Message from Managing Director

M.A. Matin, a visionary leader in agricultural engineering, exemplifies how education can transform not only individual careers but also entire communities. As the Director General of the Rural Development Academy (RDA) in Bogura, Bangladesh, Matin has dedicated his life to enhancing irrigation and water management practices, addressing the pressing challenges faced by the agricultural sector.

Born in Dhaka, Karanigonj Matin’s journey began with remarkable academic achievements. His pursuit of knowledge led him to Bangladesh Agricultural University, where he earned a B.Sc. in Agricultural Engineering, followed by M.Sc. in Irrigation Engineering from Silsoe College in the UK and finally PhD from BAU of Mymensingh. This robust educational foundation equipped him with the skills to innovate and implement effective solutions for rural development.

Since 1983, Matin has spearheaded groundbreaking projects that have revolutionized irrigation practices in Bangladesh. His development of an arsenic-free community-based rural piped water supply model and the introduction of buried pipe irrigation systems, community biogas plant are just a few examples of his impactful work. These initiatives not only enhance agricultural productivity but also improve the quality of life for countless individuals.

Matin’s contributions have garnered national and international recognition, including prestigious awards like the Independence Award-2004 for extraordinary contribution in the field of rural development, particularly irrigation command area extension up to four folds through buried pipe, innovation of multi-purpose use of DWT, development of arsenic free safe water supply and the ‘‘বঙ্গবন্ধু জাতীয় কৃষি পুরস্কার (স্বর্ণ পদক)-১৪১৫’’. Through his entire professional carrier he achieved patented two technologies. `Patent 1: Low-cost DWTD technology for multipurpose use’ and `Patent 2: Improvement in relation to safe drinking water throughout Bangladesh.’ With his patented technology application throughout the country he save huge money, like “Jamuna fertilizer factory”, almost “all the power plant”, “Chittagong EPZ”, “different universities”, “Savar tannery central water supply” and many more areas of Bangladesh. His influence extends beyond borders, as he shares his expertise in over 45 countries, inspiring a global audience.

M.A. Matin’s legacy serves as a powerful reminder of the impact that education and innovation can have on the agricultural sector. His story inspires future generations of engineers and rural development professionals to embrace creativity and collaboration, paving the way for a sustainable and prosperous future in agriculture. Let us honor his achievements and strive to follow in his footsteps, transforming challenges into opportunities for growth and empowerment in our agricultural communities of Bangladesh.