Two retired professors and a former student of Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU) have been nominated for the prestigious Independence Award 2026 in recognition of their outstanding contributions at the national level.
Prof. Dr. Zahurul Karim will receive the award for his contribution to science and technology, while Prof. Dr. M A Rahim and former student of BAU Dr. Mohammad Abdul Baki will be honoured for their contributions to research and training.
According to a press release issued by the Cabinet Division of Bangladesh on Thursday, a total of 15 distinguished individuals including Begum Khaleda Zia and five institutions have been nominated for the Independence Award this year for their remarkable and outstanding contributions in various fields.
The press release stated that the award will be given in recognition of contributions in sectors including independence and the Liberation War, science and technology, research and training, literature, culture, social service, medicine, public administration and environmental conservation.
Dr. Zahurul Karim, a former professor of BAU, previously served as a scientist at the Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute (BARI) and the Atomic Energy Centre, Dhaka. He also served as director general of the Bangladesh Rice Research Institute (BRRI) and later as executive chairman of the Bangladesh Agricultural Research Council (BARC), the apex body of the national agricultural research system. He is currently serving as president of the Bangladesh Academy of Sciences.
Professor Dr. M A Rahim served as a professor in the Department of Horticulture under the Faculty of Agriculture at BAU. He later worked as the chief executive and principal researcher at the BAU Germplasm Centre. At present, he is serving as the head of the Department of Agricultural Science at Daffodil International University.
Dr. Mohammad Abdul Baki studied at the Faculty of Engineering and Technology of BAU. He served as director general of the Bangladesh Rice Research Institute and also worked as chief scientific officer at the Farm Machinery and Postharvest Technology Division.
The Independence Award is the highest state civilian honour in Bangladesh. Introduced in 1977, the award is given to individuals and institutions for their significant contributions to the nation.