# Bangladesh Academy for Rural Development > Independence Day award recipient institution **Wikidata**: [Q4855262](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q4855262) **Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bangladesh_Academy_for_Rural_Development) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/bangladesh-academy-for-rural-development ## Summary The Bangladesh Academy for Rural Development (BARD) is an autonomous research institute and government organization headquartered in Cumilla, Bangladesh. Established in 1959, the institution focuses on rural development and has been recognized nationally for its contributions, notably receiving the Independence Award in Rural Development in 1986. ## Key Facts - **Formal Name:** Bangladesh Academy for Rural Development - **Abbreviations/Aliases:** BARD, Cumilla Bard - **Inception:** 1959 - **Location:** Cumilla, Bangladesh - **Classification:** Research institute; Athletic training facility - **Major Award:** Independence Award (Rural Development), received in 1986 - **Website:** http://www.bard.gov.bd/ - **Library of Congress Authority ID:** n83074979 - **VIAF ID:** 133679983 - **GND ID:** 81640-1 - **ISNI:** 0000000121935022 - **Banglapedia IDs:** Bangladesh_Academy_for_Rural_Development (English); বাংলাদেশ_পল্লী_উন্নয়ন_একাডেমী (Bengali) ## FAQs ### What is the primary function of BARD? BARD operates as a specialized research institute dedicated to generating new knowledge regarding rural development. Unlike general universities that balance teaching with other mandates, BARD exists specifically to conduct systematic investigation and research into rural issues. ### Where is the Bangladesh Academy for Rural Development located? The institution is headquartered in Cumilla (also spelled Comilla), Bangladesh. It operates under the jurisdiction of the Bangladeshi government. ### What recognition has the institution received? The academy is an Independence Day award recipient, specifically winning the Independence Award in Rural Development in 1986. This is a prestigious state recognition of its contribution to the field. ### How is the institution categorized in library and knowledge systems? BARD is formally classified as a "research institute," defined as an organization whose primary purpose is research. In structured data, it is also listed as an "athletic training facility." It holds unique identifiers in major global authority control systems, including the Library of Congress (n83074979) and the German National Library (81640-1). ## Why It Matters The Bangladesh Academy for Rural Development serves as a critical infrastructure for advancing knowledge in the specific context of Bangladeshi rural life. By operating as a dedicated research institute rather than a degree-granting university, BARD can concentrate resources and talent purely on investigation and practical development strategies, free from the distractions of undergraduate education. As a recipient of the Independence Award in Rural Development (1986), the institution plays a pivotal role in addressing the complex problems facing rural communities. It accelerates breakthroughs in rural technology, social organization, and economic strategies, functioning as a dedicated engine of discovery distinct from policy-focused think tanks or membership-based scientific societies. ## Notable For - **National Recognition:** Recipient of the Independence Award in Rural Development (1986), the highest state award in Bangladesh. - **Historical Legacy:** Established in 1959, pre-dating the independence of Bangladesh, indicating a long-standing history of operation. - **Specialized Mandate:** Distinct from general universities due to its specific focus on research and rural development rather than teaching. - **Global Cataloging:** Recognized in major international bibliographic systems including VIAF, ISNI, and the Library of Congress. ## Body ### Organizational Identity and Purpose The Bangladesh Academy for Rural Development (commonly referred to as BARD or Cumilla Bard) is an autonomous government institution classified primarily as a research institute. Its fundamental purpose aligns with the definition of a research institute: an organization existing specifically to generate new knowledge through systematic investigation. Unlike scientific societies, which are membership-based, BARD is an operational entity conducting hands-on research and training. ### History and Location The institution was founded in 1959. It is headquartered in the city of Cumilla, Bangladesh. Its establishment during the pre-independence era highlights its long-term role in the region's developmental history. ### Awards and Recognition A significant milestone in the institution's history occurred in 1986, when it was honored with the Independence Award in Rural Development. This award identifies BARD as a key contributor to national development and policy implementation. The award is documented in official government records (cabinet.gov.bd). ### Classifications and Operational Scope In structured knowledge bases, BARD holds a dual classification. It is primarily recognized as a **research institute** (dedicated to conducting research across disciplines) but is also uniquely classified as an **athletic training facility**. This dual classification suggests a curriculum or campus environment that integrates physical training or rural cooperatives which may involve physical labor or training components, distinct from standard academic bodies. ### Digital and Bibliographic Presence BARD maintains a robust presence in global library and knowledge systems, evidenced by its extensive list of identifiers: - **ISNI (International Standard Name Identifier):** 0000000121935022 - **VIAF (Virtual International Authority File):** 133679983 - **GND (German National Library):** 81640-1 - **Library of Congress:** n83074979 - **BIBSYS (Norwegian Library System):** 99040210 - **CiNii Research ID:** 1140282266539409664 - **NACSIS Cat Author ID:** DA02155766 - **Ringgold ID:** 357639 - **Yale LUX ID:** group/0ca4c421-0c09-4aab-9406-3fe20fafd587 The institution is documented in both English and Bengali versions of Banglapedia, the national encyclopedia of Bangladesh. Its official website is hosted at http://www.bard.gov.bd/. ### Media and Resources The academy has a presence on Wikimedia Commons (category: Bangladesh Academy for Rural Development Academy) and is covered in three Wikipedia language editions (Bengali, English, and Commons). It is identified in Freebase as /m/02727qy. ## References 1. Aligned ISNI and Ringgold identifiers for institutions 2. [Source](https://cabinet.gov.bd/site/view/all_independence_awardees) 3. Virtual International Authority File 4. CiNii Research