Gazipur Agricultural University (GAU) and the Centre on Integrated Rural Development for Asia and the Pacific (CIRDAP) have agreed to strengthen cooperation in agriculture, rural development, research, training and knowledge exchange through a proposed memorandum of understanding (MoU). The agreement is expected to create new opportunities for joint initiatives between the two institutions.
The consensus was reached at a meeting held at the Academic Council conference room of Gazipur Agricultural University on September 1, 2026, where CIRDAP Director General Dr P Chandra Shekhar and GAU Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr JKM Mostafizur Rahman discussed the proposed partnership. The event was chaired by the GAU Vice-Chancellor.
The discussions focused on collaborative research, capacity development, training, technology and knowledge sharing, as well as future joint initiatives in agriculture and rural development. GAU said in a press release that the partnership would help expand cooperation between the two organisations in research, training and innovation.
Professor Dr JKM Mostafizur Rahman said GAU aimed to contribute beyond agricultural education and research by providing knowledge-based solutions to the country’s rural and agricultural challenges.
“This cooperation with CIRDAP will create new opportunities to take research, training and innovation to people at the grassroots level,” he said.
Dr P Chandra Shekhar said CIRDAP was impressed by GAU’s progress in education, research and innovation. He said combining the experience and capabilities of both organisations would support effective and sustainable initiatives in rural development, agriculture and human resource development across the region.
The programme began with an introduction session between representatives of the two institutions, followed by a visual documentary highlighting Gazipur Agricultural University’s history, academic activities, research, innovation and international progress. An open discussion was later held on potential areas of cooperation.
CIRDAP Head of Human Resources and Administration F A M Zakirul Haque attended the event. Representatives from GAU included Treasurer Professor Dr Md Safiul Islam Afrad, deans of various faculties, directors, senior teachers and Registrar Md Abdullah Mridha.
Following the discussion, Dr P Chandra Shekhar visited GAU’s field-level research activities and laboratories. Officials said the MoU, once signed, would create opportunities for joint research, training programmes, workshops, student involvement in research and projects, professional skill development, and wider cooperation in agriculture and rural development.
The initiative is also expected to expand Gazipur Agricultural University’s national and international collaborations while supporting the wider use of research-based knowledge in Bangladesh’s agricultural and rural development efforts.
