Abdullah Al Mozahid is a dynamic and emerging sociologist with a specialized focus on food anthropology, agroecology, and environmental studies. His research emphasizes the social construction of food quality, particularly in the agrarian contexts of Bangladesh. He has conducted significant ethnographic fieldwork on rice agroecology, exploring how cultural, economic, and gendered perceptions shape the understanding of food quality among rural communities. Abdullah’s work is not only academically rigorous but also socially relevant, as it provides critical insights into how marginalized voices, such as rural farmers and beneficiary women, perceive development programs and food systems. His interdisciplinary approach, combining qualitative ethnography with quantitative analysis, positions him as a researcher capable of bridging sociological theory with ground-level realities. Abdullah has presented his research at numerous national and international conferences and is actively engaged in collaborative academic projects. His publication record, including articles in reputable journals like Economic & Political Weekly and Culture, Agriculture, Food and Environment, demonstrates his growing contribution to global scholarly dialogues. Abdullah is currently serving as a Lecturer in the Department of Sociology and Sustainable Development at Premier University, Chittagong, where he continues to develop his research portfolio and contribute to the academic community through teaching and mentorship.
Professional Profile
Education
Abdullah Al Mozahid holds a Master of Arts in Sociology from South Asian University, New Delhi, India, where he graduated in 2023 with a commendable CGPA of 7.09 out of 9. His coursework included a wide range of advanced subjects such as sociological theory, social stratification, gender and society in South Asia, political sociology, economy and society, and research methods, with particular emphasis on food politics and agroecology. During his MA program, Abdullah conducted an ethnographic dissertation focusing on the social construction of rice quality in northern Bangladesh. Prior to his master’s degree, Abdullah earned a Bachelor of Social Science (Honors) in Sociology from Hajee Mohammad Danesh Science and Technology University, Dinajpur, where he graduated in 2019 with a CGPA of 3.60 out of 4. His undergraduate research focused on the socio-economic impacts of Bangladesh’s Income Generating Vulnerable Group Development (IGVGD) program. Abdullah also holds excellent academic credentials from his higher secondary education (HSC) and secondary school certificate (SSC), achieving a perfect GPA of 5.00 in HSC and 4.38 in SSC from the Dinajpur Board. His solid educational background laid the foundation for his specialized research in food studies, development, and sociology.
Professional Experience
Abdullah Al Mozahid has accumulated valuable academic and field experience across various research and development roles. Since October 2023, he has been serving as a Lecturer in the Department of Sociology and Sustainable Development at Premier University, Chittagong. His teaching responsibilities are complemented by active research in food heritage and agroecology. His prior experience includes working as a Data Analyst at Bangladesh Research Institute for Development (BRIDS) under the Eco-Social Development Organization (ESDO), where he contributed to a project on sustainable street food practices. He has also worked as a field researcher for Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) and served as a research assistant in multiple projects related to microfinance and community resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic under the guidance of Dr. Rashedur Chowdhury from the University of Southampton. Additionally, Abdullah has leadership experience as an Ambassador and Project Manager for LG Electronics Bangladesh’s environmental sustainability programs. His diverse professional engagements reflect a strong combination of academic rigor and field-based social research, providing him with the skills to address real-world issues through both sociological inquiry and community engagement.
Research Interests
Abdullah Al Mozahid’s research interests are deeply rooted in the intersections of food anthropology, agroecology, rural sociology, and environmental studies. He is particularly passionate about exploring how food quality is socially constructed within agrarian communities and how these perceptions vary based on gender, class, and cultural traditions. His work extends to the socio-economic analysis of food security, safety net programs, and development policies affecting marginalized groups in Bangladesh. Abdullah is currently investigating the social embeddedness and cultural significance of Mezban, a traditional food practice in the Chattogram region. His interests also encompass the politics of food, caste-based consumption, sensory studies, and gastrofeminism, aiming to bring attention to underrepresented narratives in food systems. Abdullah’s research often adopts an ethnographic methodology, favoring immersive fieldwork that allows him to capture the nuanced experiences of rural populations and vulnerable stakeholders. His interdisciplinary approach integrates sociology, anthropology, and environmental studies, contributing to a holistic understanding of food systems, social justice, and sustainable development. Abdullah is also exploring the implications of food-related discourses on public health, urban consumption patterns, and the global politics of food security.
Research Skills
Abdullah Al Mozahid possesses a diverse and adaptable set of research skills that support his in-depth fieldwork and data analysis. He is particularly skilled in ethnographic methods, including participant observation, in-depth interviews, and case study approaches. Abdullah is also well-versed in qualitative and quantitative data analysis, using tools such as SPSS for descriptive statistics and basic data management. His ability to combine sociological theory with empirical data makes his research comprehensive and impactful. Additionally, he has practical experience in community-based research, participatory rural appraisals, and stakeholder mapping, which he applied during his work with Transparency International Bangladesh and development projects at BRIDS and ESDO. Abdullah has moderate proficiency in GIS applications, which he employs for basic geo-referencing to support his environmental and food system research. His soft skills include strong communication, project management, and the ability to work in multi-disciplinary and cross-cultural teams. Furthermore, his participation in international workshops on decolonizing research methods and global social medicine demonstrates his commitment to methodological rigor and ethical research practices. Abdullah’s research skill set allows him to approach complex social issues with sensitivity, precision, and interdisciplinary collaboration.
Awards and Honors
Abdullah Al Mozahid has been recognized with prestigious academic awards that highlight his excellence and potential as a sociologist. He was awarded the SAARC India Silver Jubilee Scholarship (SJS) for his Master’s studies at South Asian University, New Delhi, which is a testament to his academic merit and regional leadership in social research. Additionally, he received the EXIM Scholars Award from the EXIM Bank Foundation, Dhaka, for his outstanding performance during his undergraduate studies at Hajee Mohammad Danesh Science and Technology University. These honors not only provided financial support but also enhanced his academic profile within South Asia’s research community. His active participation in international conferences, including presentations at the Australian Sociological Association (TASA) and the Indian Sociological Society’s All India Sociological Conference, further solidifies his growing reputation. Abdullah’s involvement in research workshops, such as those conducted by the British Council and King’s College London, reflects his commitment to continuous professional development. These recognitions and training experiences collectively demonstrate his dedication to advancing sociological knowledge and addressing pressing social and cultural issues through high-quality research.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Abdullah Al Mozahid exemplifies the qualities of a promising and socially committed researcher. His academic journey, marked by consistent excellence and cross-cultural engagements, underpins his impactful contributions to the fields of food anthropology, agroecology, and rural development. Abdullah’s ability to integrate ethnographic depth with theoretical sophistication makes his research both innovative and socially meaningful. His work on food quality, community development, and cultural heritage addresses critical gaps in the existing literature, particularly within the South Asian context. While his research portfolio is already impressive, expanding his presence in leading international journals and securing collaborative research funding would further elevate his academic profile. Abdullah’s strong field experience, multilingual communication abilities, and commitment to social justice position him as an influential scholar capable of driving meaningful change. As he continues to build on his academic and professional achievements, Abdullah is poised to make significant contributions to the global sociological community. He is highly deserving of the Best Researcher Award, and his future research endeavors will undoubtedly enrich interdisciplinary dialogues on food, culture, and social equity.
Publications Top Notes
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Title: What counts as “quality” in agrarian taste? Subjectivities, gender, and rice agroecology in northern Bangladesh
Author: Abdullah Al Mozahid
Year: 2024
Journal: Culture, Agriculture, Food and Environment
DOI: 10.1111/cuag.12323
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Title: Caste, Consumption, and Dalit Resistance
Author: Abdullah Al Mozahid
Year: 2023
Journal: Economic & Political Weekly
EID: 2-s2.0-85174622589
ISSN: 2349-8846 / 0012-9976