Dr. Md. Al-Mamun is an expert agricultural scientist specializing in plant breeding and genetics, serving as a researcher at the Bangladesh Jute Research Institute (BJRI) since 2004. He received his BSc in Agriculture (Honours) from Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University in 2004 and completed his MS in Genetics and Plant Breeding at the same institution in 2008. Later, he earned his PhD from Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) in 2022, focusing on genetic diversity and the development of mutant hybrids of kenaf through diallel crossing.

His primary research focuses on the improvement of fiber crops—particularly kenaf and mesta. By developing high-yielding, disease-resistant, and farmer-friendly varieties, he has made significant contributions to agricultural research. His work is making a tangible impact on the country’s agricultural production systems and has paved new possibilities in the direction of sustainable fiber crop development.

First, we’d like to know more about you.

Researcher, writer, and essayist Dr. Md. Al-Mamun was born in 1979 in Bamna Upazila of Barguna district. His father is Alhaj Md. Ashraf Ali Howlader and his mother is Mrs. Selina Begum. He is the father of two sons and is married to Mrs. Kamrun Nahar. He completed his BSc in Agriculture (Honours) in 2004 and his MS in Genetics and Plant Breeding in 2008 from Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Dhaka. Later, he obtained his PhD in the same field from Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) in 2022. Since 2004, he has been serving at the Bangladesh Jute Research Institute. His PhD research topic was: “Genetic diversity and development of kenaf mutant hybrids through diallel crossing.”

💬 Question & Answer Session:

Q: What is your area of research?
A: My main focus is plant breeding and crop variety improvement. I mainly work on the development of superior varieties of jute-related fiber crops—kenaf and mesta. My goal is to create varieties that are high-yielding, environmentally tolerant, and easy for farmers to cultivate. I also work on seed production, genetic diversity analysis, and hybrid development to ensure the sustainable production of fiber crops.

Q: How do your research efforts benefit us or may benefit us in the future?
A: Through my research, the Bangladesh Jute Research Institute has so far released three new varieties—
1) BJRI Kenaf-4 (Red Kenaf), 2017
2) BJRI Mesta-3 (Smooth Mesta), 2017
3) BJRI Mesta-4 (Vegetable Mesta-2), 2022
These varieties offer higher yields, greater disease resistance, and are more user-friendly for farmers compared to previous varieties. Notably, the vegetable mesta variety offers farmers a new source of additional income, as it can also be marketed as a vegetable crop.

Q: Do you have any special research experiences you would like to share?
A: Yes. In recognition of my academic achievements, I received the Best Student Award 2021 (Bangladeshi Students Union Malaysia – BSUM) while in Malaysia. Based on the results of my PhD research, 11 articles have been published in high-impact international journals. Additionally, in 2023, I received the Young Scientist Award 2019 from the Plant Breeding and Genetics Society of Bangladesh (PBGSB) at their international conference for my outstanding contribution to the improvement of kenaf and mesta varieties.

Q: What qualities do you think are necessary for a scientist?
A: In my view, a scientist must possess an inquisitive mind and the courage to question, patience and perseverance, hard work and integrity, the mentality to work as a team, and above all, the ability to learn from failure. Science is not only about success, but also the joy of learning through repeated efforts.

Q: What is your message for young students in Bangladesh who want to pursue science?
A: Love science, ask questions, and never give up. Every laboratory, field, and observation is an opportunity to learn. Remember—“A true researcher does not seek results, but seeks the truth.” Pursue a path in science, for the future Bangladesh will be built by your hands.

Q: Your contact information?
A: Email: [email protected];

🔗 Profile Link:

ResearchGate: researchgate.net/profile/Md-Al-Mamun-19
ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0002-9970-3122

Dr. Md. Al-Mamun’s research in fiber crop development, genetic diversity analysis, and hybrid innovation continues to make important contributions to the agricultural research sector in Bangladesh. His work is creating opportunities to provide productive and sustainable varieties to farmers. We hope his longstanding research career in science-inspired progress will motivate young students—this is our expectation.
The biggani.org team sends heartfelt wishes for his future research endeavors.

Genetic Diversity to Hybrid Development: Insights from Dr. Al-Mamun

Dr. Md. Al-Mamun is a plant breeder and geneticist working at the Bangladesh Jute Research Institute (BJRI), where he has served since 2004. He completed his BSc in Agriculture (Honours) in 2004 and his MS in Genetics and Plant Breeding in 2008 from Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Dhaka. He later earned his PhD from Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) in 2022. His doctoral research focused on assessing genetic diversity and developing mutant hybrids of kenaf through diallel crossing.

Dr. Mamun’s research primarily centers on improving fiber crops—especially kenaf and mesta. His work aims to develop high-yielding, stress-tolerant, and farmer-friendly varieties. He also contributes to seed production, genetic diversity analysis, and hybrid development to ensure sustainable fiber crop improvement in Bangladesh. With several new varieties released through his research contributions, he continues to play a significant role in strengthening the country’s agricultural productivity and crop improvement efforts.

First, we would like to know about you.

I was born in 1979 in Bamna Upazila of Barguna district. My father is Alhaj Md. Ashraf Ali Howlader and my mother is Mrs. Selina Begum. I am married to Mrs. Kamrun Nahar and we have two sons. I completed my BSc in Agriculture (Honours) in 2004 and MS in Genetics and Plant Breeding in 2008 from Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University. Later, I obtained my PhD in the same field from Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) in 2022. Since 2004, I have been serving at the Bangladesh Jute Research Institute (BJRI). My PhD research focused on “Genetic diversity and development of kenaf mutant hybrids through diallel crossing.”

💬 Interview (Q&A Section)

Q: What is your area of research?
A: My main area of research is plant breeding and crop variety development. I primarily work on improving kenaf and mesta—two important fiber crops. My goal is to develop high-yielding, environmentally resilient, and easily cultivable varieties for farmers. I also work on seed production, genetic diversity analysis, and hybrid development to support sustainable fiber crop improvement.

Q: How are your research outcomes helping society and agriculture?
A: Through my research, three improved varieties have been released by BJRI:

1. BJRI Kenaf-4 (Red Kenaf), 2017
2. BJRI Mesta-3 (Smooth Mesta), 2017
3. BJRI Mesta-4 (Vegetable Mesta-2), 2022
   These varieties outperform earlier ones in yield, disease resistance, and farmer adaptability. The vegetable mesta variety, in particular, offers farmers an additional income source as it can be sold as a leafy vegetable as well.

Q: Do you have any special research experiences to share?
A: Yes. During my stay in Malaysia, I received the Best Student Award 2021 from the Bangladeshi Students Union Malaysia (BSUM). Based on my PhD research, 11 articles were published in high-impact international journals. In 2023, I received the Young Scientist Award 2019 from the Plant Breeding and Genetics Society of Bangladesh (PBGSB) for my contribution to kenaf and mesta variety development.

Q: In your opinion, what qualities are essential for a scientist?
A: A scientist must possess curiosity, courage to question, patience, perseverance, integrity, and the ability to work collaboratively. Most importantly, the capacity to learn from failure is crucial. Science is not only about success; it is about the joy of learning through repeated attempts.

Q: What message would you give to young students in Bangladesh who aspire to become scientists?
A: Love science, keep asking questions, and never give up. Every laboratory, field, and observation is a place of learning. Remember—“A true researcher does not seek results; he seeks truth.” The future of Bangladesh will be shaped by the hands of young scientists like you.

Q: Your contact information?
A: Email: [email protected]

🔗 Profile Link

ResearchGate: https://researchgate.net/profile/Md-Al-Mamun-19
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9970-3122

Dr. Md. Al-Mamun’s contributions to fiber crop improvement, plant breeding, and genetic diversity research demonstrate a strong commitment to advancing agricultural science in Bangladesh. His work is helping develop sustainable, productive, and farmer-friendly varieties that have tangible impact in the field.
The biggani.org team wishes him continued success in his research journey and hopes his dedication inspires many young scientists across the country.