MAF & Harvard Journey

Dr. Melita Mehjabeen, a distinguished professor at the Institute of Business Administration (IBA), University of Dhaka, recently returned from an immersive week at Harvard Business School’s Executive Education program, where she participated in the Colloquium on Participant-Centered Learning alongside 145 educators from universities across the globe.

With over two decades of experience in academia, research, and corporate governance, Dr. Mehjabeen holds a PhD in Accounting and Finance from Alliance Manchester Business School, along with master’s degrees in Development Studies and Business Administration. She also serves as an independent director on the boards of prominent corporations in Bangladesh, bringing together academic expertise and practical leadership.

Describing the Harvard program as an intellectually enriching experience, Dr. Mehjabeen extended heartfelt gratitude to the Harvard Business School faculty, including Professor Rohit Deshpande, and the dedicated organizers. “It was a privilege to participate in such a vibrant exchange of ideas with brilliant educators worldwide,” she reflected.

She also expressed her thanks to IBA, University of Dhaka, for her nomination to attend and to the Mubarak Ali Foundation for their generous support in making this transformative opportunity possible. “Such collaborations play a vital role in personal and institutional growth,” Dr. Mehjabeen noted.

Back in Bangladesh, Dr. Mehjabeen observed the positive momentum in business education continuing with the launch of the IBA Mubarak Ali Case Center. Supported by the Mubarak Ali Foundation, the center is dedicated to developing teaching cases that spotlight Bangladeshi business realities for a global audience. “I am proud to see our local stories being prepared for the world stage, ensuring that participant-centered learning reflects diverse contexts and cultures,” she said.

Looking ahead, Dr. Mehjabeen eagerly anticipates joining the second phase of the Harvard Colloquium, which will focus on case writing. “True leadership is not about providing all the answers but about having the courage to ask the right questions,” she emphasized, echoing a principle that guides both her and the foundation’s ongoing mission.

She concluded her reflections with gratitude for the opportunities and support she has received, expressing hope that the combined impact of these initiatives will empower more educators and elevate Bangladeshi perspectives in global academic conversations.