Profile of Ahmed Javed Chowdhury
Ahmed Javed Chowdhury
City University, Bangladesh · Dhaka, Bangladesh
Guided by the Capability Approach and inspired by Rabindranath Tagore's holistic vision of education — as interpreted by Amartya Sen — I view teaching as a transformative practice that nurtures freedom, reason, and ethical responsibility. I am committed to fostering classrooms as spaces of critical inquiry, cooperation, and moral reflection, enabling students not only to acquire knowledge but to develop as thoughtful and socially responsible individuals in pursuit of a just and inclusive society.
Book: ন্যায্যতার ধারণা: তত্ত্ব ও প্রয়োগ: জন রল্স থেকে অমর্ত্য সেন (The Concept of Justice: Theory & Application — From John Rawls to Amartya Sen).
Nobel Laureate Professor Amartya Sen endorsed the book, stating: "This fine book by Ahmed Javed Chowdhury, popularly known as Ronie, presents a well-reasoned and insightful discussion of the concept of justice, drawing on the works of John Rawls and those who followed his path-breaking departure. The broad reach of Ronie's arguments and his inspiring engagement with moral and political philosophy make this an excellent contribution."
Banglar Pathshala Foundation's Martha C. Nussbaum Study Circle initiative was featured by the University of Chicago Law School for its contribution to intellectual engagement on democracy, justice, and Global South perspectives.
View Feature Article ↗Selected as the sole PhD candidate at the Institute of Liberation War and Bangladesh Studies (ILBS), National University Bangladesh, through a competitive written examination (2 hours 30 minutes) and viva voce; the only candidate admitted to the PhD program among both PhD and MPhil applicants. Result published: December 8, 2025.
View Official Notice ↗Received the University of Hawai'i's East-West Center Fellowship in 2021 for his decade-long contribution to Bangladeshi youth through Banglar Pathshala Foundation.
Prothom Alo Report ↗Honored with the Best Participant Award for exceptional performance during the 12th Certificate Course on Genocide and Justice, hosted by the Centre for Study of Genocide and Justice (CSGJ) at the Liberation War Museum (LWM), Dhaka. The course ran from August 18 to September 9, 2023. The award and certificate were received from the Chief Justice of Bangladesh and the Trustee and Director of CSGJ at LWM, Mr. Mofidul Hoque.
| Degree | Institution | Year |
|---|---|---|
| PhD in Economics (Admitted) Thesis: "Entitlements, Capabilities and Well-being of Slum Inhabitants in Dhaka City (1990–2026): A Political Economy Perspective" Supervisor: Dr. Selim Jahan (Former Director, HDRO-UNDP, NY) · Co-Supervisor: Prof. Md. Aoulad Hosen, ILBS |
Institute of Liberation War and Bangladesh Studies (ILBS), National University, Bangladesh | 2025–2026 Sole Selectee |
| MS in Economics (Specialization: Environmental Economics) GPA: 3.00 / 4.00 |
Dhaka School of Economics (DScE), University of Dhaka | 2014 (Certificate: 2017) |
| Bachelor of Social Science (BSS) in Economics GPA: 3.00 / 4.00 |
University of Dhaka | 2011 (Certificate: 2013) |
- 12th Certificate Course on Genocide and Justice — Centre for the Study of Genocide and Justice, Liberation War Museum, Dhaka (2023) · Best Participant Award
- Training on Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) — Institute of Statistical Research and Training (ISRT), University of Dhaka (2011)
- Social and Cultural Anthropology Course — Pathshala South Asian Media Institute, Dhaka (2011)
Chowdhury, A. J. (2020). Nyajyotar Dharona: Totto O Proyog: John Rawls theke Amartya Sen (The Concept of Justice: Theory and Application — From John Rawls to Amartya Sen). Dhaka: Pathshala. ISBN: 978-984-93431-1-0. (Endorsed by Nobel Laureate Professor Amartya Sen)
Chowdhury, A. J. (Ed.). (2020). The Political Economy of Development: Bangladesh Perspective (Volume 1). Dhaka: Pathshala. ISBN: 978-984-93431-3-4.
Chowdhury, A. J. (Ed.). (2023). The Political Economy of Development: Bangladesh Perspective (Volume 2). Dhaka: Pathshala. ISBN: 978-984-93431-8-9.
Chowdhury, A. J. (2024). Capabilities and Development: A Theoretical Exploration. In Human Development in South Asia. Dhaka: University Press Limited (UPL).
Chowdhury, A. J. (2022). Environmental Economics and Sustainable Development in Bangladesh. City University Journal of Social Science, 5(1), 45-62.
Chowdhury, A. J. (Forthcoming). The Political Economy of Urban Poverty: A Case Study of Dhaka Slums.
Banglar Pathshala Foundation (BPF)
Co-founded BPF in 2009. Led numerous study circles, lecture series, and international conferences focusing on economics, philosophy, and social justice.
Visit BPF Website ↗Martha C. Nussbaum Study Circle
Initiated a specialized study circle exploring the scholarship of Martha C. Nussbaum, featured by the University of Chicago Law School in 2026.
Shakti Bidyalaya
Volunteer since 2008 for this institute providing free education to street children and slum dwellers in urban Bangladesh.