Blue Carbon Sequestration in Satkhira Coastal Area, Bangladesh.

Md. Arafat Khan Pathan.  Identification of the Spatial and Temporal Changes of Sea Water Quality Parameters in the Coastal Area of Kutubdia Island, Bangladesh through Geospatial Techniques.

Md. Sohid Afridi.  Identification of the Potential Seaweed Cultivation in the Saint Martin Island through Geospatial Technique.

Gazi Md Rakib Hossain.  A GIS and Remote Sensing Approach to Identify Coastal Vulnerability of Sonadia Island, Bangladesh.

2016-2017 Batch (Student’s Name and Thesis Title):

Khan Mohammad Ibtehal. Ascertain spatiotemporal changes of environmental indices of Karnaphuli river bank in Bangladesh by GIS and Remote Sensing techniques.

Md. Rashed Alam. A GIS and Remote Sensing Approach for Spatial and Temporal Analysis of Coastal Morphological Changes in the Delta Region of Bangladesh.

Md. Alamgir Hossain.  Integrated Environmental Assessment for Marine Spatial Planning of St. Martin’s Island, Bangladesh.

M. Mahdiuzzaman. Stakeholders’ Perceptions on Marine Spatial Planning in Bangladesh: Entwining Strategical Approach.

Teaching:

Besides involving in research work Mr. Ashikur is appointed as an Instructor and course teacher for the theory and practical courses of “GIS and Remote Sensing” and “Satellite Oceanography” at the Department of Marine Fisheries and Aquaculture and the Department of Oceanography and Hydrography respectively. In the training program, he conduct the following module:

 

Module-1-Introductory to GIS and Remote Sensing

Module-2-Vector Data, Raster Data and Basic Terminology

Module-3-Projection and Co-Ordinate System Geo-Referencing

Module-4-Google Earth Image download and Landuse Mapping

Module-5-Spatial Analysis and Geo-Processing

Module-6-Different Terminology of Remote Sensing

Module-7-Create USGS Account and Download Satellite Images

Module-8-Image Classification and Landsat Band Combination

Module-9-Introduction to Erdas Imagine and its Architecture

Module-10-Image Preprocessing and Layer Stack Image

Module-11-Develop Layer Stack Modelling and Gap Masking

Module-12-Land Use Change Detection in GIS and RS

Module-13-Water Quality Mapping & Modeling

Module-14-Bio Diversity Mapping

Module-15-Monitoring of Sea Surface Temperature

Module-16-Monitoring of Oil Spills on the Sea

Academic Qualifications:

Sl	Exam	Institute	Year	Result
1	Master of Science in GIS for Environment and Development (MSGED)	Department of Geography and Environment, Jahangirnagar University, Dhaka	2018	3.91
2	Bachelor of Urban & Regional Planning (BURP)	Department of Urban & Regional Planning (URP), Faculty of Civil Engineering, Khulna University of Engineering & Technology, Khulna	2016	3.43

In Service Courses, Symposium, Workshop and Seminar:

Sl	Title	Institute	Year	Remarks
1	Qualitative Research	University of California, Davis & Coursera	2020	Design qualitative instruments and plan recruiting, Conduct a focus group, Analyze, Interpret and Communicate qualitative research data.
2	Quantitative Research	University of California, Davis & Coursera	2020	Design a Quantitative Survey, Analyzing a Survey, Assess Approaches and Interpret Quantitative Study Results.
3	Understanding Research Methods	University of London & Coursera	2020	Makes a good research question, Literature review, Planning and management skills for research, becoming a good researcher.
4	Online Pedagogical Skills and Teaching Techniques	BSMRMU and CINOP Netherlands	2020	Design and implement the online classes using online digital tools, Various working forms to students in an online environment, Motivate students to actively participate during online learnin
5	Competency-Based Education and Training	BSMRMU and CINOP Netherlands	2020	Occupational standards: core tasks and working processes, Practice with the Taxonomy of Bloom, KBL & CBL, KBT & CBT, Active learning and teaching methods, On job training.
6	Capacity Development and Training Program on Web GIS & Other Functional	BREB, Eptisa (Spain) & Stesalit System Ltd. (India)	2019	Introduction to Web GIS, Web Mapping, ArcGIS online, Web mapping technologies and web services, publishing, editing and querying maps on server, mobile application for GIS.
7	Capacity Development and Training Program on GIS, Data Preparation & Migration	BREB, Eptisa (Spain) & Stesalit System Ltd. (India)	2019	Introduction to basic and fundamental of GIS, Map projection and coordinate system, Spatial referencing, Spatial transformation and working with Google Earth, Digitizing, editing, encoding an
8	Capacity Development and Training Program on GPS Survey & Data Collection	BREB, Eptisa (Spain) & Stesalit System Ltd. (India)	2019	Coordinate system and map projection, DGPS survey method, Tools guideline, Data collection and processing, developing ground control point etc.
9	Web GIS and Geo-Server	UDEMY (International Online Training Program)	2018	Key Elements of Web GIS, List of Open Source Web GIS, GeoServer Basic Features, How to Install GeoServer, How to run GeoServer, GeoServer Interface, Shapefile upload in GeoServer, GeoServer W
10	Data-Base Programming	Bangladesh Technical Education Board, Agargaon, Dhaka-1207, Bangladesh.	2017	Data-base Microsoft office, Data-base management system, Visual basic programming, SQL server, Real life project.
11	Computer Office Application	Bangladesh Technical Education Board, Agargaon, Dhaka-1207, Bangladesh.	2007	Microsoft word (Typing Bangla & English), excel (Spreadsheet analysis), PowerPoint (Smart Presentation).
12	Certificate of AutoCAD 2D (Level-1) Training	MultiCAD Training Centre (MTC), 1 No. Asad gate, Masjid Market, Mohammadpur, Dhaka-1207	2017	Layout plan drawing, 2D design, Basic Tool learning.
13	GIS-Based Distribution Network System Analysis in DPDC	Arc Bangladesh Ltd, Lalmatia, Mohammadpur, Dhaka-1207, Bangladesh.	2017	Fundamentals of GIS, Map projection and coordinate system, Spatial referencing, Spatial transformation and working with Google Earth, Digitizing, RTK Survey.
14	Training Workshop on Marine Spatial Planning Technology	Natioanal Ocean Technology Center, China	2021	Marine Spatial Planning
15	Marine Spatial Planning and Port Management	STC International, IHE Delft and CINOP, Netherlands	2022	Marine Spatial Planning and Port Management

Professional Memberships:

·         Bangladesh Institute of Planners

·         Bangladesh National Geographical Association

·         KUET Planners Alumni Association

·         Jhangirnagar University Alumni Association

Awards:

During educational life, Mr. Ashikur was awarded scholarship in Secondary, higher secondary and undergraduate level. 

Development Project:

During his career, Mr. Ashikur was involved in the following different government projects and completed all the projects successfully.

•                     Tailor-made training course on Entrepreneurial ‘Blue economy’ Curriculum Development & Research Implementation – Nuffic, Netherlands Project (July 2023 to May 2024)

•                     Achieving sustainable solutions in the Maritime & Port sector in Bangladesh by strengthening the capacity of BSMR Maritime University and CPA through strategic Multi-Stakeholder Partnership formation – Nuffic, Netherlands Project (February 2020 to March 2023)

•                     Strengthen knowledge within the area of port and maritime development in Bangladesh- Nuffic, Netherlands Project (February 2021 to March 2023)

•                     Blue governance of the Ganges-Brahmaputra-Meghna Delta. Work Package 3 & 4- the University of Portsmouth, Center for Blue Governance  (June 2020 to July 2021)

•                     Consultancy Services for Detailed Survey and Feasibility Study of Transmission and Distribution Network within Geographical Area under Narsingdi PBS-1 and Preparation of BOQ and Cost Estimate to Establish an Underground Distribution Network Replacing the Existing Overhead Transmission and Distribution Network, BREB (01-07-2019 to 30-04-2020).

•                     Consultancy Services for Geographic Information System Mapping Need & Geographic Information System Development in PBSs’ under IDA credit no. 5381-BD, BREB (01-07-2018 to 30-06-2020).

•                     Up-Gradation of Rural Electricity Distribution System (UREDS) 33KV Line GIS Mapping, BREB (22-10-2017 to 30-06-2020)

•                     Up-gradation, Rehabilitation and Intensification of Distribution System (URIDS) 33KV Line GIS Mapping, BREB (22-10-2017 to 30-06-2019).

•                     REE-BDP-II, REE-KDP-II, REE-RRDP-II 33KV Line GIS Mapping, BREB (01-07-2014 to 30-06-2019).

•                     GIS-based Property and Infrastructure Asset Management Systems, LGED (GIS-PIAMS) (22-10-2017 to 31-12-2018)

•                     Haor Flood Management & Livelihood Improvement Project (HFMLIP), LGED (01-07-2016 to 30-06-2017)

Experience:

Sl	Designation	Organization	From	To	Remarks
1	Research Officer, Institute of Bay of Bengal & Bangladesh Studies.	Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Maritime University, Bangladesh.	26-Feb-2020
2	Assistant Jr. Engineer (GIS)	Bangladesh Rural Electrification Board (BREB)	22-Oct-2017	24-Feb-2020
3	Assistant GIS Specialist	Local Government Engineering Department (LGED)	20-Jul-2016	20-Oct-2017

Publications:

List of Important Research Paper:

Shaheen, M. M. A., Ashikur, M. R., Rupom, R. S., & Rahaman, M. M. (2023). A historical evaluation of shipbuilding heritage in the Bengal region: A geographical perspective. Journal of Maritime Research, 20(1), 46-58. https://www.jmr.unican.es/index.php/jmr/article/view/683

Ashikur, M. R., Sazzad, M. H., & Rupom, R. S. (2022). A Remote Sensing Approach for Identifying and Mapping the Coastal Urban Heat Island in Bangladesh through Temperature Modeling. Bangladesh Maritime Journal, 7 (1), 197-218.

Ashikur, M. R., Rupom, R. S., & Sazzad, M. H. (2021). A Remote Sensing Approach to Ascertain Spatial and Temporal Variations of Seawater Quality Parameters in the Coastal Area of Bay of Bengal, Bangladesh. Remote Sensing Applications: Society and Environment, 23, 100593. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rsase.2021.100593

Ashikur, M. R., Sazzad, M. H., & Rupom, R. S. (2021). Geographical Information System Approach to Delineate the Watershed’s Morphometric Parameters for Sustainable Hydrological Modeling of Barind Region, Bangladesh. MIST INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, 9, 23-35.

 

Ashikur, M. R., & Rupom, R. S. (2021). SWOT Analysis of Bangladesh Maritime Region for the Strategic Approach of Bangladesh Delta Plan-2100. Bangladesh Maritime Journal, 5 (1), 207-232.

 

Ashikur, M. R., & Rupom, R. S. (2020). IFAS and EFAS Analysis of Maritime Region, Bangladesh: Entwining Strategical Approach. Journal of Bangladesh Institute of Planners, 13, 29.

 

List of  International Seminar Paper:

M. R. Ashikur, M. R. Washikur, M. R. Golam (2024), Derivative of a Mathematical Algorithm for Coastal Soil Salinity Calculation Using Remote Sensing & In-Situ Data: A Case of the South Western Part of Chattogram. International Seminar on “Sustainable Ocean Economy: Advancing Bangladesh’s Blue Growth”. Organized by Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman

Maritime University, Bangladesh.

 

Nawshin Alam, M. R. Ashikur, Md. Amit Hasan, Md. Alamgir Hossain (2024). ICO 2024: International Conference on Oceanography. Organized by Bangladesh Oceanographic Research Institute

 

Ashikur, M. R., Rahman, M., & Saba, A. (2015). Feasibility Analysis of Sustainable Waste Management to Make Low Carbon Footprint Campus (A Case Study of KUET Campus, Khulna). 4^th International Conference on Solid Waste Management in the Developing Country. Organized by Khulna University of Engineering & Technology

Opinion-Editorial Column (OP-ED):

 

Technological approach for the marine spatial planning in the Bay of Bengal. https://www.observerbd.com/news.php?id=468825

Marine spatial planning must for the Bay of Bengal. https://observerbd.com/news.php?id=455854

Marine spatial planning must for the Bay of Bengal. https://observerbd.com/news.php?id=456004

Progress in our renewable energy to achieve SDG goals. https://www.observerbd.com/news.php?id=448027

Other remarks: Updated: May 2024.