About Us …
Next50 Bangladesh began in 2020 as a collaborative initiative by Dr Tanzil Shafique (A/Prof, University of Sheffield) and Saimum Kabir (A/Prof, Brac University, and Founder of Context), to bring together some of the most original research on the future of Bangladesh into the public sphere. From the outset, the aim was clear: to bridge research and social impact, and create a platform where knowledge could be mobilised to shape a more just and equitable society.
The first major project was an ambitious edited volume of over 50 articles from local and international built-environment professionals, researchers, and thinkers. Organised into nine thematic sections and guided by an expert editorial panel (chaired by Dr Fuad Mallick, Professor at Brac University and Visiting Professor at Harvard GSD), it brought together more than 150 contributors—authors, reviewers, illustrators, designers, event organisers, and production teams—with industry partners supporting its production. It was a landmark in showing how collective knowledge could inform a vision for Bangladesh’s future (buy the book here!).
Following the mass uprising of 2024 and the new direction Bangladesh has embarked on, Next50 has evolved into a fully fledged, impact-oriented think tank with a broader remit—connecting rigorous, context-rooted research on Bangladesh with real-world policy and practice across multiple sectors: built environment, economy, health, technology, education, and governance.
Bangladesh stands at a generational crossroads. Climate shocks, rapid urbanisation, shifting economic structures, and demographic transitions are reshaping the nation. At the same time, there is a vast, skilled, and committed global Bangladeshi diaspora eager to contribute but with no unified platform to channel their expertise, resources, and networks. Next50 aims to be that platform—linking local innovators and diasporic/global experts, bridging disciplines, and ensuring that just and equitable perspectives shape national and global policy debates, as well as practices.
Our impact model is active, not passive. We translate research into action through policy briefs, pilot projects, strategic partnerships, advocacy campaigns, and capacity-building programmes. We convene dialogues between government, industry, academia, and communities. We mentor and connect emerging leaders. We mobilise the diaspora as a living resource for knowledge, investment, and innovation of the country.
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In 2024, Interport Advisory Services (BD) and Jagoron Foundation (UK) joined the Next50 Bangladesh consortium, expanding our capacity to deliver on this mission.
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If you are interested in collaborating, contributing or supporting us, please email Tanzil at t.i.shafique@sheffield.ac.uk or Saimum at