Message From Director

It is with great pleasure and a sense of immense pride that I welcome you to the NSU-UWA Agribusiness Centre of Excellence. Our centre stands as a testament to the collaborative spirit and shared vision between North South University and the University of Western Australia. Together, we embark on a journey to innovate, educate, and lead in the field of agribusiness.

As the world navigates the complexities of food security, sustainability, and economic development, the role of agribusiness becomes ever more critical. Here at the Centre of Excellence, we are committed to pioneering research that answers the pressing questions of our time and to cultivating the next generation of leaders who will drive the agricultural sector forward.

Our goals are ambitious, but within reach. Through our collaborative research programs, our students' educational journeys, and our partnerships with industry leaders, we strive to make a difference in the local and global agricultural landscape.

I invite you to explore the opportunities the centre has to offer, to engage with our vibrant academic community, and to contribute to our mission of making agribusiness a cornerstone of sustainable and prosperous societies.

Research

Mostafizur Rahman 

Research Officer, NSU-UWA Agribusiness Centre of Excellence, Department of Economics

Mr. Mostafizur Rahman specializes in applying data science, machine learning, and remote sensing to agricultural economics and climate-smart agriculture. His work combines supervised learning, UAV-based data collection, geospatial analysis, and IoT-driven insights with econometric models to optimize productivity and technology adoption. As a Research Officer at North South University, his AI-driven research (e.g., controlling irrigation and water management) advances sustainable and climate- resilient agriculture, with findings published in leading journals and presented internationally.

SELECTED PUBLICATIONS

Journal Articles:
• Rahman, M. (2024). Australian Tourist Flow: A Gravity Model Approach.
Sustainability, Q1 IF: 3.7. Access Link: https://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/16/13/5740

• Rahman, M. (2023). Why Did India Pull out of Regional Comprehensive Economic
Partnership (RCEP)? A Gravity Explanation of the Indian Puzzle. Evergreen - Joint
Journal of Novel Carbon Resource Sciences & Green Asia Strategy, Q3 IF: 0.48. Access Link: https://rds3.northsouth.edu/index.php/nsuresearch/view?key=zsWN8WaghUcy87QX4RwmvQ%3D%3D

• Rahman, M. (2023). Did Remittance Inflow in Bangladesh Follow the Gravity Path
During COVID-19? Economies, Q1 IF: 2.6. Access Link: https://www.mdpi.com/2227-7099/11/11/285 

• Rahman, M. (2023). COVID-19 Impact on Trade Flow as the World Adapts to the
Pandemic. Under Review at Research Square, Q1 IF: 1.68. Access Link: https://www.researchsquare.com/article/rs-3229732/v1 

• Rahman, M. (2023). A Potential Coffee Supply Chain Network: An Investigative Study
of Bandarban Hill District in Bangladesh. Centre for Business & Economic Research,
UK.

Conferences:
• Rahman, M. (2024). Adoption of Multiple Agricultural Technologies Among Rice
Farmers in Bangladesh. Working Paper, Department of Economics, Dhaka,
Bangladesh.

• Rahman, M. (2024). Does River Erosion Affect Agricultural Productivity in
Bangladesh? Oral presentation at the International Conference on Transboundary
Rivers of South Asia: Fostering Regional Collaboration for Environmental
Sustainability, North South University & University of Manchester.

• Rahman, M. (2024). Effect of Economic Complexity on Environmental Performance:
Evidence from Lower Income & Lower-Middle Income Countries. Working Paper,
Department of Economics, Dhaka, Bangladesh.

• Rahman, M. (2022). Measuring Inter-country Pattern of Capital Flight: An
Introspection. Published at the 20th Asia Pacific Conference 2022, APU, Japan. Access Link: https://en.apu.ac.jp/apconf/program/2022/Program_and_abstract_book.pdf 
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Admin

Mostafizur Rahman

Mostafizur Rahman has been actively involved in various administrative and research capacities across several offices at North South University, including the NSU-UWA Agribusiness Centre of Excellence, the Department of Economics, and the Office of Student Affairs. At the NSU-UWA Centre, he has coordinated national-level research projects, managed field operations, facilitated stakeholder engagement, prepared administrative reports, and supported policy dialogues. Within the Department of Economics, he has contributed to academic coordination, data analysis support, and research-based course facilitation. His experience in the Office of Student Affairs includes planning student programs, handling internal communications, and supporting event logistics. His cross-office involvement reflects a strong record of institutional coordination, project execution, and academic support within NSU.

Career

Ongoing

Completed

Publications

Working Paper Series (Draft)

Upcoming Events

Past Events

Annual Research and Development Activities

NSU-UWA Agribusiness Centre of Excellence (ACE)

Fiscal Year 2024-25

Summary

Key Achievements:

1. Capacity Building & Training:

• Intensive training sessions were conducted on PLS-SEM and QFD modeling led by Prof. Mohammed Quaddus.
• Econometrics training in STATA (FE, RE, Time Series) was conducted for the students and young researchers.

2. Research Dissemination & Field Outreach:

• Organized dissemination seminars and field visits at BRRI (Faridpur, Barishal, Gazipur) and BARI (Chattogram) to present preliminary findings and gather regional feedback on agricultural innovation adoption by the KGF-funded research project.

3. Stakeholder Engagement & Policy Dialogues:

• Conducted Expert consultation workshops at NSU, and
• Organized strategic meetings with the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE), Bangladesh Food Safety Authority, and BSAFE Foundation.
• Participated in national food safety policy consultations and the USDA-BD stakeholder meeting on biotechnology.
• Conducted Bangladesh Bank training on micro credit.

4. International Exposure & Collaboration:

• International engagements include two research papers presentation at Australasian Agricultural and Resource Economic Society (AARES 2025, Brisbane, Australia).
• Presented at the APO Seminar (Philippines).
• Presented a research paper at the SANEM Conference (Bangladesh).
• Organized meetings with researchers from the University of Adelaide and Kathmandu University.

5. Publications & Working Papers:

• Prepared A total of 14 Working Papers and 5 Discussion Papers under the NSU-KGF project.
• A research article was published in the Sustainability journal, and
• ACE’s work was featured in the UWA Institute of Agriculture Annual Report 2023-24.
• A book proposal has been considered by Palgrave macmillan.

6. Conferences & Academic Platforms:

• Presented a research paper at platforms including the BIAM Foundation Conference.
• Presented a research paper in SANEM Economists' Conference.
• Participated at the BIDS Annual Development Conference.
• Presented 4 research papers the Brown Bag Seminar at NSU.

7. Project Submissions & Partnerships:

• Several research proposals were submitted to UGC, BIRDI, and KGF.
• Signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with BSAFE Foundation to strengthen collaboration in sustainable rural development.

8. Final Project Completion:

• The KGF-funded project “Assessing Adoption and Diffusion of Agricultural Innovations in Bangladesh” was successfully completed, and the final report was submitted to Krishi Gobeshona Foundation.

Annual Research and Development Activities

NSU-UWA Agribusiness Centre of Excellence Activities

Fiscal Year 2024-25

Deatails

1. Research Training

Professor Mohammed Quaddus conducted intensive training sessions on PLS-SEM and QFD modeling methods with Research Associates at NSU’s ERP Seminar Room. These sessions significantly enhanced analytical and modeling capabilities among the research team.

2. Field Visits and Institutional Consultations

ACE organized dissemination workshop visit at BRRI, Bhanga, Faridpur. The ACE team, visited this regional hub to engage with local scientists and stakeholders. The event was designed to present preliminary findings, gather feedback from BRRI officials and local practitioners, and strengthen institutional collaboration for improving technology adoption among farmers.

3. Policy Dialogue and Stakeholder Engagement

Expert consolation workshops were held at NSU. This highlights ACE’s proactive role in fostering policy dialogue and multi-stakeholder engagement through a series of expert consultation workshops held at North South University. These sessions brought together academics, policymakers, and sector specialists to exchange insights and collaboratively evaluate challenges and opportunities in agricultural technology adoption.

4. Consultation meeting of the NSU-KGF project team with the DAE executives at DAE

This consultation meeting reflects ACE’s strategic approach to bridging research with public sector implementation. Organized as part of the NSU-KGF project, the session involved in-depth discussions between the project team and executives from the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE). It focused on aligning field-level research findings with national agricultural priorities, sharing preliminary insights from farm-level surveys, and exploring avenues for collaboration on technology diffusion and policy support.

5. Dissemination Seminar at BARI, Khulshi, Chattogram

As part of the NSU-KGF research project, a dissemination seminar was organized at the Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute (BARI), Khulshi, Chattogram. Facilitated by ACE, the seminar aimed to present preliminary findings from field surveys on agricultural technology adoption and gather expert feedback. The session provided a platform for meaningful exchange between researchers and local stakeholders, contributing to the refinement of policy insights and ensuring regional relevance in the proposed strategies.

6. Dissemination Seminar at BRRI, Sagardi, Barishal

In continuation of its regional outreach, ACE facilitated a dissemination seminar at the BRRI Regional Station in Sagardi, Barishal, under the NSU-KGF research project. The seminar served as a platform to share preliminary findings with BRRI scientists and gather region-specific feedback on factors influencing agricultural technology adoption.

7. International Engagement at Asian Productivity Organization (APO) Seminar, Philippines

Professor Nazrul Islam represented the NSU-UWA Agribusiness Centre of Excellence (ACE) at the Asian Productivity Organization (APO) seminar held in the Philippines. This international engagement was part of APO’s initiative on productivity gainsharing in the agrifood sector across member countries. The seminar brought together experts to exchange knowledge and explore best practices in enhancing farm-level productivity. Professor Islam’s participation highlighted ACE’s commitment to global collaboration and policy-oriented research, extending its impact beyond national boundaries.

8. Collaborative Research Dialogue with the University of Adelaide

As part of its commitment to international research collaboration, the NSU-UWA Agribusiness Centre of Excellence (ACE) hosted a meeting with the research team from the University of Adelaide, led by Dr. Tamara Jackson. The discussion focused on exploring potential synergies in agri-food systems, technology adoption, and rural development research.

9. Review Workshop at Krishi Gobeshona Foundation (KGF), Dhaka

The NSU-UWA Agribusiness Centre of Excellence (ACE) took part in a comprehensive review workshop for the KGF-funded project “Assessing Adoption and Diffusion of Agricultural Innovations in Bangladesh”, held at the Krishi Gobeshona Foundation seminar room in Farmgate, Dhaka. The session served as a key platform to present progress updates, validate preliminary findings, and align future strategies with KGF’s research priorities. In attendance were Professor Nazrul Islam, Project Coordinator and Director of ACE; Professor Gour Gobinda Goswami, Co-Investigator; Dr. Meraz Uddin Ahmed, Project Manager; and Mostafizur Rahman, Research Officer at ACE.

10. NSU Pitha Uthsab 1430

The NSU-UWA Agribusiness Centre of Excellence (ACE) participated in the festive celebrations of NSU Pitha Uthshab 1430, held at the university playground. With a dedicated stall representing ACE, the event offered a vibrant opportunity for the team to engage with the wider NSU community in a joyful cultural setting.

11. Interaction with Bangladesh Rice Research Institute (BRRI), Gazipur

Professor Nazrul Islam, the NSU-UWA Agribusiness Centre of Excellence (ACE) team held a productive interaction meeting with senior scientists and officials of the Bangladesh Rice Research Institute (BRRI) in Gazipur.

12. International Research Presentation on River Erosion and Agriculture

Mr. Mostafizur Rahman, Research Officer at the NSU-UWA Agribusiness Centre of Excellence (ACE), presented a research paper titled “Does River Erosion Affect Agricultural Productivity in Bangladesh?” at the international conference on Transboundary Rivers of South Asia: Fostering Regional Collaboration for Environmental Sustainability. The presentation addressed the socio-economic consequences of river erosion on agriculture and proposed pathways for regional cooperation to mitigate these impacts.

13. Publication in Sustainability Journal and a Book Proposal

A research paper titled “Australian Tourist Flow: A Gravity Model Approach” co-authored by Professor Gour Gobinda Goswami, Mesbahul Hassan Chowdhury, Mostafizur Rahman, and Mahnaz Aftabi Atique has been accepted and published (https://doi.org/10.3390/su16135740) in the Sustainability journal. The study employs an empirical gravity model framework to analyze determinants of tourist inflows to Australia, contributing to the literature on international tourism and sustainable economic development. Moreover, A book proposal has been considered by Palgrave macmillan.

14. Meeting Between NSU-UWA ACE and BSAFE Foundation

A general meeting was held between the Director, NSU-UWA Agribusiness Centre of Excellence (ACE) and the BSAFE Foundation to explore collaborative avenues in research, policy advocacy, and knowledge exchange. The discussion focused on aligning mutual priorities in areas such as food safety, climate-resilient agriculture, and sustainable rural development. This meeting laid the groundwork for future partnerships, including the formulation of a formal Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), reflecting ACE’s commitment to building multi-stakeholder networks for impactful development solutions.

15. UWA-IoA Annual Report 2023

The collaborative research project “Assessing Adoption and Diffusion of Agricultural Innovations in Bangladesh”, led by NSU in partnership with Curtin University and the University of Western Australia (UWA), has been prominently featured in the UWA Institute of Agriculture (IoA) Annual Research Report 2023. This recognition reflects the project’s global significance in addressing agricultural innovation challenges through a robust mixed-method approach, including PLS-SEM and QFD modeling.

16. Exploring Regional Academic Partnerships

Dr. Reshma Shrestha, Head of the Geomatics Engineering Department at Kathmandu University, visited the NSU-UWA Agribusiness Centre of Excellence (ACE) to explore avenues for cross-border academic and research collaboration. During her visit, she met with Professor Nazrul Islam, Director of ACE, and Mr. Mostafizur Rahman, Research Officer, to discuss potential joint initiatives in spatial data applications, climate-smart agriculture, and geospatial analytics. The discussion marked a step toward building South Asian academic networks to address shared challenges in agricultural innovation and environmental sustainability.

17. Industry-Academia Dialogue with HSBC Bangladesh

Ms. Syeda Afzalun Nessa, Head of Corporate Sustainability at HSBC Bangladesh, visited the NSU-UWA Agribusiness Centre of Excellence (ACE) to explore opportunities for collaborative initiatives in sustainable development. During her visit, she met with Professor Nazrul Islam, Director of ACE; Dr. Meraz Uddin Ahmed, Project Manager; Dr. Serajul Islam, Research Expert; and Mr. Mostafizur Rahman, Research Officer (ACE). The discussion focused on aligning ACE’s research strengths with HSBC’s sustainability agenda particularly in climate-smart agriculture, food systems innovation, and responsible finance highlighting the Centre’s expanding role in facilitating multi-sectoral partnerships.

18. Showcasing Research at the Brown Bag Seminar, Economics Research Platform

The NSU-UWA Agribusiness Centre of Excellence (ACE) team presented in the Brown Bag Seminar hosted at the Economics Research Platform of North South University on November 7, 2024. The featured research presentations by Mostafizur Rahman (middle), Anta Atalantia (right), Rifah Nanjiba (lower left), and Farjana Akter Shila (lower right) in the photo below. Their research covered diverse topics such as stakeholder perceptions of technology adoption, socio-economic profiling of rice-producing households, and the cost-effectiveness of sustainable agricultural practices.

19. Capacity Building in Econometrics and Software Skills

As part of ACE’s commitment to academic development, Mostafizur Rahman, Research Officer at the NSU-UWA Agribusiness Centre of Excellence (ACE), conducted two short training sessions at the Economics Research Platform (ERP), North South University. The sessions covered practical applications of STATA for both Panel Data analysis (Fixed Effects, Random Effects) and Time Series methods (including Stationarity, Cointegration, and Vector Auto Regression - VAR). These hands-on trainings were designed to strengthen econometric competencies among young researchers and students, supporting ACE’s mission to foster a technically skilled research community.

21. Knowledge Sharing through Dissemination Seminar on Agricultural Innovation

As part of its continuous outreach and engagement efforts, the NSU-UWA Agribusiness Centre of Excellence (ACE) organized a Dissemination Seminar under the KGF-funded research project titled “Assessing Adoption and Diffusion of Agricultural Innovations in Bangladesh. At BAU” The seminar brought together researchers, agricultural extension officers, and local stakeholders to share preliminary findings and gather feedback on the adoption challenges and opportunities within the farming community.

22. Engagement in USDA-BD Stakeholder Consultation on Agricultural Biotechnology

As part of ACE’s broader policy engagement and knowledge exchange initiatives, Mostafizur Rahman, Research Officer at the NSU-UWA Agribusiness Centre of Excellence (ACE), participated in the Bangladesh Stakeholder Consultation on Agricultural Biotechnology organized by USDA-BD in Gulshan, Dhaka. The event convened experts, policymakers, and researchers to discuss the prospects, regulatory frameworks, and challenges of biotechnology adoption in Bangladesh’s agricultural sector.

21. Participation in BIDS Annual Development Conference 2024

Mr. Mostafizur Rahman, Research Officer at the NSU-UWA Agribusiness Centre of Excellence (ACE), actively participated in the Annual BIDS Conference on Development 2024, a premier policy research forum in Bangladesh. His engagement in the discussions reflects ACE’s commitment to contributing to national development discourse, particularly through evidence-based insights on agriculture, sustainability, and inclusive growth.

23. Institutional Engagement with Bangladesh Food Safety Authority

As part of its mission to contribute to food system resilience and policy integration, Professor Nazrul Islam, Director of the NSU-UWA Agribusiness Centre of Excellence (ACE), and Mr. Mostafizur Rahman, Research Officer (ACE), held a strategic meeting with the Bangladesh Food Safety Authority in Dhaka. The discussion focused on exploring collaborative opportunities in food safety research, capacity building, and evidence-based policy development.

24. Research Presentation at BIAM Foundation Conference

Mr. Mostafizur Rahman, Research Officer at the NSU-UWA Agribusiness Centre of Excellence (ACE), presented a research paper titled “Effect of Economic Complexity on Environmental Performance: Evidence from Lower Income and Lower Middle-Income Countries” at the Business and Social Science Conference organized by BIAM Foundation. The study explored how the structure and diversity of economies impact environmental outcomes, particularly in developing nations.

25. National Food Safety Policy Dialogue in Chattogram

Professor Nazrul Islam, Director of the NSU-UWA Agribusiness Centre of Excellence (ACE), and Mr. Mostafizur Rahman, Research Officer (ACE), participated in the Regional Consultation on the Draft National Food Safety Policy of Bangladesh, held in Chattogram. The event was organized by the Bangladesh Food Safety Authority with support from USAID Bangladesh and the BSAFE Foundation.

26. International Research Presentation at AARES 2025, Australia

Professor Nazrul Islam, Director of the NSU-UWA Agribusiness Centre of Excellence (ACE), presented key research findings at the 69th Australasian Agriculture and Resource Economics Society (AARES) Conference, held in 2025 in Brisbane, Australia. His presentation focused on the “Adoption of Multiple Agricultural Technologies Among Rice Farmers in Bangladesh by Mostafizur Rahman, Amin Mugera and Nazrul Islam,” showcasing ACE’s cutting-edge work on agricultural innovation and technology adoption.

27. Conference Presentation at SANEM Annual Economists' Conference 2025

Mr. Mostafizur Rahman, Research Officer at the NSU-UWA Agribusiness Centre of Excellence (ACE), presented a research paper titled “Adoption of Multiple Agricultural Technologies among Climate Smart Rice Farmers in Bangladesh” at the 8th SANEM Annual Economists' Conference held in Dhaka. The paper explored the dynamics of technology adoption in the context of climate resilience and agricultural innovation. This presentation reinforced ACE’s commitment to contributing empirical evidence and policy-relevant insights to national dialogues on sustainable agricultural development and climate-smart practices.

28. Strategic Dialogue with the World Bank on Future Collaboration

On March 12, 2025, the NSU-UWA Agribusiness Centre of Excellence (ACE) held a high-level meeting with representatives from the World Bank to explore future collaboration on agri-food system transformation, climate resilience, and technology adoption strategies. In attendance were Mr. Mostafizur Rahman, Dr. Meraz Uddin Ahmed, Dr. Amadou Ba, Professor Nazrul Islam, Dr. Samina Yasmin, and Dr. Serajul Islam. The discussion focused on aligning ACE’s research strengths with the World Bank’s development agenda, reaffirming ACE’s role as a leading platform for policy-relevant research and global development partnerships in Bangladesh.

29. Professor Nazrul Islam Conducted a Session on Smart Agriculture and SME at Bangladesh Bank Training Academy

On 26 February 2025, Professor Nazrul Islam, Director of the NSU-UWA Agribusiness Centre of Excellence (ACE) and Professor at the Department of Economics, North South University, delivered a special session titled “Smart Agriculture and SME for Sustainable Rural Economy in Bangladesh” at the Bangladesh Bank Training Academy (BBTA), Dhaka. The session was part of the international training course on “Sustainable Agriculture and Socially Responsible Rural Financing”.

30. Final Submission of Project Completion Report at Krishi Gobeshona Foundation

The NSU-UWA Agribusiness Centre of Excellence (ACE) formally submitted the Project Completion Report for the KGF-funded research initiative titled “Assessing Adoption and Diffusion of Agricultural Innovations in Bangladesh” at the Krishi Gobeshona Foundation (KGF).

MOU:

NSU-UWA ACE signed a Memorandum of Understanding between North South University (NSU) Dhaka, Bangladesh and BSAFE Foundation, Dhaka, Bangladesh. This collaboration is under the guidance and facilitation of the Agribusiness Centre of Excellence (ACE) at North South University. ACE has played a key role in bringing both parties together to explore joint opportunities for research, innovation, and knowledge exchange in the field of sustainable agribusiness and rural development.

Working Paper Series (Draft)

Media

Contact

Level 2, North Tower (Beside Economics Research Platform), North South University
Bashundhara, Dhaka-1229, Bangladesh
Phone: +880-2-55668200 Ext. 6888, 6889
Email: Nazrul.islam03@northsouth.edu

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