Vice-Chancellor of Gazipur Agricultural University (GAU), Professor Dr. GKM Mustafizur Rahman, held a cordial meeting with a delegation from two leading American universities on Thursday, exploring new opportunities for academic and research collaboration.
The delegation included Professor Dr. Ahmed Mustafa of Purdue University Fort Wayne and Assistant Professor Timothy J. Bruce of the College of Agriculture, Auburn University. The visit was facilitated through the initiative and coordination of Professor Mustafa. Among those present were Professor Dr. Farhana Haque, Dean of the Faculty of Fisheries, Professor Dr. S.M. Rafiquzzaman of the Department of Fisheries Biology and Aquatic Environment, Assistant Professor Ibrahim Rashid and representatives from Daffodil University.
Welcoming the guests, the Vice-Chancellor highlighted GAU's academic and research achievements, noting that the university secured the top national position in several categories of the Times Higher Education, WURI and QS rankings in 2025 and 2026, while also strengthening its global standing.
He also showcased the university's contributions to agricultural research, technological innovation and the development of farmer-friendly crop varieties and technologies. The meeting focused on expanding collaboration in research, faculty and student exchanges, joint academic initiatives and partnerships in agriculture, fisheries and aquatic animal health. Professor Ahmed Mustafa and Assistant Professor Timothy J. Bruce proposed establishing formal partnerships between GAU, Auburn University and Purdue University Fort Wayne through Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs).
Welcoming the proposal, the Vice-Chancellor expressed confidence that such collaborations would promote knowledge exchange, strengthen research and innovation and contribute to the sustainable advancement of Bangladesh's agricultural sector.
At the end of the meeting, the Vice-Chancellor presented commemorative gifts to the visiting scholars. Later, Assistant Professor Timothy J. Bruce visited GAU's research fields, modern laboratories and the Faculty of Fisheries, where he expressed his appreciation for the university's research infrastructure and its strong potential for international collaboration.
