Our Origin & Founding Vision
— Barrister Abdullah Al Noman, Founder
The Nationalist Research Forum Bangladesh was not created overnight. It is the result of years of reflection, frustration, longing and, above all, hope.
I have always believed that Bangladesh deserves better than what is too often offered in our political and intellectual spheres. I have seen our national identity diluted, our history revised, and our political values compromised. But even in those moments of disillusionment, I held firmly to the legacy of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman—a man whose leadership redefined the meaning of patriotism, national dignity, and responsible governance. His vision was never about power for its own sake, but about the empowerment of the people through sovereignty, pluralism and faith.
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Where It Began
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The Forum’s origin lies not in any grand office or boardroom. It began in quiet conversations- some in cafés, others over midnight phone calls, and many shaped by a persistent sense of duty.
I vividly remember those early evenings with Barrister Mir Muhtasim Ali, my co-founder and one of my dearest friends. We would meet at a small café just outside Hornchurch in England. The atmosphere was quiet, the air often cold, but our discussions were charged with energy. We spoke of Bangladesh, of nationalism, of the need for an intellectual platform that would preserve and protect the political values we inherited.
There were nights when we spoke for hours on the phone- sometimes until dawn. I remember one such night when I hesitated, doubting whether I had the strength or the voice to establish something of this scale. It was Muhtasim who said to me, "If not us, then who? If not now, then when?" His faith in me was unshakable. His encouragement was not loud, but it was something I can barely express in words.
He reminded me that we are not merely products of political heritage- we are custodians of it.
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A Forum for Sovereign Thought
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And so, with shared conviction, we decided to found the Nationalist Research Forum Bangladesh. This is not a platform for slogans. It is a forum for thought, for action, and for truth. It is our response to the intellectual vacuum that has allowed others to define our story.
We established the Forum to champion the very values that President Ziaur Rahman defended: national sovereignty, people’s democracy, economic independence, and moral leadership. These are not abstract ideas to us. They are principles we believe must guide policymaking, public dialogue, and political engagement.
We felt a deep sense of duty to create an organisation where:
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Research would be shaped by national interest, not foreign funding.
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Young voices would be trained, not tamed.
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Policy would be informed by history, not trend.​
Our Call to You​
To those who have ever felt unheard, unseen or unrepresented in Bangladesh’s intellectual space- we see you. This Forum is for you.
To the youth seeking clarity amidst confusion- come and read, write, speak and lead.
To our elders who witnessed the promise of 1971 and the reforms of Ziaur Rahman guide us with your wisdom.
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And to every proud Bangladeshi who believes in dignity without dependency- we invite you to walk with us.
The Nationalist Research Forum Bangladesh is not merely an institution. It is a cause. And it is only just beginning.
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— Barrister Mir Muhtasim Ali, Co-Founder
Coming from a deeply rooted nationalist family, I have always cherished Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman for his uncompromising stance in safeguarding Bangladesh’s national interests and his resolute opposition to foreign interference. He reshaped Bangladesh by restoring democracy, pluralism, and faith in the nation’s identity and future.
One day, my friend, colleague, and the founder of this forum, Barrister Abdullah Al Noman, and I met at a café in Hornchurch, England. We discovered our shared ideology — a deep commitment to the nationalist cause. In an era where social media dominates public discourse, we recognised the need to present our values to the younger generation not through conventional means, but through a modern and accessible platform.
The Idea Behind the Platform
We discussed how institutions like Chatham House in the UK work to safeguard and promote British national interests. Unfortunately, Bangladesh lacks a comparable platform that champions our national values, history, and sovereignty on the global stage.
I have always believed - and this is no flattery - that Barrister Noman possesses greater social and leadership skills than I do. I encouraged him to take the lead in creating a platform where all citizens of Bangladesh, at home and abroad, could actively engage, share our rich cultural heritage, and demonstrate to the world that we are a proud and capable nation.
Building the Vision
The journey was far from easy. It took countless hours of discussion, brainstorming, and perseverance to shape this platform. Our vision was simple but powerful: to create a space for those who share nationalist views while upholding the religious, cultural, and historical values of Bangladesh.
We believe that whoever comes to power in the upcoming elections must prioritise Bangladesh’s national interests above all else, standing firm against foreign pressure and interference. Yet while we champion nationalist ideals, this platform remains open to constructive criticism, debate, and engagement from all citizens of Bangladesh.
A Platform for the Youth — Listening and Leading Together
Our greatest strength as a nation lies in our youth. This platform is committed to working hand-in-hand with young Bangladeshis, listening to their concerns, their aspirations, and their ideas. We aim to act as a bridge, carrying their voices to those in positions of influence and responsibility, ensuring that the new generation is heard and empowered to shape the nation’s future.
Our Promise
We pledge to work tirelessly in service of our beloved country. This platform belongs to every patriot who wishes to contribute meaningfully to Bangladesh’s progress, dignity, and sovereignty. Together, we will honour the legacy of our nationalist leaders, preserve our cultural identity, and stand united as a nation determined to build a brighter, prouder future.
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Careers
Join a Mission. Not Just an Institution.
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At NRFBD, the Nationalist Research Forum Bangladesh, we believe that policy must serve the people, research must be rooted in principle, and institutions must be built on integrity. If you share this vision, we invite you to explore opportunities to join our team.
NRFBD is not just a think tank. It is a national platform for principled professionals, thoughtful analysts, and committed patriots who seek to contribute to the betterment of Bangladesh through meaningful work.
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🔹 Why Work With Us?
Working with NRFBD offers a unique opportunity to:
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Influence policy through evidence-based research guided by nationalist values
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Be part of an intellectually vibrant environment that values patriotism, professionalism, and critical inquiry
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Collaborate with respected academics, legal professionals, and emerging leaders
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Participate in youth engagement programmes, strategic forums, and policy dialogues
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Grow as a public thinker, communicator, and changemaker
We offer full-time and part-time roles, short-term consultancies, and internships for exceptional candidates.
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🔹 Current Vacancies
We welcome applications from qualified individuals for the following roles:
Position, Location, Type, Deadline
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Research and Policy Analyst, Dhaka, Full-Time, 15 July 2025
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Communications Assistant, Remote or Hybrid, Part-Time, 30 June 2025
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Events and Outreach Coordinator, Dhaka, Full-Time, 10 August 2025
📎 [ Click here to view detailed job descriptions ]
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If you do not see a suitable vacancy but would like to express your interest in future roles, please send your CV and a brief letter of interest to careers@nrfbd.org.bd.
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🔹 How to Apply
To apply for a position at NRFBD, please submit the following:
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A current CV
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A cover letter addressed to the Director of Recruitment, explaining how your qualifications, experience, and values align with the mission of NRFBD
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Writing samples or links to publications or research output, if applicable
📧 Email all documents to: careers@nrfbd.org.bd
🕓 Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis unless otherwise stated.
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🔹 Internships and Volunteer Placements​​
NRFBD offers periodic internship opportunities for university students and recent graduates interested in research, public policy, or communications. Interns receive mentorship, practical experience, and the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to national discourse.
To apply for an internship, please send a short statement of purpose (no more than 300 words), along with your CV, to internships@nrfbd.org.bd.
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🔹 Equal Opportunity Statement
NRFBD is proud to be an equal opportunity organisation. We welcome applicants of all backgrounds, faiths, and regions who share our commitment to the sovereignty, unity, and democratic advancement of Bangladesh.
All appointments are made on merit, with full consideration of competence, commitment, and character.