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Published : 22 Apr 2026, 07:15 PM
Daffodil International University (DIU) has felicitated Prof MA Rahim following his receipt of the Independence Award 2026 for his contributions to research and training.
The event was held at the International Conference Hall of Knowledge Tower at Daffodil Smart City on Wednesday, a media statement read.
Prof Rahim, acting dean of the Faculty of Agriculture and head of the Department of Agricultural Science at DIU, was recently awarded the country’s highest civilian honour.
University Grants Commission Member Masuma Habib attended the event as chief guest.
Special guests included EXIM Bank Agricultural University Vice-Chancellor Shafiqul Bari and Gazipur Agricultural University Faculty of Graduate Studies Dean Md Tofazzal Islam, according to the statement.
The ceremony began with a guard of honour by BNCC cadets, followed by the national anthem. A documentary on Prof Rahim’s career was also screened.
Speakers highlighted his role in advancing agricultural education and research. Under his leadership at DIU, four high-yield jackfruit varieties: DIU Jackfruit-1, 2, 3 and 4, were developed, contributing to agricultural innovation and food security.
Prof Rahim is widely known for developing fruit varieties in Bangladesh. He has developed 128 new fruit varieties, including the well-known “BAU Kul”.
He has received several national and international honours, including the Prime Minister’s Gold Medal (2004, 2012, 2013), Bangabandhu Agricultural Award (2014), Bangladesh Academy of Sciences Gold Medal (2012), Bangladesh Academy of Agriculture Gold Medal (2016), Prothom Alo Agriculture Lifetime Achievement Award (2024), and lifetime achievement awards from Channel i and RTV.
He completed his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in agriculture at Bangladesh Agricultural University, earned a PhD from the University of London, and pursued postdoctoral research in the United States, the statement added.
He previously served as professor and head of the Department of Horticulture and dean of the Faculty of Agriculture at Bangladesh Agricultural University.
