Celebrating the Life of Professor Jamal Nazrul Islam

BRAC University’s School of Data and Sciences (SDS) organised a day-long event on 14th March (Pi Day) to celebrate the life of Professor Jamal Nazrul Islam, a renowned Bangladeshi physicist and mathematician. Professor Jamal Nazrul Islam pioneered theoretical physics and mathematics and dedicated his life to establishing a world-class centre for fundamental research in Bangladesh. The purpose of the event was to honour Professor Jamal’s contributions to science and education and to inspire young scientists to follow in his footsteps.

Professor Jamal Nazrul Islam inspired a generation of scientists in Bangladesh. He returned from Cambridge in the 1980s and founded the Research Centre for Mathematical and Physical Sciences at the University of Chittagong.

He held positions at prestigious institutions such as the International Centre for Theoretical Physics in Italy and served as a Professor Emeritus at the University of Chittagong. He received the Ekushey Padak Award in 1985, the highest civilian honour in Bangladesh, and was recognised for his significant contributions to mathematics and science.

The event was inaugurated by a keynote speech from Dr Mohammad Kaykobad, Distinguished Professor, Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Brac University, who highlighted the importance of scientific research and encouraged the youth to represent Bangladesh in pure science academia. 

Distinguished speakers, including Dr Mohammed Abul Mansur Chowdhury, former UGC Professor, and director of JNI RCMPS, University of Chittagong, current Director of the centre Dr Anjan Kumar Chowdhury, Dr A F M Yusuf Haider, Chairman, MNS Department, BracU, Dr Sadia Hamid Kazi, Chairman, CSE, BracU shared their personal experiences with Professor Islam and highlighted his dedication to popularising mathematical and physics research and education in Bangladesh.

Professor Mahbub Alam Mazumder, the School of Data and Sciences Dean, shared how Professor Islam encouraged him to come to Cambridge and pursue scientific research in a video message at the event. He also stated that the event would continue in the upcoming years and proposed the JNI award for young researchers in mathematical sciences to be given out on this occasion.

Ms Sadaf Saaz Siddiqi, Trustee at BRAC University, and the daughter of Professor Jamal, spoke about Professor Jamal Nazrul Islam’s dedication to his country and fond memories of growing up in an intellectually stimulating environment with discourse, music, poetry and literature and dance fostered by Professor Islam.