Gazipur Agricultural University (GAU) observed National Rural Development Day 2026 for the first time on Tuesday, September 1, with a rally, tree plantation and discussion focusing on the lives, aspirations and potential of rural communities. The programme, organised by the Faculty of Agricultural Economics and Rural Development, began at 2:15pm with Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr GKM Mustafizur Rahman and CIRDAP Director General Dr P Chandra Shekara planting a Krishnachura sapling at the faculty premises, according to a press release.
A rally joined by teachers, students, officers and staff then paraded through the campus before concluding at Begum Sufia Kamal Auditorium. Students carried placards, banners and festoons depicting rural life and development, bringing scenes of rural Bangladesh to the university grounds.
The discussion was chaired by Rahman, with Shekara as chief guest. GAU Pro-Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Md Jahedur Rahman, Treasurer Prof Dr Md Safiul Islam Afrad, Registrar Md Abdullah Mridha, CIRDAP Head of Human Resources and Administration F A M Zakirul Huq, deans, directors, teachers, students, officers and staff attended the programme.
Following a welcome address by Dr Monira Parvin Moon, a student-produced visual documentary was screened. Dean Prof Dr Md Monjurul Islam delivered a keynote presentation titled ‘Rural Development is the Foundation of National Development’, followed by an open discussion.
Shekara stressed the importance of coordinated rural development and urged students to develop their skills, embrace value addition and become entrepreneurs.
In his concluding remarks, Rahman said rural development involved improving not only infrastructure but also people’s quality of life, education, health, livelihoods and dignity. He reaffirmed GAU’s commitment to advancing rural Bangladesh through knowledge, research and innovation.
GAU’s student team Carbodit also won the regional championship at the CIRDAP-REEDS International Rural Development Innovation Challenge 2026 from the Faculty of Agricultural Economics and Rural Development.
