Muhammad Raj Leads Bangladesh-Based HCSB in Cross-Border Humanitarian Response
Staff Reporter
Muhammad Raj, a Bangladeshi humanitarian leader, is directing cross-border relief operations through the Hafezzi Charitable Society of Bangladesh (HCSB), a government-registered national humanitarian organization engaged in food, water, and medical assistance programs in multiple crisis settings.
Raj, who was born into a Hindu family and later embraced Islam, has become known for field engagement supporting civilians affected by conflict and displacement in Gaza, Egypt, Sudan, and Afghanistan, according to statements from his organization.
He currently serves as Director General of HCSB. He also holds the position of Director of International Affairs at the SAARC Human Rights Foundation. In addition, he serves as Director of International Humanitarian Correspondent for Face the People, a government-registered Bangladeshi online news portal focused on public-interest reporting.
Following the escalation of war in Gaza on Oct. 7, 2023, HCSB said it has maintained continuous humanitarian operations delivering food assistance, safe drinking water support, medical assistance, and emergency cash aid for vulnerable families. The organization said its activities extend across Gaza and Palestinian refugee camps in Egypt, and have expanded into Sudan amid escalating humanitarian needs linked to conflict and displacement.
To support humanitarian access and coordination, Raj held multiple meetings in Cairo with diplomats and humanitarian stakeholders, including Palestinian Ambassador Diab Al-Louh, the Ambassador of Sudan, Dr. Amal Emam of the Egyptian Red Crescent Society, representatives of the Palestinian mission in Jordan, Mohamed Mamdouh of the Egyptian Youth Council, and Ms. Zein, head of the humanitarian department of Palestine in Egypt. The organization said stakeholders expressed appreciation for the operational scope and consistency of HCSB’s relief work.
Within Bangladesh, HCSB runs domestic programs focused on medical assistance for low-income patients, clean water tube-well installations, education support through schools and learning centers, and seasonal relief initiatives. The organization’s seasonal programs include winter relief, Ramadan food distributions, and Eid support for underprivileged communities. HCSB also says it supports minority communities, ethnic groups, and the transgender community through social welfare initiatives.
Raj has received multiple awards and recognitions, including the International Peace Award 2024 (Bangladesh), official honors presented in Cairo, the Nepal–Bangladesh International Excellence Award, a Human Rights Award from a former Prime Minister of Nepal, and the Global Excellence Award 2025 (Malaysia), among other acknowledgements.
Raj’s work has been featured in national and international media, and his digital reach includes approximately 2.6 million followers across two Facebook pages, according to his team.