Dr. Md. Alahi Khandaker is a public health researcher, health policy analyst, and governance specialist whose work integrates public policy, health systems, economics, and governance to strengthen evidence-informed decision-making in Bangladesh and other low- and middle-income countries. His interdisciplinary academic background and extensive research experience have positioned him as a leading contributor to health governance, public policy, and health systems research.

Dr. Khandaker currently serves as the Executive Director of the Bangladesh Center for Health Studies (BCHS), where he leads multidisciplinary research initiatives, policy analysis, capacity-building programs, and knowledge translation activities aimed at improving health systems and promoting equitable access to healthcare. His work emphasizes the generation of high-quality evidence to support health sector reforms and the achievement of Universal Health Coverage (UHC).

Dr. Khandaker holds a Master of Public Affairs (Governance and Public Policy) with a specialization in Health Governance and Policy from the Bangladesh Institute of Governance and Management (BIGM). He also earned a Master of Health Economics from the University of Dhaka, providing him with advanced expertise in health financing, economic evaluation, and resource allocation for health systems. In addition, he obtained a Master of Public Health (MPH), strengthening his knowledge of epidemiology, disease prevention, health promotion, and population health. His academic foundation began with a Bachelor’s degree in Alternative Medicine from an institute affiliated with the University of Dhaka, reflecting his long-standing interest in comprehensive and people-centered healthcare.

His multidisciplinary educational background enables him to bridge the disciplines of governance, economics, public health, and policy sciences in addressing complex health challenges. His research focuses on developing innovative and evidence-based policy solutions that improve health system performance, strengthen governance mechanisms, and reduce health inequalities.

Dr. Khandaker’s research interests encompass a broad range of interdisciplinary fields, including:

• Public Policy and Governance

• Health Governance

• Health Policy and Policy Analysis

• Public Health

• Health Economics

• Health Systems Strengthening

• Universal Health Coverage (UHC)

• Health Financing and Financial Risk Protection

• Health Promotion

• Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs)

• Reproductive, Maternal, and Sexual Health

• Gender and Health

• Global Health

• Health Equity and Social Justice

• Digital Health and Health Innovation

• Climate Change and Health

• Primary Health Care

• Evidence-Based Policymaking

Throughout his career, Dr. Khandaker has been actively involved in designing and conducting quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-methods research. He has substantial experience in systematic reviews, meta-analyses, health policy analysis, economic evaluations, implementation research, and governance assessments. His work has addressed critical issues such as catastrophic health expenditure, financial protection, health system resilience, referral systems, public health governance, and policy implementation in Bangladesh.

Dr. Khandaker has authored and co-authored more than 50 articles published in international peer-reviewed journals, contributing significantly to the global evidence base on public health, health policy, governance, and health economics. His publications have explored diverse topics, including Universal Health Coverage, health financing, governance reforms, primary healthcare, reproductive health, public health interventions, and evidence-based policymaking. His scholarly work is recognized for its methodological rigor, policy relevance, and practical implications for improving health systems.

In addition to his research contributions, Dr. Khandaker is committed to advancing scientific communication and academic publishing. He serves as the Editor-in-Chief of Health Research Review, where he oversees the editorial process, promotes high-quality scientific publications, and supports emerging researchers in disseminating evidence-based research. He also serves as an Adviser to the Center for Bio-health Research, providing strategic guidance on research development, interdisciplinary collaboration, and institutional capacity building.

Dr. Khandaker has extensive experience in research leadership, project management, academic mentoring, and professional training. He regularly conducts workshops, lectures, and capacity-building sessions on research methodology, systematic reviews, meta-analysis, health policy analysis, public health, governance, evidence-informed policymaking, and scientific writing. His teaching and training activities have supported students, researchers, public officials, and health professionals in strengthening research and analytical competencies.

His professional engagement extends beyond academia through collaborations with universities, government agencies, development partners, civil society organizations, and international institutions. He actively participates in national and international conferences, policy dialogues, technical consultations, and research networks, contributing to discussions on health governance, public policy reforms, sustainable development, and global health.

Dr. Khandaker is particularly interested in translating research evidence into practical policy recommendations. His work seeks to bridge the gap between academic research and policymaking by producing evidence that informs governance reforms, improves health system performance, and supports equitable healthcare delivery. He believes that effective governance, transparent institutions, and evidence-based public policies are essential for achieving sustainable improvements in population health.

His long-term vision is to contribute to resilient, equitable, and people-centered health systems through interdisciplinary research, policy innovation, and international collaboration. By integrating governance, economics, and public health perspectives, Dr. Khandaker continues to promote evidence-based solutions that address contemporary public health challenges and advance sustainable development goals at both national and global levels.

Dr. Khandaker remains dedicated to fostering excellence in research, promoting scientific integrity, mentoring the next generation of researchers, and strengthening the role of evidence in shaping effective public policies for healthier societies.