Operating at the intersection of public administration, physical infrastructure planning, and sustainable development, S M Tareque Sultan is dedicated to addressing complex societal and environmental challenges in rapidly growing regions. Throughout his career in public service, Tareque has focused on bridging policy design with on-the-ground implementation—advocating for resource security, sustainable infrastructure, and equitable socio-economic development.

Driven by a desire to gain a global perspective on policy and resource management, Tareque pursued his postgraduate studies at Monash University. During his time at Monash, he immersed himself in interdisciplinary research, examining critical themes such as food, water, and energy security, climate resilience frameworks, and sustainable development strategies. This academic environment allowed him to synthesize complex environmental policies with practical governance applications.

Today, Tareque applies his advanced analytical training to high-impact public service initiatives. From evaluating infrastructure planning within central government commissions to managing regional administration as Additional Deputy Commissioner, his professional journey exemplifies how an interdisciplinary education at Monash equips leaders to drive sustainable, systemic change.

Career Pathway

• 2024 – Present – Additional Deputy Commissioner, District Administration (Gopalganj), Government of the People's Republic of Bangladesh
• 2019 – 2022 – Assistant Chief, Physical Infrastructure Division, Planning Commission, Bangladesh
• 2018 – 2020 – Master of Environment and Sustainability and Masters of International Development Practice, Monash University, Australia
• 2015 – 2018 – Civil Servant / Public Administration Roles, Bangladesh Civil Service (BCS)
• 2013  – 2016  – Senior Officer and Assistant Relationship Manager, ONE Bank Limited
• 2010 – 2014 – Bachelor’s Degree, Public Administration / Social Sciences, University of Dhaka

Why did you choose to study the Master of International Development Practice at Monash?

I chose the Master of International Development Practice at Monash University following my early exposure to development planning while working at the Bangladesh Planning Commission, specifically in the Physical Infrastructure Division. This experience fuelled my passion for the field and prompted me to pursue further education. I received offers from several Australian universities, and I was awarded the prestigious PM Fellowship by the Bangladesh Government, which enabled me to enrol at Monash.

How did your studies at Monash shape your passions? Could you share some specific experiences or units that had an impact on your career?

My time at Monash played a pivotal role in deepening my passion for global development and the progress of my home country. Units like APG5805: Project Planning and Management in International Development provided valuable insights into effective project planning within a global context, while APG5628: Deconstructing Development offered deep context around the complexities of development processes.

Beyond the classroom, Monash opened doors to incredible global opportunities. I visited the United Nations, attended the Social Good Summit and World Leaders Forum 2019 in New York, and presented a paper on food, water, and energy security in Bangladesh at the International Conference on Sustainable Development at Columbia University. These experiences enriched my academic journey and empowered me to contribute meaningfully to the sector.

In your role as Senior Assistant Commissioner, how do you leverage your knowledge of development to advance sustainable development initiatives in the region you serve?

In my government role, I serve as Upazila Nirbahi Officer for Moralganj Upazila (sub-district) and Chief Executive Officer of Moralganj Municipality. My core responsibilities involve overseeing and facilitating major development initiatives across both entities.

I also serve as Member Secretary of the Sub-District Development Committee and Convenor of the Sub-District SDGs Implementation and Coordination Committee. My studies at Monash provided me with the framework to effectively embed the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and project management best practices directly into regional planning and local governance.

What professional development and networking opportunities did Monash provide you?

Monash offered valuable professional development opportunities throughout my academic journey. A standout experience was APG5100 Colab M: Mentoring for Development Practice and Professional Development, where I was mentored by two industry experts from ClimateWorks Australia.

Additionally, Senior Lecturer Eleanor Gordon connected me with a faculty member at the Monash Sustainable Development Institute (MSDI). Thanks to this connection, MSDI facilitated an internship for me as a Judging Intern at the Banksia Foundation for the 2019 Banksia Sustainability Awards, which was a great boost to my professional growth.

What professional development opportunities did Monash provide you (e.g. internships, networking)?

Monash University offered me valuable professional development opportunities during my academic journey. One standout experience was the course APG5100 Colab M: Mentoring for Development Practice and Professional Development, which encompassed mentorship functions provided by industry experts. I had the privilege of being mentored by two professionals from ClimateWorks Australia as part of this program.

Furthermore, Senior Lecturer Eleanor Gordon played a pivotal role in my professional development by connecting me with a faculty member at Monash Sustainable Development Institute (MSDI). Thanks to this connection, MSDI facilitated an internship opportunity for me as a Judging Intern at the Banksia Foundation for the Banksia Sustainability Awards in 2019. This internship, which I undertook concurrently with my coursework, was a valuable addition to my professional growth.

How did you engage with the broader Monash community (e.g. clubs/societies, events, campus facilities)?

I made a point to actively immerse myself in campus life. I regularly participated in activities at the Monash Laboratory for Experimental Economics (MonLEE), took part in Monash Student Association (MSA) events, attended open seminars, and joined the Monash Association of Debaters. I also spent a lot of time in the Monash Graduate Association (MGA) Lounge, connecting and collaborating with fellow graduate students from around the world.

How do you stay up-to-date with current trends and best practices in the development sector?

Balancing continuous learning with a demanding public service workload can be challenging, but I prioritise ongoing professional development through online platforms. For instance, I recently completed an Asian Development Bank E-learning course on "Decentralisation, Local Governance, and Localizing SDGs in Asia and the Pacific." Dedicating time on weekends to these courses allows me to stay informed on emerging trends and global best practices.

What has been the most memorable project of your career so far?

The most memorable project in my career thus far has been "Ashrayan-2: the home for the homeless and landless." What makes it truly unforgettable are the expressions of joy and gratitude on the faces of the homeless and landless individuals when we handed over the ownership to them.

What do you consider the most significant example of personal and professional growth you have experienced in your career journey?

Developing a positive attitude coupled with a strong foundation of knowledge, which has equipped me with a valuable skill set for global work. A concrete example of this growth is my willingness to go the extra mile in my professional pursuits.

For instance, I chose to undertake an internship with the Banksia Foundation, even though it wasn't a mandatory component of my coursework. Additionally, I actively participated in events like the Social Good Summit 2019 in New York with the sole intention of broadening my global knowledge. This proactive approach to learning and growth has reinforced my belief that a positive effort can open doors to various opportunities and lead to meaningful accomplishments in both personal and professional spheres.

What advice would you give to current students who wish to pursue a similar career path?

In today's world, governments worldwide are placing a significant emphasis on development as a means to gain popularity and address pressing issues. Consequently, the realm of development has become a fundamental focus for many governments, as well as global development partners and non-governmental organizations. This expansion of government involvement presents a wide range of career opportunities.

I recommend that current students prioritise staying globally connected while maintaining their dedication to their academic coursework. My own experiences of visiting different countries, including India, Australia, the USA, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Singapore, have provided me with invaluable insights into the global development landscape. I encourage students to explore various regions around the world as well. This not only fosters a deeper understanding of global development dynamics but also assists in identifying individual career prospects within the field.

Looking ahead, what are your long-term aspirations for your career?
I look forward to working with UNDP or World Bank Groups by taking permission from the government of Bangladesh. I have a strong desire to do a PhD being a development professional.