Nuclear scientist Dr. M Shamsher Ali passes away

Bangladesh's prominent nuclear scientist, professor of the Department of Physics at Dhaka University and founding Vice-Chancellor Emeritus Professor Dr. M Shamsher Ali has passed away (Inna lillahi wa inna ilaihi rajiun). He breathed his last at 3:30 am on Saturday (August 3) at the capital's LabAid Hospital while undergoing treatment for old age. He was 87 years old at the time of his death.

Dr. M Shamsher Ali was one of the pioneers of higher education and scientific research in Bangladesh. He was a long-time professor of the Department of Physics at Dhaka University and the first Vice-Chancellor of Bangladesh Open University.

The current Vice-Chancellor of the Open University, Professor Dr. ABM Obaidul Islam, and Pro-VC Professor Dr. Dil Rawshan Jinnat Ara Nazneen, have expressed deep sorrow over his death. In a condolence message, they prayed for the eternal peace of the deceased and expressed their deepest condolences to his family.

The University Teachers Association of Bangladesh (UTAB) expressed its condolences in a statement, saying, “With the death of Dr. M. Shamsher Ali, we have lost a talented teacher, scientist and beacon of the nation. He was hardworking, dutiful and patriotic. His contribution to the field of education will be remembered forever.”

UTAB President Professor Dr. ABM Obaidul Islam and Secretary General Professor Dr. Md. Morshed Hasan Khan said in their condolence messages, “He was not only a teacher, but also a source of inspiration for the new generation.”

The White Party—an organization of teachers who believe in Bangladeshi nationalism at Dhaka University—also expressed their condolences. The party’s convener is Professor Dr. Morshed Hasan Khan, joint convener Professor Dr. Abdus Salam and Professor Dr. Md. Abul Kalam Sarkar prayed to Allah for the forgiveness and paradise of the deceased's soul.

Dr. M. Shamsher Ali's death has created an irreplaceable void in the country's education system and scientific research, his colleagues and students have expressed their opinion.