Special Correspondent: In the upcoming Executive Committee election of Dhaka’s New Town Society, Khwaja Masum Billah Kausarey is contesting for the post of Publicity and Media Secretary. Many consider this successor of a profound spiritual heritage to be a pioneer of modern social development. In times of social crisis and conflict, his farsighted strategies and inclusive thinking are being warmly welcomed by the residents of New Town Society, Dhaka, as a transformative role in building a society free from division and hostility.

Khwaja Masum Billah Kausarey was born on a blessed Thursday night in 1978 into a devout Muslim family with deep-rooted spiritual and religious traditions. He is the worthy descendant of Khan Bahadur Nawab Khwaja Ahsanullah, as well as the eminent Sufi saints Khwaja Faiz Uddin (R.A.) and Khwaja Naser Ali (R.A.). His father, Hazrat Maulana Abul Khair Muhammad Ismail, was a renowned Islamic scholar, expert in Qur’an and Hadith, and a Da‘i ilallah (caller towards Allah). His mother, Mosammat Maleka Begum, was a pious, veiled, God-fearing woman endowed with spiritual strength.

From early childhood, Khwaja Kausarey grew up in a deeply spiritual environment, where mysticism, religious practices, and Sufism had a profound influence. During his formative years, he was blessed to attain the guidance and spiritual company of Shah Sufi Abu Zafar Muhammad Saleh (R.A.) of Charshina Darbar Sharif and Shah Sufi Hazrat Maulana Amin Sahib (R.A.) of Pangasia Darbar Sharif, through whom he tasted the essence of spirituality at a very young age.

Belonging to a family rich in religious heritage from both paternal and maternal lineages, he dedicated himself from adolescence towards building a conflict-free, inclusive society. Inspired by his family tradition, he embraced the dream of uniting people above divisions of group, party, and ideology as the core mission of his life.

From his school years, he was motivated to organize and founded Samaj Kalyan Samiti O Islami Pathagar (Social Welfare Society and Islamic Library) at his home while still a student in secondary school. Through this, his ideological vision and social dream began to materialize. Later, he entered the field of writing and journalism, with his articles being published in national and local newspapers. To promote literature and culture in the southern region, he founded Saikat Sahityaseba Parishad, and during his studies at the famed “Oxford of the East”—BM College—in 1998, he founded and edited the literary quarterly Chirahorit.

Academically, Khwaja Kausarey completed his Honours and Master’s in Theology from the Islamic University, Kushtia, with distinction (First Class, 4th place). Alongside, he completed EPDC in English from the prestigious BRAC University, South Asia. During his university years, he was not only dedicated to studies but also actively engaged in various social and cultural activities. He served as Joint Secretary of the University Press Club, President of the University Cultural Alliance, and held important positions in the University Theatre and Film Association as well as regional student associations.

After completing his studies, he joined BRAC, one of the world’s leading development organizations, as an Assistant Researcher. After three successful years, he joined BRAC University’s BRAC Institute of Global Health (BIGH), James P. Grant School of Public Health, and the Midwifery and Nursing Department. There, he played leadership roles in education, research, and human resource development.

In 2008, alongside his professional career, he founded the socio-economic and research organization SEDRO (Socio-Economic Development and Research Organization), where he continues to serve as the Executive Director. He is also the founder and editor of the Bangla daily newspaper Dainik Kaler Kotha.

In 2018, Khwaja Kausarey established the South Bengal Disabled Development Association, serving as its founding Chairman. Later, on May 30, 2021, he founded the Raktim Bondhon Multipurpose Foundation, where he remains the founding President. In the same year, he contributed to the housing industry of Bangladesh by establishing Elegant Infrastructure and Development Ltd., where he is currently the Managing Director. Most recently, on August 7, 2024, he played a pioneering role as one of the key founders of New Town Society, a fully apolitical residential social organization in Dhaka.

Alongside journalism and research, Khwaja Kausarey has been regularly writing columns and research-based articles in national dailies on issues of national importance, social problems, education, policy, and morality. He has also long served as Senior Vice-President of the National Human Rights organization Light House.

With a shining combination of spiritual heritage, education, literature, research, development, and social service, Khwaja Masum Billah Kausarey today stands as a unique personality. He is tirelessly striving for human welfare and a united society. Residents firmly believe that his experience, wisdom, and leadership will take both society and the New Town Society to new heights.