Professor Dr MA Rahim of Daffodil International University (DIU) has been selected for the Independence Award 2026, the highest civilian honour in Bangladesh, in recognition of his outstanding contributions to research and training.
According to a notification issued by the Cabinet Division on 5 March 2026, the government has named a total of 15 distinguished individuals and five institutions for the prestigious award across various fields.
Dr Rahim currently serves as the Acting Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture and Head of the Department of Agricultural Science at DIU. He is widely recognised for his significant role in advancing agricultural research and education, contributing meaningfully to national development and the strengthening of the country’s agricultural sector.
A leading figure in fruit development, Dr Rahim has developed 128 new fruit varieties, including the widely popular BAU Kul.
Under his leadership at DIU, four high-yielding jackfruit varieties – DIU Jackfruit-1, DIU Jackfruit-2, DIU Jackfruit-3, and DIU Jackfruit-4 – were recently approved and registered by the National Seed Board and the Ministry of Agriculture.
His academic and research career includes the publication of more than 400 scientific papers and leading over 20 research projects. He has supervised 101 PhD and 350 MS students and authored 10 books alongside numerous educational publications.
Prior to joining DIU, Dr Rahim served as a Professor and Head of the Department of Horticulture, and Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture at Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU). He completed his undergraduate and postgraduate studies at BAU before earning a PhD from the University of London and conducting postdoctoral research in the United States.
Dr Rahim’s career has been marked by numerous accolades, including the Prime Minister’s Gold Medal in 2004, 2012, and 2013, and the Bangabandhu Agricultural Award in 2014.
He also received the Bangladesh Academy of Sciences Gold Medal (2012), the Bangladesh Academy of Agriculture Gold Medal (2016), and the Prothom Alo Agriculture Lifetime Achievement Award (2024), as well as lifetime achievement honours from Channel i and RTV.
The DIU community, including the Board of Trustees, administration, faculty, and students, expressed deep pride in the achievement, noting that the recognition reflects the university’s commitment to research-driven innovation and food security.
