Daffodil International University (DIU) has honoured Professor M A Rahim, Acting Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture and Head of the Department of Agricultural Science, after he received the country’s highest civilian honour, the Independence Award 2026, for his contributions to research and training.
The university organised a felicitation programme at the International Conference Hall of Knowledge Tower at Daffodil Smart City on Wednesday.
University Grants Commission member Masuma Habib attended the programme as chief guest. Special guests included Shafiqul Bari, Vice-Chancellor of EXIM Bank Agricultural University, Rajshahi, and Md Tofazzal Islam, Dean of the Faculty of Graduate Studies at Gazipur Agricultural University. DIU Vice-Chancellor M R Kabir, Pro-Vice Chancellor Mohammad Masum Iqbal, faculty members, students and invited guests were also present.
The programme began with a guard of honour by BNCC cadets, followed by the national anthem. Speakers delivered welcome remarks and screened a documentary on Professor Rahim’s life and work. Guests later highlighted his contributions and achievements.
Professor Rahim has played a key role in expanding agricultural education, leading research and promoting innovation in Bangladesh’s agricultural sector. During his tenure at DIU, he led the development of four high-yielding jackfruit varieties—DIU Jackfruit-1, DIU Jackfruit-2, DIU Jackfruit-3 and DIU Jackfruit-4—at the Germplasm Centre of the Department of Agricultural Science. The National Seed Board and the Ministry of Agriculture have approved and registered these varieties.
He is widely recognised for his work in fruit research and development. He has developed 128 new fruit varieties, including the popular BAU Kul.
His contributions have earned him several awards, including the Prime Minister’s Gold Medal in 2004, 2012 and 2013, the Bangabandhu Agricultural Award in 2014, the Bangladesh Academy of Sciences Gold Medal in 2012, and the Bangladesh Academy of Agriculture Gold Medal in 2016. He also received the Prothom Alo Agriculture Lifetime Achievement Award in 2024 and lifetime achievement honours from Channel i and RTV.
DIU Vice-Chancellor M R Kabir said the recognition reflects Professor Rahim’s dedication and research excellence and will inspire future generations. Pro-Vice Chancellor Mohammad Masum Iqbal described him as one of the country’s leading agricultural scientists.
Professor Rahim completed his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Agriculture at Bangladesh Agricultural University and obtained his PhD from the University of London. He also conducted postdoctoral research in the United States. He served for many years at Bangladesh Agricultural University as Professor and Head of the Department of Horticulture and as Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture.
He currently serves as Professor and Head of the Department of Agricultural Science at DIU and acts as an adviser to the university. Under his leadership, the department has advanced research in fruit development, productivity and sustainable horticulture.
Over his career, he has published more than 400 scientific papers and led over 20 research projects. He has supervised 101 PhD and 350 MS students. He has also published 10 books, 24 leaflets, 11 booklets and 29 folders on agricultural topics.
