Dr. Muhammad Qudrat-i-Khuda (Scientist)

Dr. Muhammad Qudrat-i-Khuda

• Born: February 25, 1911, in Rangpur, British India (now Bangladesh)
• Died: March 16, 1982, in Dhaka, Bangladesh
• Role: Physicist, Scientist, Educator, and Advocate for Science Education
• Key Contributions:
  • Early Life and Education: Dr. Muhammad Qudrat-i-Khuda was born into a well-respected family in Rangpur. He completed his early education in his hometown before pursuing higher studies in physics at the University of Calcutta. He later went to the University of Cambridge in the United Kingdom, where he earned his Ph.D. in physics in 1939.
  • Academic Career: After returning to Bangladesh, Dr. Qudrat-i-Khuda joined the University of Dhaka as a faculty member in the Department of Physics. He played a significant role in establishing the university’s physics curriculum and promoting research in the field. His commitment to education and mentoring helped shape the careers of many young scientists in Bangladesh.
  • Research Contributions: Dr. Qudrat-i-Khuda made notable contributions to the field of physics, particularly in areas such as nuclear physics and solid-state physics. He was involved in various research projects and published numerous papers that contributed to the advancement of scientific knowledge in Bangladesh and internationally.
  • Promotion of Science Education: Dr. Qudrat-i-Khuda was a strong advocate for the importance of science education in national development. He believed that a well-educated populace was crucial for the progress of the country. He worked with various educational institutions and organizations to promote science and technology education at all levels.
  • Founding of Institutions: Dr. Qudrat-i-Khuda played a pivotal role in the establishment of several scientific institutions in Bangladesh, including the Atomic Energy Commission of Bangladesh and the Institute of Nuclear Science and Technology. His efforts contributed to the development of scientific infrastructure in the country.
  • Awards and Recognition: Throughout his career, Dr. Qudrat-i-Khuda received numerous awards for his contributions to science and education. He was recognized for his pioneering role in promoting scientific research and education in Bangladesh, and he served on various national and international committees related to science and technology.
  • Legacy: Dr. Muhammad Qudrat-i-Khuda is remembered as one of the foremost scientists of Bangladesh, whose contributions laid the foundation for scientific research and education in the country. His dedication to nurturing young scientists and advocating for science education has had a lasting impact on the scientific community in Bangladesh.
  • Philosophy: Dr. Qudrat-i-Khuda believed in the transformative power of education, particularly in the sciences. He often emphasized that “science is not merely a body of knowledge; it is a way of thinking that can change our understanding of the world.”
• Famous Quote: “In the pursuit of knowledge, curiosity is the key that unlocks the door to discovery.”