BRAC University hosted receptions for Professor Mahbubul Alam Majumdar, dean of the School of Data and Sciences, and Professor Emeritus AFM Yusuf Haider, Department of Physics, University of Dhaka, on the Merul Badda campus recently marking their personal achievements, a press release said.
Professor Majumdar was named for this year’s Ekushey Padak, the second highest civilian award in Bangladesh, in the education category for promoting mathematics among the youth and the Mathematics Olympiad.
A February 5 post on the chief adviser’s official Facebook page stated that the Ministry of Cultural Affairs has announced honoring nine eminent personalities and one rock band with the award.
Professor Majumdar has played a transformative role in nurturing mathematical talent in Bangladesh, serving as a long-time coach and mentor of the national Mathematics Olympiad team.
His efforts led to Bangladesh achieving historic successes at the International Mathematical Olympiad, including becoming the only country outside India in South Asia to win a gold medal.
He also received the 2026 Spirit of Abdus Salam Award recently for his “efforts to strengthen Bangladesh’s scientific and educational foundations”.
The family of Abdus Salam, the founder of Abdus Salam International Centre for Theoretical Physics (ICTP) who had won the 1979 Nobel Prize in physics, made the announcement during a special Salam centennial event on 29 January 2026.
With an education from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Stanford University and the University of Cambridge, Professor Majumdar “has consistently put nation-building and public benefit at the center of his work”, said the ICTP.
Meanwhile, Professor Haider was appointed Professor Emeritus in the Department of Physics at the University of Dhaka honoring his lifetime of exceptional contributions to research, teaching, and academic leadership.
At BRAC University, Professor Haider carried out a wide range of academic and administrative responsibilities, including serving as a professor of physics, chairperson of the Department of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, and acting dean of the School of Pharmacy until his final working day.
On 16 February 2026, Vice-Chancellor (VC) Professor Syed Ferhat Anwar presented bouquets to both Professor Majumdar and Professor Haider during an academic meeting at his office.
On 17 February 2026, the Department of Computer Science and Engineering organized a reception titled “A Life in Equations, A Legacy in Nation Building”. The event started with a video highlighting Professor Majumdar’s academic journey, his dedication to teaching, and his deep commitment to Bangladesh.
A panel discussion followed, featuring the VC, Board of Trustees Member Sadaf Saaz Siddiqi, Pro-Vice-Chancellor Professor Arshad Mahmud Chowdhury, Treasurer Ariful Islam, and Registrar Dr David Dowland.
A second panel of discussants featured Professor Mohammad Kaykobad, Professor Arshad Momen of Independent University, Bangladesh, Professor Kamrul Hasan Mamun and Professor Nowreen Ahsan from the University of Dhaka, and Professor Hasibul Hasan Chowdhury from BRAC University.
Professor Majumdar’s father Dr. Badiul Alam Majumdar, mother Tazima Hossain Majumdar, sister Shahirah Majumdar and brother-in-law Rahat Ahmed also shared personal reflections.
Responding to a question, Professor Majumdar said he was only keeping a promise that he had made to himself at the age of 16 years that he would return to Bangladesh after completing his studies. Dr Sadia Hamid Kazi, chairperson of the Department of Computer Science and Engineering, also spoke.
