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Syed Mortuza
Asif Ehsan

Associate Professor & Chairperson, Department of Economics

North South University · Dhaka, Bangladesh

Development EconomicsApplied EconometricsEnvironmental EconomicsLabor Economics
11
Journal Articles
11
Funded Projects
15+
Courses Taught
Dr. S. M. Asif Ehsan
Home About

Dr. S. M. Asif Ehsan is an Associate Professor and the Chairperson of the Department of Economics at North South University, Bangladesh. His primary research interests lie in applied econometrics, environmental and resource economics, and development economics.

As an empirical researcher, Dr. Ehsan engages in core economic studies and has contributed to several interdisciplinary research projects supported by organizations such as the International Development Research Centre (IDRC, Canada), the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), UNDP, Commonwealth Secretariat, Concern Worldwide, and the Bangladesh Planning Commission. His research addresses a wide range of socio-economic and environmental issues, and he has published in prominent journals including World Development Perspectives, Energy Research & Social Science, Economic Papers, and Sustainable Development. His full publication record is available on Google Scholar and Web of Science.

He serves as Co-Editor of the journal Development Letters and as a Reviewer for journals including Economic Papers and Poverty & Public Policy. At North South University, Dr. Ehsan teaches graduate courses, covering topics such as panel data analysis, time series forecasting, and game theory.

Dr. Ehsan earned his Ph.D. in Economics from Virginia Tech, USA, where his dissertation explored the impacts of contract duration on environmental outcomes in the hydraulic fracturing industry, under the supervision of Dr. Nicolaus Tideman. Prior to his Ph.D., he completed his bachelor's and master's degrees in Economics from the University of Dhaka, graduating with first-class honors in both.

Contact & Office

PositionAssoc. Professor & Chair
DepartmentEconomics, SBE
UniversityNorth South University
OfficeNAC 801
Phone+8802 55668200 Ext. 1800

Professional Memberships

RegularAmerican Economic Assoc.
MemberEast Asian Economic Assoc.
LifeBangladesh Economic Assoc.
LifeAmerican Alumni Assoc.
LifeDU Econ Alumni Assoc.
LifeCadet College Club Ltd.
Home Education

Ph.D. in Economics

Virginia Tech, USA
2016
Dissertation: "Three Essays on the Economics of Hydraulic Fracturing" · Advisor: Dr. Nicolaus Tideman

M.A. in Economics

Virginia Tech, USA
2013 · CGPA: 3.86 / 4.00

M.S.S. in Economics

University of Dhaka, Bangladesh
2010 · First Class

B.S.S. in Economics

University of Dhaka, Bangladesh
2009 · First Class

H.S.C. & S.S.C.

Rangpur Cadet College
HSC: 17th Merit · SSC: 4th Merit, Rajshahi Board

Academic Positions

Nov 2024 – now
Chairperson
Department of Economics, North South University
Apr 2022 – now
Associate Professor
Department of Economics, North South University
Jan 2017 – Mar 2022
Assistant Professor
Department of Economics, North South University
2015 – 2016
Graduate Instructor
Department of Economics, Virginia Tech
2011 – 2014
Teaching Assistant
Department of Economics, Virginia Tech
Home Research
📊

Development Economics

Multidimensional poverty analysis, ultra-poor identification frameworks, social protection programs, tea garden worker welfare, and sustainable development in Bangladesh's urban slums and rural areas.

📈

Applied Econometrics

Panel data analysis, time series forecasting, stochastic frontier analysis, generalized ordered logit models, and probit binary response regression applied to real-world socio-economic problems.

🌿

Environmental Economics

Climate vulnerability assessment, disaster-induced agricultural productivity, nature-based solutions for urban resilience, solar energy sustainability, and energy poverty in disaster-prone regions.

👥

Labor Economics

Female labor force participation under adverse shocks, household labor allocation decisions in rice farming, economic opportunities in the informal sector, and parenting time dynamics.

Active Research Topics

Multidimensional PovertyUrban SlumsClimate VulnerabilityDisaster ResilienceAgricultural EfficiencySolar Energy AccessSocial ProtectionTrade & LDCsHealthcare SystemsCOVID-19 ImpactsNature-Based SolutionsAI Surge ForecastingIntimate Partner ViolenceInformal Economy
Home Publications
11
Journal Articles
4
Book Chapters
3
Policy Briefs
7
Op-Eds
2026 · FORTHCOMING
Parenting Time and Intimate Partner Violence Perceptions in Bangladesh
with A. Das, S. Khan, T. Buchanan, K. Nuzhat
Journal of Bangladesh Studies
2026 · R&R
A New Framework to Identify the Ultra-poor Population in the Slums of Dhaka
Sustainable Development
Q1JIF 8.2
2026 · R&R
Multidimensional Poverty Scenario in Dhaka's Slums & Its Limitations as an Indicator
World Development Sustainability
Q1
2025
The Determinants of Multidimensional Poverty in the Urban Slums of Dhaka City
Ehsan, S.M.A., Bhuiyan, M.H., Rahman, M., et al.
World Development Perspectives, 39, 100725
Q1JIF 2.3View →
2025
How Social Indicators and Healthcare Systems Shape Pandemic Outcomes
Ehsan, S.M.A., Arif, K.B., & Rahman, M.
Journal of Health and Social Sciences, 10(3), 263-276
Q2JIF 2.82View →
2025
Strengthening Resilience in Ultra-poverty: Multilayered Indicators in Climate Vulnerability
Ferdausi, M., Tarana, M.Y., … Ehsan, S.M.A., et al.
Int. Journal of Sustainable Development & World Ecology, 1–13
Q1JIF 7.7View →
2025
The Potential of MCBP in Addressing Poverty for Tea Garden Workers
Razzaque, M.A., Eusuf, M.A., Rahman, J., Ehsan, S.M.A.
Development Letters, 6(2)
2024
Labour Allocation Decision of Rice Farming Households in Bangladesh
Hossain, J., Hossain, M.I., & Ehsan, S.M.A.
Economic Papers, 43(1), 50-62
Q2JIF 0.9View →
2024
Disaster Induced Agricultural Productivity in Coastal Bangladesh: A Stochastic Frontier Analysis
Ehsan, S.M.A., Jakariya, M., et al.
Research on World Agricultural Economy, 517-532
Q3JIF 1.1View →
2021
Solar Energy and Natural Disasters: Household Coping Mechanisms in Bangladesh
Amin, S.B., Chowdhury, M.I., Ehsan, S.A., & Iqbal, S.Z.
Energy Research & Social Science, 79, 102190
Q1JIF 7.4View →
2020
Female Labor Force Participation with Adverse Shocks: Rural Households in Bangladesh
Ehsan, S.M.A., & Akter, S.
Int. Review of Business Research Papers, 16(1), 177-201
ABDC
2025 · BOOK CHAPTER
Cost-Benefit Assessment for NBS
with T. Aziz, A. Shahed, A. Rahman, M.M. Hossain
Ch. 4, NBS for Urban Resilience in Bangladesh · IUCN & GCA
2021 · BOOK CHAPTER
Solar Energy Sustainability in Bangladesh: Management Challenges
with S.B. Amin, M.I. Chowdhury, S.Z. Iqbal
Ch. 30, Renewable Energy Systems · Elsevier
2020 · BOOK CHAPTER
Barriers of Accessing Social Protection for the Poor
with M.A. Razzaque, I.H. Bhuiyan
Ch. 1, Social Protection Research · Bangladesh Planning Commission
2020 · BOOK CHAPTER
Harmonisation of Small Social Security Programmes
with M.A. Razzaque, M. Uddin, S. Barua
Ch. 6, Social Protection Research · Bangladesh Planning Commission
2023 · POLICY BRIEF
Social Protection for Female Tea Garden Workers in Sylhet
with M.A. Razzaque, A. Eusuf, J. Rahman, M.M. Hassan
UNICEF-RAPID, Bangladesh
2020 · POLICY BRIEF
Impact of Chinese Economic Slowdown on Commonwealth Countries
with S. Ali
Commonwealth Secretariat, London
2019 · POLICY BRIEF
Global Trade Turmoil: Implications for LDCs, Small States and SSA
with M.A. Razzaque
Commonwealth Secretariat, London
2020 · OP-ED
World Export and Commonwealth Trade: A Lost Decade
with S. Ali
The Financial Express
2020 · OP-ED
China's Economic Slowdown and Commonwealth Trade Deceleration
with S. Ali
The Financial Express
2020 · OP-ED
Commonwealth Trade in the Backdrop of COVID-19
with S. Ali
The Financial Express
2019 · OP-ED
Poorest Countries Caught in the Global Trade Turmoil
with M.A. Razzaque, B. Vickers
Enhanced Integrated Framework, Switzerland
2019 · OP-ED
Trade War, Its Implications for LDCs, SSA and Small States
with M.A. Razzaque
The Financial Express
2019 · OP-ED
Export-GDP Nexus and Global Trade Crisis
with M.A. Razzaque
The Financial Express
2019 · OP-ED
Recent Trends in World Trade: LDCs, Small States, Sub-Saharan Africa
with M.A. Razzaque
The Financial Express
Home Grants & Awards
11
Projects
8
Funding Bodies
CAD 1.5M
Largest Grant
1.

Spatial Surge Forecasting Using AI and Community Knowledge

CLARE (FCDO, UK & IDRC, Canada) · Jul 2023 – ongoing
Co-Investigator · DALA Expert
CAD 1.5M
2.

Climate Vulnerability and Capacity Analysis (CVCA) in Dhaka

Concern Worldwide · Oct–Dec 2024
Economist / Statistician
BDT 36.77L
3.

Urban Nature-Based Solutions in Bangladesh: Catalogue & Scaling

IUCN · Sep–Dec 2024
Consultant
4.

Motorcycle Revolution: COVID-19 Effects in the Informal Sector

CTRG, NSU · Mar 2022–Apr 2023
Co-Investigator
5.

Social Protection for Tea Garden Workers in Sylhet Division

UNICEF · Jul–Dec 2021
Consultant
6.

Chinese Economic Slowdown Impact on Commonwealth States

Commonwealth Secretariat · Feb–Apr 2020
Short-term Consultant
7.

Natural Disaster Impact on Energy Poverty in Bangladesh

CTRG, NSU · May 2019–Apr 2020
Co-Investigator
8.

Harmonisation of Small Social Security Programmes

UNDP, Bangladesh · Jul–Nov 2019
Co-Investigator
9.

Barriers of Accessing Social Protection for the Poor

UNDP, Bangladesh · Dec 2018–Mar 2019
Co-Investigator
10.

Global Trade Turmoil: Implications for LDCs & Small States

Commonwealth Secretariat · Oct 2018–Jan 2019
Short-term Consultant
11.

Solar Energy Access in Rural Off-Grid Areas of Bangladesh

CTRG, NSU · May 2018–Apr 2019
Principal Investigator
2015

Economics Teaching Workshop Travel Grant

Department of Economics, Virginia Tech
2013–14

Doctoral Research Assistantship

Department of Economics, Virginia Tech
2011–16

Graduate Teaching Assistantship (Full Tuition Waiver + Stipend)

Department of Economics, Virginia Tech, USA
2009–10

Graduate Scholarship (Full Tuition Waiver + Stipend)

University of Dhaka, Bangladesh
2005–09

Undergraduate Scholarship (Full Tuition Waiver + Stipend)

Supported by the Rajshahi Board, University of Dhaka, Bangladesh
2004

Rajshahi Board Scholarship (HSC)

17th position in the Merit List of HSC Examination, Bangladesh
2002

Rajshahi Board Scholarship (SSC)

4th position in the Merit List of SSC Examination, Bangladesh
Home Teaching
Econometric MethodsECO502
Panel Data & Limited Dependent VariableECO651
Time Series ModelingECO652
Game TheoryECO686
Economic DevelopmentDEV563
Natural Resource & Ecological EconomicsENV602
Game TheoryECO475
Applied Time Series ForecastingECO472
Introduction to EconometricsECO372
Environmental & Natural Resource Econ.ECO354
Introduction to MicroeconomicsECO101
Principles of MicroeconomicsInstructor
Principles of MacroeconomicsInstructor
Mathematical Economics (Ph.D.)Review Sessions
Theory of OrganizationTA
Law & EconomicsTA
Public EconomicsTA
Microeconomic TheoryTA
Home Service
  • Nov 2024 – nowChairperson, Department of Economics, North South University
  • Jul 2025 – nowMember, NSU Green Campus Initiative Committee
  • Sep 2024 – nowMember, NSU SBE Scientific Review Committee (SRC)
  • Oct 2023 – Sep 2025Member, Institutional Review Board / Ethics Review Committee
  • 2020 – 2024Member, NSU Institutional Curriculum Formatting Committee (ICFC)
  • 2021 – 2024Coordinator, Assessment & Curriculum Planning Committee
  • 2019 – 2024Member, Research Committee, Dept. of Economics
  • 2018 – 2024Coordinator, ECO101: Introduction to Microeconomics
  • 2020 – 2022Coordinator, Brown Bag Seminar Series
  • Co-EditorDevelopment Letters (ISSN: 3079-7934)
  • 2026Journal: Poverty & Public Policy
  • 2023Journal: Economic Papers · North South Business Review
  • 2024–26Grant: SANDEE Research Grant Competition
  • 2026Grant: WEE-DiFine Initiative, BIGD
  • 2024Grant: WEE-Connect Initiative, BIGD
  • 2024–25Grant: NSU CTRG
  • 2025Conference: ICBT 2025, Dhaka
  • 2019Conference: BER Annual Economists' Conference
  • 2018Conference: ERG Conference
  • 2025Chair: CPD Climate Week — "Climate Solutions That Work"
  • 2025Panelist: ICBT 2025 — U. of Dhaka & U. of Asia Pacific
  • 2025Panelist: Social Business Academia & 3ZERO Club Convention
  • 2025Panelist: Social Business Day 2025 — Yunus Centre
  • 2025Panelist: NBR Digitalisation — Emerging Credit Rating Ltd.
  • 2024Panelist: Tackling Inequality — RAPID
  • 2023Panelist: BIDS Research ALMANAC 2023
  • 2022Panelist: Digital Financial Inclusion — Innovision & NSU
  • 2021Panelist: Agricultural Innovations — NSU, Curtin, UWA
  • 2019Panelist: BERC-NSU-BDAEE Energy Summit
  • 2026External: Viva Voce, Dept. of Economics, SUST
  • 2025External: Question Moderation, SUST
  • 2025External: 5 MSS thesis examinations, U. of Dhaka
  • 2024Supervisor: MS thesis, University of Kent, UK
  • 2023Trainer: SDPM — Bangladesh Civil Service Academy
  • 2023External: 3 MSS thesis examinations, U. of Dhaka
  • 2022External: MS thesis, BRAC University
  • 2021Trainer: Time Series for Environment & Climate — FAO-DoE
  • 2020Trainer: Multivariate Analysis — ERP, NSU
Home Contact
📧
📞
Phone
+8802 55668200 Ext. 1800
🏢
Office
NAC 801, 8th Floor (East)
North Academic Building
North South University
📍
Address
North South University
Bashundhara, Dhaka-1229
Bangladesh
🎓
NSU Faculty Profile
Official university page
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Citations and publication record
🔬
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