National Emeritus Scientist Dr Kazi M Badruddoza, who was also the inventor of well-known “Kazi Guava”, died of old-age complications at 4pm on Wednesday. He was 96 years old.
He is survived by two sons and one daughter, says a press release.
At the call of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, Dr Kazi M Badruddoza took charge of the country's agricultural research in 1973, leaving his post of director at Pakistan Agricultural Research Institute.
On the instructions of Bangabandhu, he devoted himself to the work of reforming and developing agricultural research and building various research institutes. It was through his hands that the foundation of modern agricultural research was laid in independent Bangladesh.
Dr Kazi M Badruddoza was engaged in the top positions of Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute and Bangladesh Agricultural Research Council for a long time. He was the founding president of Bangladesh Academy of Agriculture and founding member of Bangladesh Academy of Sciences.
He possessed keen intellect, professional skills and organizational leadership qualities.
He was awarded the “Independence Award” in 2012 for his outstanding contribution to agricultural research in the country.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Wednesday expressed deep shock and sorrow at the death of National Emeritus Scientist Dr Kazi M Badruddoza.
“The death of this renowned agricultural scientist and successful agricultural organizer has caused an irreparable loss to the country in the field of agriculture,” Sheikh Hasina said in a condolence message.
Agriculture Minister and Awami League Presidium Member Dr Md Abdur Razzaque expressed deep grief and sorrow over the death of eminent agronomist Dr Kazi M Badruddoza.
The minister said in a condolence message: “Kazi M Badruddoza was a pioneer of agricultural research in this country. He has made a unique contribution to the country's agricultural research, extension of research and building a strong structure of agricultural research institutions. His contribution to agriculture will be remembered forever.”
