M. Anowar Hossain

Mr. M. Anowar Hossain is a visionary leader and international development professional hailing from Bangladesh, with a rich background spanning over 20 years in various strategic, leadership, and management roles. Presently, he holds the position of Executive Chairman at Growing Together OPC, serves as the Vice President of the Asian African Chamber of Commerce and Industries, is a Director at Global Resource Consortium-Canada, and sits on the Advisory Board of the South Asian Institute for Advanced Research and Development (SAIARD) in Delhi, India.

Before assuming his role at Growing Together, Mr. Hossain contributed to the Public-Private Partnership Authority of the Prime Minister’s Office (PPPA) in Bangladesh. His tenure at BRAC International (BI) included serving as the Asia Regional Director, Country Director in Afghanistan, and International Program Director overseeing operations in 11 countries across Asia and Africa. He was also involved in various boards, including the Stitchting BI Executive Management Board in the Netherlands, Myanmar Micro Finance Company Ltd Board and BI Boards in Tanzania and Afghanistan

Earlier in his career, Mr. Hossain played significant roles at Concern Worldwide, where he led the Technical Unit, focusing on Policy Advocacy, Equality, Communications & Fundraising, and Partnership. At Action Aid Bangladesh, he held diverse capacities. Mr. Hossain started his career as the Coordinator for the Assessment of Impacts of Sustainable Environment Management Program (SEMP) of UNDP Bangladesh.

Mr. Hossain is recognized for initiating and leading collective efforts in Bangladesh, Philippines, Nepal, Myanmar, and India. As the President of Haor Advocacy Platform (HAP, 31 organizations), he leads collective efforts for addressing issues in the Haor region, one of Bangladesh’s extreme poverty pockets.

His expertise extends to designing and implementing strategies, conducting assessments and studies, developing programs, fundraising, impact measurement, and knowledge management. He is a skilled facilitator of networks and platforms, adept at mobilizing collective resources involving both state and non-state actors. Mr. Hossain excels in exploring and establishing partnerships, engaging with various donors, including bilateral, multilateral, and institutional donors and foundations. Additionally, he is a professional trainer in Leadership and Management, as well as Rights-Empowerment-Governance and Advocacy.

Educationally, Mr. Hossain holds a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science, a Masters in Development Studies, and a Masters in Economics. He is also an accomplished author, having written four books and edited five, including publications by the Bangladesh Parliament. Furthermore, he has number of publications in international journals.