Mohammad Muzaffar Faisal is a seasoned environmental professional with over a decade of experience in environmental science, advocacy, and conservation in Bangladesh. He shares his learning journey and what inspires him to do his work.
Faisal conducting water quality testing of a river called Shomeshwari
Please introduce yourself briefly and tell us about your work.
I currently, I serve as an Awareness and Campaign Officer at the Bangladesh Environmental Lawyers Association (BELA), where I support initiatives aimed at raising public awareness and promoting environmental justice. My work involves writing concern letters on pressing environmental issues, organizing awareness campaigns and advocacy events, and managing related documentation and reporting.
Throughout my career, I have held key positions in organizations such as SAJIDA Foundation, Nowabenki Gonomukhi Foundation, and the Creative Conservation Alliance, contributing to projects on climate change, disaster management, and biodiversity conservation. I hold both a Master’s and Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science from North South University. I’ve also contributed to several research studies and peer-reviewed publications on topics including climate change, species conservation, and ecosystem health.
At BELA, I bring together my skills in environmental policy advocacy, stakeholder engagement, public awareness, and field-based research to advance our mission of legal empowerment and environmental protection. My work is further supported by advanced training in GIS, conservation project planning, and humanitarian standards. I remain committed to promoting sustainable development and ensuring environmental justice for communities across Bangladesh.
One pivotal experience that deeply motivated me was the Sat Masjid Road tree-cutting incident in Dhanmondi, Dhaka, in January 2023. The Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) initiated a so-called beautification project, which led to the removal of nearly 600 trees—done mostly at night and without consulting residents. These trees were vital to the local ecosystem and quality of life in Dhanmondi, one of the few remaining green areas in the city. Despite public outrage, community protests, and human chains, DSCC continued the project, claiming it would widen the divider and replace the trees with flowering shrubs. BELA stood firmly with the community, organizing press conferences, legal scrutiny, and protest marches to halt the destruction. The Mayor’s dismissive attitude and reported threats to demonstrators only reinforced the urgent need for legal intervention and accountability.
Witnessing the unity between legal professionals, environmentalists, and everyday citizens during this crisis strengthened my commitment to environmental justice. It showed me the critical role law and advocacy can play in protecting not just nature—but also people’s right to live in a healthy, sustainable environment.
Yes, there was a significant turning point in my life that greatly shaped my personal and professional journey. Early in my career, I co-founded a conservation-focused organization alongside a few other passionate conservationists. While the vision was strong, we faced numerous challenges—ranging from securing funding, navigating government approvals, dealing with bureaucratic hurdles, to managing internal issues like power dynamics, broken chains of command, and maintaining work-life balance. Due to philosophical differences and a lack of experience, some of us, including myself, decided to step away from the organization.
Faisal conducting a community engagement event
Recognizing that we needed more knowledge and practical experience, I made a difficult decision to leave my city and work in remote areas of the country under harsh and vulnerable climatic conditions. During this period, I took up various roles in different organizations, learning how things actually work on the ground—especially in terms of organizational management, stakeholder engagement, and field-level conservation practices. Eventually, I returned to my city and joined BELA, bringing with me a wealth of practical knowledge. That entire journey—leaving behind the comfort of home and stepping into the unknown—was a defining chapter in my life. It taught me resilience, adaptability, and the value of real-world experience, which continues to guide me in my work today.
This work is indeed challenging, and the path I chose wasn’t an easy one. I had to leave my city, my home, and even my family in search of the knowledge and experience I believed were essential for my growth. Many people around me questioned my decision and even suggested that I was making a mistake. But deep down, I was determined to prove them wrong—not out of pride, but because I truly believed in the journey I had chosen.
What keeps me motivated is that sense of purpose—to demonstrate that with dedication and the right mindset, growth and success are achievable even in the most difficult circumstances.
The support of my family, especially my wife, played a crucial role during this time. Her encouragement gave me strength during moments of doubt and exhaustion. That emotional support, combined with my inner drive to learn and contribute meaningfully to the field of conservation, continues to inspire me every day.
Faisal during a community engagement event
While I am still in the early stages of engagement, I would encourage fellow members to stay grounded in community voices and always prioritize inclusive participation—especially of marginalized and vulnerable groups—in environmental and legal advocacy. Collaboration across countries and contexts can create powerful momentum, especially when we share tools, strategies, and stories that empower local communities to assert their rights. I also believe there’s great value in integrating legal approaches with grassroots activism, as both are essential to achieving sustainable justice.