In the quiet district town of Nilphamari in northern Bangladesh-on the foothills of the Himalaya, a young boy nurtured an unusual dream. While his peers aspired to become doctors or engineers—the conventional markers of success in Bangladeshi society—Md. JobaerAlam harbored a different ambition: he wanted to become a professor at the University of Dhaka.
Today, at 43, Professor Dr. Md. JobaerAlam stands as living proof that when dreams meet dedication, extraordinary achievements follow. As a Professor in the Department of Oceanography at Dhaka University, former department chairman, accomplished researcher, and editor-publisher of The Bangladesh Today, his journey illuminates how individual excellence can drive national progress.
Professor Alam's story begins in Nilphamari, where his mother—herself a teacher—planted the seeds of academic excellence in her son's mind. "I credit my mother for much of my success," he reflects, acknowledging the profound influence of growing up in an educator's household. This early exposure to the world of teaching shaped not just his academic trajectory but his fundamental values: the belief that education is the most powerful tool for spreading enlightenment.
From his earliest school days, Jobaer distinguished himself as an exceptional student, consistently ranking among the top performers. After completing his initial education in Nilphamari, he moved to Rangpur Police Line School and College, where his academic excellence continued to shine. But beyond textbooks and examinations, young Jobaer was cultivating something more valuable—a work ethic characterized by purposeful action and an aversion to idle time.
"I never wasted time on useless things. I never sat idle," he explains, describing a pattern that would define his entire life. "From a young age, I aimed to achieve something great—but with honor." This combination of ambition and ethical grounding, nurtured by his mother's influence, would become his compass through every stage of his remarkable journey.
When Jobaer gained admission to the University of Dhaka—Bangladesh's most prestigious institution—his childhood dream took concrete form. He pursued his Bachelor's degree in Fisheries in 2003, followed by a Master's degree in 2005. But characteristically, he didn't stop there. His goals had always extended beyond Bangladesh's borders: he wanted to study in Canada, gain international exposure, and return to serve his country from a position of strength.
After completing his Master's degree, he was on his way to Vancouver Island University in Canada for a Post Graduate Diploma in Aquaculture Technology. This international experience proved transformative, exposing him to cutting-edge mariculture techniques and sustainable marine farming practices that would later inform his pioneering work in Bangladesh's blue economy development.
Yet even while pursuing academic excellence, Jobaer maintained a remarkably holistic approach to life. At Dhaka University, he served as a senior cadet in the Military Science unit of the Bangladesh National Cadet Corps, acted in stage plays, hosted events, managed the Srishti organization at Fazlul Huq Hall, and played football and cricket. "I was involved in many activities," he recalls, demonstrating that his definition of success never narrowly focused on academics alone.
His creative spirit found expression even during his later studies in New York. True to his nature of never sitting idle, Jobaer enrolled in an MBA program at Keller Graduate School of Management, completing it in 2012. During this period, he made an independent film called "Fatefully Yours," which was screened in various venues, with himself and friends acting in it. This artistic endeavor revealed another dimension of his personality—the ability to balance scientific rigor with creative expression.
Professor Dr.Alam's professional trajectory showcases steady, purposeful advancement rooted in genuine expertise. Beginning as a Teaching Assistant at North South University in 2006, he joined the University of Dhaka as a Lecturer in the Department of Fisheries in 2009. His transition to the Department of Oceanography in 2012 marked the beginning of his specialization in marine sciences—a field where he would make his most significant contributions.
Rising through the ranks from Assistant Professor (2013-2018) to Associate Professor and Chairman (2018-2021), and finally to Professor in February 2024, each promotion reflected not just time served but substantial achievements in research, teaching, and academic leadership. His four-year tenure as Chairman of the Department of Oceanography proved particularly impactful, as he shaped curricula, mentored students, and positioned the department at the forefront of Bangladesh's emerging blue economy discourse.
His research portfolio spans biological, geological, and physical oceanography, with over 23 peer-reviewed publications in national and international journals. But numbers alone don't capture the significance of his work. His pioneering research on seaweed cultivation at Saint Martin's Island has laid the scientific foundation for developing Bangladesh's seaweed industry—a potential game-changer for coastal livelihoods. His comprehensive studies on cage culture feasibility, marine biodiversity, and coastal water quality provide crucial baseline data for sustainable aquaculture development.
Perhaps most significantly, Professor Dr. Alam has supervised more than 20 Master's degree students, each thesis addressing real-world challenges in Bangladesh's marine sector. These research projects examine everything from fishers' livelihoods and sustainable tourism to marine resource marketing—directly informing blue economy development policies and practices.
Despite his academic achievements, Professor Dr. Alam maintains that wealth has never attracted him—respect does. "I never think about myself. I don't even understand luxury. I've never spent even a thousand taka just for myself," he states with characteristic humility. Instead, he channels his energy into social work, having raised funds for underprivileged students at Dhaka University and engaging in humanitarian activities whenever possible.
His work ethic remains as intense as in his youth. Working 16 hours a day, he leaves home at 8 AM and returns at midnight. After freshening up, he prepares lectures for the next day. Between university responsibilities and his role as acting editor and publisher of The Bangladesh Today, every moment serves a purpose. "I read while commuting," he mentions casually, illustrating how he maximizes every fragment of time.
As editor of The Bangladesh Today, Professor Dr. Alam extends his influence beyond academia, contributing to public discourse on national issues. This role allows him to bridge the gap between scientific knowledge and public understanding—a crucial function in a developing country navigating complex challenges.
When asked about the secret to his success, Professor Dr. Alam's response combines self-belief with spiritual humility. "I have strong self-belief. I know that if I try, I can succeed," he explains. Yet he immediately adds: "It's not my credit—it's a blessing from Almighty Allah." This balance between personal agency and recognition of grace reflects a mature worldview that has sustained him through decades of intensive work.
He has fulfilled remarkable dreams: an MPhil-equivalent certificate, two master's degrees, and even his dream of studying at Harvard—"even if just for a day," through a three-month program on global climate change. Each achievement represents not an end point but a stepping stone toward greater service.
Looking at Bangladesh's next generation, Professor Dr. Alam expresses optimism tempered with responsibility. "Today's youth are very dedicated and have a deep love for the country," he observes. "I believe educated young people should enter politics and lead the nation toward progress." He sees encouraging signs in the growing interest in teaching among young people—"vital for building an enlightened society."
Professor Dr. Md. JobaerAlam's journey from Nilphamari to the pinnacles of academic achievement and national service demonstrates that success is not merely about personal advancement—it's about creating pathways for others to follow. His life embodies the principle that drove him from childhood: the desire not just to achieve greatness, but to achieve it with honor, using knowledge to spread light in society.
As Bangladesh stands at the threshold of unlocking its vast marine potential through blue economy development, leaders like Professor Dr. Alam—combining scientific excellence with ethical grounding and tireless work—will play crucial roles in transforming national aspirations into reality. His story reminds us that the most profound impact comes not from chasing conventional success, but from pursuing purpose with unwavering dedication.
MD SAWON SIKDER — Special Correspondent, The South Asian Times
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