Kathmandu September 1,
Dr. Md. Golam Mahboob, a seasoned agricultural scientist with more than two decades of experience in research and natural resource management, today
2026) joined the SAARC Agriculture Centre (SAC) in Dhaka as its new director. He takes charge of the regional centre with a mandate to strengthen agricultural cooperation, research and knowledge sharing among SAARC member states.
Dr. Mahboob, an agricultural scientist with expertise in agricultural forestry, remote sensing, GIS and natural resource management, has been serving as Chief Scientific Officer (Forestry) at the Bangladesh Agricultural Research Council (BARC).
He began his career at the Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute in 2006 and subsequently held several scientific positions at BARI and BARC. He was appointed Chief Scientific Officer (Forestry) at BARC in September 2025.
Dr. Mahboob obtained his PhD from Gifu University, Japan, a postgraduate diploma in Remote Sensing and GIS from the Indian Institute of Remote Sensing in India and an MS
journals and conference proceedings and contributed to books and book chapters.
He also founded the Agro-Environmental Remote Sensing and Modeling Lab at BARI, focusing on the application of geospatial technologies in agriculture and environmental management. His appointment comes as South Asia faces growing challenges from climate change, food insecurity and natural resource degradation. As director, Dr Mahboob is expected to strengthen regional
collaboration on climate-resilient agriculture, research, innovation and sustainable agri-food systems.
SAC warmly welcomed Dr. Md. Golam Mahboob and wished him a successful and impactful tenure. With his extensive
experience in agricultural research, forestry, natural resource management and geospatial technologies, his leadership is expected to further strengthen regional cooperation and knowledge sharing in agriculture among SAARC Member States.
The SAC family also expressed its sincere gratitude to Dr. Md. Harunur Rashid for his leadership, guidance and valuable contributions during his tenure. His dedication and commitment to advancing regional agricultural cooperation will be remembered with great appreciation.
He also founded the Agro-Environmental Remote Sensing and Modeling Lab at BARI, focusing on the application of geospatial technologies in agriculture and environmental management. His appointment comes as South Asia faces growing challenges from climate change, food insecurity and natural resource degradation. As director, Dr Mahboob is expected to strengthen regional
The discussion focused on several important areas of mutual interest, including
antimicrobial resistance (AMR), the One Health approach, sustainable animal and aquatic foods, surveillance and field studies and laboratory analysis.
Both organisations explored opportunities for jointly undertaking research, technical programs and collaborative initiatives to address emerging challenges in animal and aquatic health. The discussion also highlighted the importance of strengthening regional cooperation, evidence-based research and knowledge sharing to support sustainable food systems and improve animal, human and environmental health.
The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to exploring future collaboration between SAC and WorldFish Bangladesh in areas of common interest, contributing to sustainable agriculture, fisheries and food systems in South Asia.
SAC Holds Collaborative Meeting with WorldFish Bangladesh to Explore Joint Initiatives
Dhaka, 08 September 2026: A meeting was held between the SAARC Agriculture Centre (SAC) and WorldFish Bangladesh to explore potential areas of collaboration in promoting sustainable animal and aquatic food systems across South Asia.
The meeting was attended by Mr. Shafiq Rheman, Scientist, Aquatic Animal Health and One Health, WorldFish, along with SAC specialists Dr. Md. Younus Ali, Senior Program Specialist (Livestock), Dr Raza Ullah Khan, Senior Program Specialist (Natural Resource Management), and Dr Md. Shariful Islam, Senior Programme Specialist (Fisheries).
The discussion focused on several important areas of mutual interest, including
antimicrobial resistance (AMR), the One Health approach, sustainable animal and aquatic
The discussion focused on several important areas of mutual interest, including
antimicrobial resistance (AMR), the One Health approach, sustainable animal and aquatic foods, surveillance and field studies and laboratory analysis.
Both organisations explored opportunities for jointly undertaking research, technical programs and collaborative initiatives to address emerging challenges in animal and aquatic health. The discussion also highlighted the importance of strengthening regional cooperation, evidence-based research and knowledge sharing to support sustainable food systems and improve animal, human and environmental health.
The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to exploring future collaboration between SAC and WorldFish Bangladesh in areas of common interest, contributing to sustainable agriculture, fisheries and food systems in South Asia.
journals and conference proceedings and contributed to books and book chapters.
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