DIU Professor Dr M A Rahim Receives Independence Award 2026

Professor Dr M A Rahim of Daffodil International University has been awarded the prestigious Independence Award 2026, the highest civilian honour of Bangladesh, in recognition of his outstanding contributions to research and training.

Dr Rahim currently serves as Acting Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture and Head of the Department of Agricultural Science at the university. He has been recognised for his significant role in advancing agricultural research and education, contributing meaningfully to national development.

The award was announced by the Government of Bangladesh, acknowledging his long-standing contributions to research and training. His work in promoting agricultural education and innovation has played an important role in strengthening the country’s agricultural sector.

The DIU community has expressed deep pride and satisfaction at this achievement. The Board of Trustees, administration, faculty members and students have extended their heartfelt congratulations to Dr Rahim for this national recognition.

During his tenure at DIU, Dr Rahim has made notable contributions to agricultural research. Under his leadership, four high-yielding and improved jackfruit varieties DIU Jackfruit-1, DIU Jackfruit-2, DIU Jackfruit-3 and DIU Jackfruit-4 have recently been approved and registered by the National Seed Board and the Ministry of Agriculture. This achievement reflects the university’s commitment to research-driven innovation, sustainable agriculture and food security.

Dr Rahim is widely regarded as a leading figure in agricultural research and fruit development in Bangladesh. He has developed 128 new fruit varieties, including the widely popular BAU Kul. His pioneering work has opened new opportunities in fruit cultivation and significantly contributed to the agricultural economy.

Over the years, he has received numerous prestigious 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. In 2024, he received the Prothom Alo Agriculture Lifetime Achievement Award. He has also been honoured with lifetime achievement awards by Channel i and RTV.

Dr Rahim completed his undergraduate and postgraduate studies at Bangladesh Agricultural University and earned his PhD from the University of London. He also completed postdoctoral research in the United States. Previously, he served as Professor and Head of the Department of Horticulture and Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture at Bangladesh Agricultural University.

He has published more than 400 scientific papers, led over 20 research projects and supervised 101 PhD and 350 MS students. In addition, he has authored 10 books and produced numerous educational publications, contributing significantly to knowledge dissemination in agriculture.

This national recognition reflects the strength of DIU’s commitment to excellence in education and research. The university believes that Dr Rahim’s achievement will inspire a new generation of researchers to pursue innovation and contribute to national and global development.

According to a notification issued by the Cabinet Division on 5 March 2026, a total of 15 distinguished individuals and 5 institutions have been selected for the Independence Award 2026 for their contributions in various fields.