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Author

Kaiser Zaman

Former representative for the United Nations Commissioner for Refugees

Kaiser Zaman has been involved in humanitarian projects — as the deputy or head of operations for various United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) missions and non-governmental organizations around the world — for over 25 years.

Mr. Zaman worked with UNHCR from 1988 to 1997 in locations ranging from Geneva and New York to Somalia, Hong Kong,Thailand and Azerbaijan. He has lived in — and traveled on UN missions to — countries on every continent.

Before joining UNHCR, Mr. Zaman worked for Unilever and Shell Oil in Pakistan and Bangladesh (1967-71), the International Rescue Committee in Bangladesh (1972-73), BRAC (1977-78) and Capitol Headstart in Washington, D.C.(1976-77).

Mr. Zaman currently works as a freelance travel writer — exploring destinations such as Nepal and Tibet.

Mr. Zaman was born in Dhaka, Bangladesh — an Indian, grew up as a Pakistani and was a Bangladeshi citizen living overseas — all due to the vagaries of politics. Mr. Zaman became an American citizen when he settled in Miami. Mr. Zaman comes from a Muslim background — he and his wife, of Jewish descent, have been married for nearly 30 years.

He received two MBAs, the first from the University of Karachi (1967) and the second from American University in Washington, D.C. (1975).

Articles by Kaiser Zaman

Where Bangladesh Leaves India in the Dust

Why do so many farmers commit suicide in India despite the country's booming economy?

November 19, 2007

After the Storm in India and the United States

What can the United States learn from those in south Asia about rebuilding after a natural disaster?

September 19, 2005

My Passage from Washington to New Delhi

Just how great are the differences between the U.S. and Indian capital cities?

April 22, 2005

India and the U.S. — A Tale of Two Democracies

In what ways did India's recent elections present a serious test to U.S. voters?

November 4, 2004