Jahangir Alam Khan, newly appointed executive director of the Barind Multipurpose Development Authority (BMDA), formally assumed office on Monday.
He arrived at Shah Makhdum Airport in Rajshahi by a private aircraft in the morning. After reaching Rajshahi, he visited Godagari upazila and paid his respects at the grave of Dr M Asaduzzaman, founder and former chairman of the BMDA. He later went to the BMDA headquarters.
Officials and employees of the authority welcomed the new executive director with flowers at the headquarters. Representatives of different organisations and staff bodies also greeted him.
Addressing BMDA officials and employees after assuming office, Jahangir Alam Khan said the BMDA was not merely an institution but an organisation deeply connected with the livelihoods of farmers and people across the Barind region.
“Being entrusted with the responsibility of BMDA is an honour as well as a major responsibility for me,” he said.
“I want to work together with all BMDA officials and employees. Our primary goals will be to strengthen farmer-friendly initiatives, make irrigation systems more effective and sustainable, and ensure safe and planned water management for the people of the Barind region,” he added.
The new executive director said irrigation was one of the main foundations of agricultural production in the Barind region. Therefore, integrated and economical use of surface and groundwater must be ensured.
He said BMDA would focus on expanding the use of modern technology in irrigation, preventing water wastage, increasing the use of solar energy and giving the highest priority to farmers' needs.
He also urged officials and employees at every level to perform their duties with integrity, honesty and responsibility.
“If everyone works with dedication, honesty and responsibility, BMDA can become a stronger and more people-oriented institution. We want to build a BMDA whose benefits reach farmers and ordinary people across the Barind region directly,” he said.
He sought cooperation from all officials and employees in discharging his responsibilities and expressed his determination to make BMDA more dynamic, transparent and welfare-oriented.
Jahangir Alam Khan also recalled the contributions of BMDA's former chairman Dr M Asaduzzaman and expressed his gratitude to the current chairman and adviser Rihan Asif Asad.
Meeting with officials
In the afternoon, the new executive director held a meeting with BMDA officials. The meeting was chaired by BMDA Additional Chief Engineer Dr Abul Kasem.
Among others, supervising engineers Abdul Latif, Nazirul Islam, Jinnurain Khan, Shibir Ahmed, Moniruzzaman Monir and Rubina Khatun; Executive Engineer and Secretary Md Enamul Kadir; Executive Engineers Harun-or-Rashid, Tofazzal Ali Sarker, Tariqul Islam, Mostafizur Rahman, Atikur Rahman and Syed Zillur Bari were present.
Raj (2088) CBA President Mojibur Rahman, General Secretary Mizanur Rahman Faruk, Diploma Engineers Association President Rahat Parvez and General Secretary Shamsul Alam were also present.
Besides, additional chief engineers, supervising engineers, project directors, executive engineers, managers (agriculture), monitoring officers, assistant engineers and higher sub-assistant engineers of BMDA attended the meeting.
Appointed for one year
Jahangir Alam Khan was appointed executive director of BMDA for one year on a contractual basis under the Ministry of Agriculture.
According to a notification issued on August 11, 2026, signed by Md Golam Rabbani, deputy secretary of the Contract and Foreign Employment Wing of the Ministry of Public Administration, the appointment was made by order of the President.
