Gazipur City Correspondent

In recognition of their outstanding contributions to education, science, and research, two eminent scientists, Prof Dr. Z. A. Karim and Prof Dr. M. A. Rahim, recipients of the Independence Award 2026, were accorded a reception by Gazipur Agricultural University (GAU).

The reception was held on Monday at university's Old Auditorium, where the distinguished scientists were welcomed with floral greetings and presented with commemorative crests.

The event was chaired by Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr. GKM Mostafizur Rahman and moderated by Registrar Md. Abdullah Mridha.

The special guest was Prof Dr. Z. N. Tahmida Begum, former and the first female Chairperson of the Bangladesh Public Service Commission (BPSC).

Also present were Treasurer Professor Dr. Md. Safiul Islam Afrad, deans of various faculties, directors, the proctor, faculty members, university officials, and distinguished guests from different institutions across the country.

The Vice-Chancellor extended floral greetings to the two Independence Award recipients. They were then presented with honorary crests on behalf of the university.

Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr. GKM Mostafizur Rahman said, Gazipur Agricultural University is proud and honored by your presence. Your remarkable contributions to the nation will remain forever memorable in the history of Bangladesh.

Prof Dr. Z. A. Karim is widely recognized as one of Bangladesh's pioneers in climate change research. His notable contributions include identifying ferrihydrite minerals in paddy soils, preparing the country's first drought severity map and addressing the Monga problem.

Prof Dr. M. A. Rahim, former professor of Bangladesh Agricultural University, is one of the country's leading fruit scientists. Under his leadership, 128 new fruit varieties have been developed, including the widely popular BU Kul.