Professor M Shamsher Ali, an eminent nuclear physicist, pioneering educationist and a leading voice in science advocacy in Bangladesh, passed away early Sunday at a Dhaka hospital. He was 87.
A quiet yet towering figure in the nation鈥檚 academic and scientific circles, Professor Shamsher Ali鈥檚 career spanned decades of groundbreaking work in nuclear physics, leadership in higher education and a lifelong dedication to the public understanding of science.
His namaz-e-janaza was held at Baitul Aman Mosque in Dhanmondi of the capital after juhr prayers on Sunday, family sources said.
Born on November 9, 1937, in Kushtia鈥檚 Bheramara, Shamsher Ali began his academic journey at the Dhaka University, where he completed his Bachelor鈥檚 in Physics in 1959, followed by a Master鈥檚 in 1960.
His early fascination with the sub-atomic world would grow into a lifelong pursuit, as he went on to teach complex subjects, including quantum mechanics, nuclear physics and mathematical modelling with a clarity and passion that inspired generations of students.
From 1970 to 1978, he served as director of the Atomic Energy Centre in Dhaka, during a period when nuclear science in Bangladesh was still in its formative stages. His contributions helped lay the groundwork for future research and policy in atomic energy.
Shamsher Ali鈥檚 influence extended far beyond the laboratory. He became the founding vice-chancellor of both Bangladesh Open University and Southeast University, ushering in new paradigms in distance and private higher education in the country.
From 2004 to 2012, he presided over the Bangladesh Academy of Sciences, where he championed the role of scientific research in national development.
Among his many accolades were the Hari Prasanna Roy Gold Medal from Dhaka University for his contributions to nuclear physics, the Bangladesh Academy of Sciences Gold Medal in 1984 and the prestigious TWAS-ROCASA Award in 2013 for his efforts in promoting public understanding of science.
In 2009, he was recognised internationally with the lifetime achievement award in higher education leadership by the International Leadership Colloquium in Malaysia.
Throughout his distinguished career, Professor Shamsher remained committed to making physics accessible and engaging, especially at the grassroots. He advocated for integrated science education, believing firmly that curiosity, if nurtured early, could unlock the full intellectual potential of a nation.
He was named an honorary lifelong professor of physics at the University of Dhaka鈥攁 title befitting a man whose intellectual rigor and educational leadership helped shape Bangladesh鈥檚 scientific landscape.
Shamsher Ali is survived by his family, colleagues and countless students and admirers who will remember him not only as a scientist and teacher, but as a passionate advocate for knowledge in service of the public good.
