Professor Dr. M. A. Rahim, Acting Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture, Head of the Department of Agricultural Science at Daffodil International University (DIU), and a distinguished agricultural scientist, has been awarded the country’s highest civilian honor, the “Independence Award 2026.” In recognition of his outstanding contributions in the field of “Research and Training,” Daffodil International University (DIU) organized a felicitation program to celebrate this achievement, a press release said.
The event was held at the International Conference Hall of Knowledge Tower at Daffodil Smart City. Dr. Masuma Habib, Honorable Member of the University Grants Commission (UGC), attended the program as the Chief Guest. Special Guests included Dr. Shafiqul Bari, Vice Chancellor of EXIM Bank Agricultural University, Rajshahi, and Dr. Md. Tofazzal Islam, Dean of the Faculty of Graduate Studies at Gazipur Agricultural University. The program was also attended by the Honorable Vice Chancellor of DIU, Dr. M. R. Kabir, Pro-Vice Chancellor Dr. Mohammad Masum Iqbal, along with faculty members, students, and invited guests.
The program commenced with a ceremonial Guard of Honor presented by BNCC cadets, followed by the national anthem. A welcome speech was delivered, and a documentary highlighting the life and work of Professor Dr. M. A. Rahim was screened. Distinguished guests later delivered their speeches, highlighting his remarkable contributions and achievements.
His relentless efforts in expanding agricultural education, leading research, and fostering innovation have played a significant role in advancing the agricultural sector of Bangladesh. During his tenure at DIU, Professor Rahim achieved a major milestone in agricultural research. Under his leadership, four high-yielding and improved jackfruit varieties—DIU Jackfruit-1, DIU Jackfruit-2, DIU Jackfruit-3, and DIU Jackfruit-4—developed at the Germplasm Center of the Department of Agricultural Science have recently been approved and registered by the National Seed Board and the Ministry of Agriculture. This achievement stands as a significant example of DIU’s research-driven initiatives contributing to sustainable agricultural development, food security, and innovation in the agricultural sector.
Professor Dr. M. A. Rahim is a prominent name in agricultural research and fruit development in Bangladesh. His groundbreaking contributions to the expansion of fruit cultivation and the development of high-yielding fruit varieties have opened new possibilities in the country’s agricultural sector. Through his research, he has developed 128 new fruit varieties, among which the widely popular “BAU Kul” is particularly notable. In recognition of his long-standing contributions to agricultural research, he has received numerous awards, including the Prime Minister’s Gold Medal (2004, 2012, and 2013), the Bangabandhu Agricultural Award (2014), the Bangladesh Academy of Sciences Gold Medal (2012), and the Bangladesh Academy of Agriculture Gold Medal (2016). Most recently, he has been honored with the Independence Award 2026. In 2024, he also received the prestigious “Prothom Alo Agriculture Lifetime Achievement Award.” Previously, he was honored with lifetime achievement awards from Channel i and RTV.
The Honorable Vice Chancellor of DIU, Dr. M. R. Kabir, said, “This glorious achievement of Professor Dr. M. A. Rahim is a matter of immense pride and joy for us. His dedication, research contributions, and innovative vision have greatly enriched our university. We believe this recognition will inspire future generations to explore new frontiers in knowledge and research.”
The Pro-Vice Chancellor of DIU, Dr. Mohammad Masum Iqbal, said, “Professor Dr. M. A. Rahim is one of the leading scientists in the agricultural sector of the country. We are proud to have him as a part of our university.”
Professor Dr. M. A. Rahim obtained his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Agriculture from Bangladesh Agricultural University and earned his PhD from the University of London. He also completed postdoctoral research in the United States. He previously served for many years at Bangladesh Agricultural University as Professor and Head of the Department of Horticulture, as well as Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture. Currently, he serves as Professor and Head of the Department of Agricultural Science at Daffodil International University and also acts as an advisor to the university. Under his dynamic leadership, the department has reached new heights in fruit research, productivity enhancement, and sustainable horticulture practices.
In his academic career, he has published more than 400 scientific papers and led over 20 research projects. He has supervised 101 PhD and 350 MS students. Additionally, he has contributed significantly to knowledge dissemination by publishing 10 books, 24 leaflets, 11 booklets, and 29 folders on agricultural topics.
Caption: Dr. Masuma Habib, Honorable Member of the University Grants Commission (UGC) is handing over the memento to Professor MA Rahim,
Acting Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture, Head of the Department of Agricultural Science at Daffodil International University (DIU), at the reception program accorded to him for his outstanding contribution for winning country’s highest civilian honor, the “Independence Award 2026.”
