Dr. Hafiza Khatun is a distinguished academic, researcher, and social safeguard specialist with extensive experience in geography, environment, and development planning. She is currently serving as Vice Chancellor of Pabna University of Science and Technology and is a retired Professor from the Department of Geography and Environment at the University of Dhaka. She obtained her Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Anthropo-Geography from the University of Dhaka and holds advanced degrees in Geography from the University of Alberta, Canada, and Jahangirnagar University.
Dr. Khatun has over four decades of experience in teaching, research, and professional practice. Her expertise spans social safeguards, land acquisition and resettlement, disaster management, environmental planning, gender and development, and sustainable development. She has worked extensively with major international development partners, including the World Bank, Asian Development Bank (ADB), JICA, UNDP, UNICEF, and others, contributing as a Team Leader, Senior Social Safeguard Specialist, and Advisor across a wide range of development programs. She has played key roles in numerous large-scale infrastructure and development projects, including the Padma Multipurpose Bridge, Jamuna Bridge, Dhaka Metro Rail, Dhaka Elevated Expressway, and Coastal Embankment Improvement Project. Her contributions include environmental and social impact assessments, resettlement planning, policy development, and post-project evaluation. Dr. Khatun has also held significant academic and administrative positions, including Director of the Disaster Research Training and Management Centre (DRTMC) and Chairperson of the Department of Geography and Environment at the University of Dhaka. She has supervised a large number of postgraduate students and contributed to curriculum development and professional training programs. An accomplished scholar, she has authored and edited numerous books and over 90 research publications in national and international journals. Her work has significantly contributed to advancing knowledge in development-induced displacement, environmental management, and social safeguards.
