2025 CSU Executive Dean’s Award Recipient
Abu Hanif Mohammad Abdul Ahad from Dhaka, Bangladesh is the latest recipient of the CSU Executive Dean’s Award.
Abu, who completed his Master of Customs Administration (MCA) with the Centre for Customs and Excise Studies (CCES) at Charles Sturt University in 2025 is an experienced professional with over fourteen years of service with Bangladesh Customs.
Prior to joining Bangladesh Customs, Abu worked in international trade finance with a commercial bank. Abu’s academic journey with CSU was marked by an exceptional commitment and dedication to learning and to producing coursework of a high standard. The CCES team had no reservations in nominating Abu for the annual CSU Award and are pleased that his efforts have been recognised by the University.
While completing his Master of Customs Administration online, Abu was also enrolled in another Masters program, an MSc in Global Economy with the University of Glasgow. This dual pursuit allowed Abu to explore the intersections between customs administration, international trade, education, innovation, and investment. Abu particularly enjoyed discussions on global value chains, trade facilitation, Authorized Economic Operators (AEO), environmental imperatives, and the political economy of taxation and development.
Abu’s passion for customs and international engagement is clear. He continues to maintain a strong interest in the nexus between border revenue and development finance, and a commitment to advancing sustainability and economic integrity through customs practice.
In terms of what the future might hold for Abu? He has expressed a desire deep dive into topics such as border revenue, taxation, trade liberalisation and trade facilitation. Abu hopes to one day work with international organisations like the World Customs Organization, United Nations Conference on Trade and Development and United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime.
Congratulations, Abu, on your outstanding achievements and we wish you well in your career.