
WorldFish, a global leader in sustainable aquaculture and fisheries research, has announced the appointment of Dr. Faruk-Ul Islam as the new country representative for Bangladesh. With a presence in 27 countries across Asia, Africa, and the Pacific, WorldFish aims to enhance food security and improve livelihoods through innovative research and practices in aquaculture.
Dr. Faruk, a Bangladeshi national, is the first local representative to lead WorldFish Bangladesh. He holds a PhD in Aquaculture & Livelihoods from the University of Stirling, UK, and brings nearly 30 years of experience in the development sector. His career began with the ODA-DoF Bilateral Flagship Fisheries Program, followed by a 22-year tenure at Practical Action, a UK-based international NGO. He has also held senior management positions at ThinkAqua (UK) and iDE (USA).
Notably, Dr. Faruk forecasted the top ten small fish species crucial for rural fish security back in 2007, which have since gained popularity in the market. He has been a vocal advocate for the role of self-recruiting species in farmer-managed aquaculture systems, challenging conventional practices that often overlook their importance.
Before joining WorldFish, Dr. Faruk served as Team Leader for a significant agricultural mechanization program funded by USAID, in collaboration with CIMMYT and Georgia Tech University. He has also held leadership roles in fundraising and program development at Practical Action, where he acted as the Country Director for the Bangladesh office.
Dr. Faruk is recognized for his innovative contributions to pond aeration technology and has represented Bangladesh at various global forums. He has traveled to over 12 countries across Asia, Europe, America, and Africa, focusing on development and research interests.
In his new role, Dr. Faruk aims to prioritize research in several key areas, including market competitiveness of smallholder nature-positive aquaculture, aquaculture mechanization, climate-smart food systems, and fisheries governance. His passion for aquaculture and development is complemented by a cultural interest in poetry, reflecting his creative leadership style.
WorldFish Bangladesh looks forward to Dr. Faruk’s leadership in advancing sustainable aquaculture practices and enhancing the livelihoods of communities across the country.