LocationsMeet Md. Abdul Quayyum and follow his journey from a shy student in Bangladesh to a champion of purposeful storytelling at UNDP
Son of Bangladeshi Soil: A Communicator’s Path to Purpose
November 3, 2025
Content-gathering mission in the remote hills of Bangladesh’s Chittagong Hill Tracts
Photo: UNDP Bangladesh
Son of Bangladeshi Soil
Growing up in Bangladesh, my parents had one dream for me: to become a doctor. In their eyes, medicine was the most noble way to serve the community. And while I never wore a white coat, I believe I still serve. Just in a different way.
I wasn’t a particularly good student. I was shy, introverted, and terrified of speaking in public. I never raised my hand in class. My parents, relatives, even my friends - many of them felt hopeless about my future. Yet, despite my shyness and introversion, I chose to pursue a career in communications - a field that constantly challenges me to step outside my comfort zone. But I’ve come a long way.
Today, I lead communications at UNDP Bangladesh. I don’t prescribe medicine, but I help shape narratives. I give voice to the voiceless. I help people see the impact of development, not just in numbers, but through stories. And in many ways, that too is a form of healing.
That said, I don’t consider myself a leader; I want to become one. I want to grow every day. For me, leadership is rooted in empathy. Through communications, I can empower the powerless. I can serve the community. And that’s what drives me.
Md. Abdul Quayyum, Head of Communications UNDP Bangladesh
Photo: UNDP Bangladesh
A Journey Rooted in Purpose
My journey with UNDP began eight years ago. Since then, I’ve led communications, advocacy, and media relations across a wide range of projects. But my goal has always been bigger than campaigns. I’ve worked to build an ecosystem of communication - one where teams share knowledge, collaborate, and amplify each other’s work.
In the early days, we focused only on the “what” - a press release, a photo, a video. But we rarely asked “why.” Why are we telling this story? Why does this image matter? That shift - from what to why - has been one of the most important evolutions in my work.
Before joining UNDP, my career began with a tax reform project funded by the UK government, followed by a water supply and sanitation project supported by Danida. These experiences gave me a foundation in the non-profit sector and the importance of effective communication for impact. But it was at IUCN, the International Union for Conservation of Nature, where my journey in development communications truly began. I still remember my first field mission there to Tanguar Haor,a vast wetland in the northeastern Bangladesh. I had no idea how to get there, but I took it as a challenge. On that mission, I have many memories but one has stuck with me over the years.I spent the night on a boat with local fishermen, listening to their stories under the open sky. That experience changed everything. It was the moment I realized that communication isn’t just about writing or taking photos, it’s about being present, listening, witnessing, and connecting. That lesson continues to guide me every day.
On a content-gathering mission in the Chittagong Hill Tracts, capturing stories of the indigenous communities. 3rdnd – Mission with our Partners At Core, Ambassador of Sweden and Switzerland
Photo: UNDP Bangladesh
Changing the Narrative, Empowering the Youth
When I started, communications was often treated as an afterthought - something you called in at the end of a project to take a few photos. But I’ve worked hard to change that mindset. I want communications to be seen as a strategic tool, not just a decorative one. I want to bring UNDP closer to the people, especially young people. Outside of work, I’m passionate about giving back. I believe deeply in the power of youth. They are not just the present; they are our future. I’ve conducted sessions for young volunteers, university students, and aspiring professionals on topics like “Mastering Communications,” “Personal Branding,” “Career in Communication” etc. I see it as a responsibility. Just as I’ve been guided by mentors, I want to help others find their path. And when I hear words like these from participants, I’m reminded of the true purpose of my professional journey, “I really loved your points about soft skills, especially about effective and strategic communication that you highlighted in your session. I would be very happy to continue learning from you directly if I ever get the opportunity. Thanks for always inspiring us.”- said Sadia, one of the participants
There’s something incredibly energizing about working with young people. Their ideas are fresh, their questions are bold, and their optimism is contagious. If we invest in them now, we invest in a better tomorrow.
Conducting a session with young participants on “Empowering Youth.”
Photo: UNDP Bangladesh
Witnessing Impact in Tajikistan
One of the most memorable experiences of my career was a detail assignment to lead the communications and outreach activities for UNDP Tajikistan. It was my first time working outside Bangladesh, and it gave me a new perspective on development. I witnessed firsthand how UNDP’s work was transforming lives from strengthening the civil registry system that gave citizens access to legal identity, to advancing climate adaptation in vulnerable mountain regions, and promoting effective border management to enhance security and cooperation. These were not just projects they were lifelines connecting communities to opportunity, resilience, and hope.
But it wasn’t easy. Some questioned why someone from South Asia had come to Central Asia. I didn’t speak Russian or Tajik. But I listened, actively, not passively. And slowly, I built trust. I helped them see the value of communications, not just as a tool, but as a bridge. It was only possible because of the support I received from a few colleagues, especially Lenni Montiel, the then Resident Representative of UNDP Tajikistan. Lenni was a true believer in the power of communications to drive positive change, both within the organization and beyond. He gave me the freedom to innovate, encouraged bold ideas, and trusted me to lead strategically in a new cultural context. His mentorship left a lasting imprint on my professional journey, and to this day, we remain in touch.What struck me most was the universality of human stories. Whether in Tajikistan or Bangladesh, people want the same things: dignity, opportunity, and hope. And through communications, we can help make those stories visible. We can help others care.
A great experience working with the UNDP Tajikistan team on a detailed assignment.
Photo: UNDP Tajikistan
A Circle of Mentorship
I wouldn’t be where I am today without the mentors who believed in me. From Kyoko Yokosuka, my first boss and now Resident Representative of UNDP Nepal, I learned how to speak with style and remain calm under pressure. From Sudipto Mukerjee, now Resident Representative of UNDP Tajikistan, I learned the essence of compassionate leadership. And from Stefan Liller, my current boss and the Resident Representative of UNDP Bangladesh, I’ve learned that when it comes to communication, the sky is the limit. Their guidance has shaped my career and taught me what it truly means to lead with empathy. Moreover, there are colleagues who are not just collaborators, they are confidants and constant sources of support.
I’m also proud to work with what many call the “champion comms team” of Bangladesh. Their creativity, dedication, and teamwork inspire me every day. Together, we’re not just telling stories - we’re building a culture of purpose. And just like my mentors believed in me, I want to believe in others. Especially the youth. Because when we lift each other up, we all rise.
THE TEAM
Photo: UNDP Bangladesh
And just like my mentors believed in me, I want to believe in others. Especially the youth. Because when we lift each other up, we all riseMd. Abdul Quayyum
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