MD Zakaria

MD Zakaria serves as the program director for the South Asia Governance Fund (SAGF) Program, bringing over 15 years of extensive experience in both national and international development endeavors. Specializing in program design, planning, and implementation, he focuses on governance, the rule of law, civic and political engagement, media freedom, and journalist capacity building. Currently, Zakaria leads the Bangladesh chapter of a multicountry, multiyear governance program spanning Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, and Maldives. Prior to this role, he contributed to electoral affairs and processes with the Bangladesh Election Commission, UNDP Bangladesh, and The Asia Foundation in various capacities.

With a track record of effectively supporting local groups and platforms to strengthen democracy and human rights processes, Zakaria demonstrates proficiency in program development and management. He collaborates with development partners and implementers and employs adaptive management techniques, leveraging a comprehensive understanding of political economy analysis.

His work encompasses assessing civil society organizations and media in Bangladesh, supporting grassroots and national-level nongovernmental organizations and civic platforms to enhance transparency and accountability in public institutions. His expertise extends to campaign and policy advocacy on health, education, access to justice, public infrastructure, and pro-poor national budget issues.