Din M. Sumon Rahman
Director
Dr. Sumon Rahman is a Professor and Director of Center for Critical and Qualitative Studies (CQS). He is also the Dean of the School of Social Sciences and the Head of the Department of Media Studies and Journalism at the University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh (ULAB). He has a distinguished career as a media expert and is recognized as a pioneer in the field of information literacy. Dr. Rahman holds an academic background in Philosophy, Development Studies, and South Asian Studies, culminating in a PhD in Cultural Studies from the University of Queensland, Australia. His extensive experience spans over 20 years in teaching and research across various disciplines, including popular culture and cultural studies, as well as literature.
In addition to his administrative roles, he has served as the Director of the Office of Faculty Research at ULAB. Dr. Rahman's contributions to academia include numerous publications that address critical issues in media and culture, further establishing his reputation in these fields.
He can be reached at [email protected]
Mahmudun Nabi
Center Coordinator
Mahmudun Nabi is a Senior Lecturer of Media Studies and Journalism and the Coordinator of the Centre for Critical and Qualitative Studies (CQS).With over a decade of work experience in both domestic and international media outlets, he brings a wealth of practical knowledge to his academic role.
He holds a Bachelor’s degree in English and a Master’s in Applied Linguistics and ELT from the University of Dhaka. He later earned a second Master’s in InternationalJournalism from the University of Leeds, UK. Currently, he is a PhD candidate at the University of Liverpool, UK, awaiting his thesis defense. His doctoral research focuses on mobile phone-based interventions for perinatal depression in urban slums.His research interests span media studies, journalism, misinformation,
health communication, mental health and digital interventions. His MA dissertation was published as a book titled“Objective Journalism-myth or reality A comparative study of the BBC and the AJE online reports”. Mahmudunnabi has several other academic publications to his credit.
He can be reached at [email protected]
Zulker Naeen
Research Coordinator
Zulker Naeen serves as the Research Coordinator at the Center for Critical and Qualitative Studies (CQS) at the University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh (ULAB). He holds a BSS in Media Studies and Journalism and a Master’s in Communication
from ULAB, along with a Master’s in Development Studies (MDS) from the Independent University, Bangladesh (IUB).
At CQS, Zulker oversees research-driven projects and researches fact-checking reports, specializing in cross-border misinformation, disinformation campaigns, influence operations, and digital forensics. His expertise extends to
open-source intelligence (OSINT), investigating disinformation and coordinated inauthentic behaviours on digital platforms, and advocating for Digital, Media, and Information Literacy (DMIL).
Zulker is also an open-source intelligence investigator, adept at developing cases and news stories by leveraging cutting-edge tools and strategies in OSINT and digital forensics.
He can be reached at [email protected]
Shuvashish Das Ray Dip
Research Associate
Shuvashish Dip is a Research Associate at the Center for Critical and Qualitative Studies (CQS), ULAB. He completed his BSS from theDepartment of Media Studies & Journalism, ULAB. He is also the Assistant Editor at FactWatch, where his responsibilities include
debunking misinformation circulating on social media, assisting in the various research projects and leading MIL and fact-checking training workshops.
He can be reached at [email protected]
Rahul Roy
Research Associate
Rahul Roy is a Research Associate and System Analyst at the Center for Critical and Qualitative Studies, ULAB. He completed his BSc in Computer Science and Engineering from ULAB. His responsibilities incude conducting academic and project based research
in areas of information integrity and social media. Additionally, his research interests encompass computational social science, social data science, and machine learning.
He can be reached at [email protected].
Rydwanul Islam
Research Assistant
Rydwanul Islam completed his Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Mass Communication and Journalism from Comilla University. During his time at university, he worked as a campus correspondent for the online news portal Jago News 24 and the private
broadcast channel Somoy TV. He was also involved in the publication of a book titled ‘Online Journalism’.
Before joining FactWatch, he worked as a fact-checker at Rumor Scanner Bangladesh and Daily Ajker Patrika. His areas of interest include debunking false, misleading, and disinformation as well as myths.
He can be reached at [email protected]
Suborno Rekha Dolon
Research Assistant
Suborno Rekha Dolon works as a Fact Checker and Research Assistant at the Center for Critical & Qualitative Studies, ULAB. She has completed her BSS from the Department of Media Studies and Journalism, ULAB. Currently she is working on debunking
rumors and collaborating on various researches.
She can be reached at [email protected]
Mst. Anwara Parvin
Research Assistant
Anwara Parvin is a Fact Checker at FactWatch. She completed her bachelor's and master's degrees at Jahangirnagar University. She has previously worked as a sub-editor for two national newspapers.
She can be reached at [email protected].
Ishmam Rahim Kareeb
Research Assistant
Ishmam Rahim Kareeb is a Research Assistant at the Center for Critical and Qualitative Studies (CQS) at the University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh (ULAB). He earned his Bachelor of Social Science (BSS) degree from the Department of Media Studies &
Journalism at ULAB, majoring in Digital Journalism with a minor in Sustainable Development.
His responsibilities include assisting with various research projects undertaken by the center, debunking misinformation that circulates on social media, and contributing to the development of communication materials for the center.
He can be reached at [email protected]
Shaila Jafrin
Admin
Shaila Jafrin serves as an Officer Admin at the Center for Critical and Qualitative Studies (CQS) at the University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh (ULAB). She completed BBA and MBA from Eastern University. She had 7 years of experience
in the HR and Admin Department.
She can be reached at [email protected]