Dr. Muhammad Muniruzzaman (১৯২৬–২০১৫), often called the 'Father of Bangladesh Agriculture,' was a pioneering agronomist and economist who played a pivotal role in transforming Bangladesh's agricultural sector post-independence. Born in Faridpur (now in Bangladesh), he earned his PhD in Agronomy from Cornell University, USA, and later became a professor at the University of Dhaka. Muniruzzaman's research focused on high-yielding varieties (HYVs) of rice, which were crucial in combating famine and ensuring food security during the 1970s.
His leadership extended to founding the Bangladesh Agricultural Research Council (BARC) and serving as its first chairman. He also played a key role in establishing the Bangladesh Rice Research Institute (BRRI), where he spearheaded the development of varieties like BRRI dhan47 and BRRI dhan52. These innovations significantly increased rice production, reducing dependency on imports. Muniruzzaman was a vocal advocate for sustainable agriculture and rural development, influencing policies that shaped Bangladesh's Green Revolution. He received the Ekushey Padak (1980) and was honored with the Bangabandhu Fellowship for his contributions to national development.