Manzur Qader boasts a wealth of experience across various roles in defence services and civil administration. He retired from active duty in 2009 as a Brigadier General. His extensive career encompasses positions of command, staff, and instructional roles. He has received academic and defence training from prestigious institutions at home and abroad. Internationally, Manzur Qader served as the Deputy Chief of Operations in the UN Mission for Western Sahara (MINURSO) and as the Defense Advisor at the High Commission of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh in Pakistan with concurrent accreditation to Iran and Afghanistan. Prior to his retirement, he served as the Logistics Area Commander of the Bangladesh Army. Post-retirement, leveraging his background and extensive service experience, Manzur Qader has emerged as an accomplished figure in the civil society of Bangladesh and actively contributes to the country’s socio-economic development. Manzur Qader plays a pivotal role in various capacities, showcasing his commitment to social causes and community welfare. Serving as the Advisor for the Arakan Rohingya Union (ARU), he advocates for the safe and dignified return of the displaced Rohingya community members to their homeland. In addition to his advocacy work, Manzur Qader is the Senior Vice President at the Bangladesh-Vietnam Chamber of Commerce, contributing to enhancing trade relations between the two countries. He actively engages in advisory roles for several not-for-profit organizations, demonstrating a diverse range of interests. These include the ASP Foundation, which focuses on healthcare, education and climate resilience. Additionally, Manzur Qader contributes his expertise to the Bangladesh Ex-Soldiers Association, dedicated to the welfare of veterans, ensuring their well-being and support after their military service. Lastly, he is involved with the Bangladesh Heritage Crafts Foundation, an organization committed to promoting the rich cultural heritage of Bangladesh. In addition to his social contributions, Manzur Qader is an avid golfer, holding the position of Vice President at the Tiger’s Golf Club Bangladesh. He actively promotes the sport of golf in Bangladesh. Manzur Qader’s educational background includes a Master of War Studies from the Bangladesh University of Professionals, an Army War Course from the National Defence College, Bangladesh, and a Bachelor of Social Studies from the National University of Bangladesh. Furthermore, he has received specialized training in Civil-Military Responses to Terrorism from the Center of Excellence Disaster Management and Humanitarian Assistance in Monterey, California, USA.

Rohima Akter Khushi is a committed advocate for human rights and social justice, with a particular focus on the rights and educational empowerment of girls and women among the Rohingya refugee community. Boasting more than five years of humanitarian experience, she has collaborated with numerous institutions and international NGOs, including entities affiliated with the United Nations, to conduct both qualitative and quantitative research, as well as training and documentation initiatives in humanitarian contexts. Having lived her entire life as a refugee in Bangladesh, she has now been resettled in Canada.