Dr Kazi Maruful Islam has been engaged in the academia and development practices for about 25 years with reputation in conducting research, project and program design and evaluation, advocacy and capacity building. With thematic interest in democratic governance, local governance, political institutions (e.g., political party and parliament), has worked as a governance specialist for various research projects within and outside Bangladesh. He has undertaken a series of research, training and capacity development activities in recent years for several international organizations like Save the Children, Social Impact, Oxfam GB, British Council, BRAC, USAID, The Asia Foundation, UNDP, and CARE Bangladesh.