Md. Shariful Islam
Associate Professor and Chairman

The Department of Agroforestry and Environmental Science at Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University (SAU), Dhaka, is a dynamic and growing academic unit committed to quality education, research and extension in the broader aspects of agroforestry and environment. The Department of Agroforestry and Environmental Science provide quality education and support to produce resourceful graduate in the field of agriculture and post graduate students in the field of agroforestry and environmental science.

Mission: Established with the vision of producing skilled professionals in sustainable agroforestry management and environmental stewardship, the department focuses on modern, science-based education aligned with national and global priorities.

Vision for the future: The department envisions becoming a center of excellence in   agroforestry education and research in Bangladesh, playing a key role in shaping policies and practices for sustainable natural resource management and environmental protection and conservation.  We also envision transforming the department into a comprehensive and independent faculty in the near future and currently, we working for introducing two separate MS degree which are entitled namely MS in Agroforestry and MS in Environmental Science. Additionally, it will foster advanced research, innovation and community engagement through field demonstration units and make collaboration with national and international partnership.

Academic Programs: Department offer both undergraduate and postgraduate courses. The department of Agroforestry & Environmental science offers Masters of Science (MS) and Doctor of philosophy (PhD) degree that integrates research theoretical knowledge with practical skills. The curriculum covers areas such as forest ecology, silviculture, forest mensuration, biodiversity conservation, environmental management, climate change and adaptations, social forestry, urban forestry, agroforestry system and practice etc. Students also engage in fieldwork, field trip, and research projects to gain hands-on experience.

Innovation: Research is a core strength of the department, addressing critical issues such as Agroforestry, deforestation and forest degradation, carbon sequestration, forest health, climate resilience, and ecosystem services etc. Faculty members and students regularly contribute to scientific publications and collaborative projects both nationally and internationally.

Career Opportunities: Alumnae of the Department of Agroforestry & Environmental Science can find employment in different government agencies e.g., Forest department, NGOs, development organizations, research institutions, international bodies and different civil service cadres including technical cadre. Extraordinary candidates have the opportunity to join as a faculty member in the department. The program also prepares students for higher education in agroforestry and environmental sciences in home and abroad. Till 2025 a significant number of students got opportunity to study in different countries of the world.

Success of the students: The number of MS Degree awarded students since it was started (July-Dec/2013) to till date (July-Dec/2023) is 156 and one researchers recently awarded by PhD degree from the department. Subsequently seven doctoral students also working in the lab for their PhD degree.  More than 100 students also pursuing their MS degree with full strength under supervision of different teachers of the department to fulfilment of their MS degree.

Faculty Members: The department have a strong and diverse academic team comprising 7 Professors, 5 Associate Professors and 2 young Lecturers. This balanced composition ensures a rich blend of experience, expertise and fresh perspectives contributing to a dynamic and effective teaching and research environment.  It is worth noting that all the Professors of the department awarded by PhD from home and aboard.  All faculty members are actively engaged in research, project and publishing papers in different peer reviewed journal.

Research Facilities: The department have sufficient laboratory facilities, agroforestry research field and forestry woodlot that provides comprehensive facilities for the analysis of ecosystems and environmental parameters for the MS and PhD students. These well-maintained and modern instruments support both teaching and research activities enabling precise and reliable environmental assessments and fostering hands-on learning for students.

Special Achievement: Faculty members of the department have been actively involved in a range of national and international research projects, showcasing their expertise and commitment to advancing knowledge in their fields. In addition, several teachers have participated in international seminars and conferences, members of the different environmental organization and contributing to global academic discourse. Many of them also serve as editors or reviewers for reputed academic journals, further highlighting the department's engagement in scholarly and professional activities on an international scale.