Nuclear physicist M Shamsher Ali passes away

Professor M Shamsher Ali, an eminent nuclear physicist, pioneering educationist and leading voice in science advocacy in Bangladesh, passed away in the early hours of Sunday at a hospital in the city. He was 87 years old.

He breathed his last at 3:30am last night while undergoing treatment at a hospital in Dhaka.

His son Jehan Ali told the media that the funeral prayer will be held at Baitul Aman Mosque on Road No. 7 of Dhanmondi on Saturday after Zohr prayer. Later, the deceased will be buried at Azimpur Cemetery.

Shamsher Ali was the former vice-chancellor of both Bangladesh Open University and Southeast University.

The Bangladesh Institute of Islamic Thought (BIIT) has expressed grief over the death of this distinguished scientist.

In a statement, the organisation said that Professor Shamsher Ali's contribution will remain eternal in the memory of the nation.

Born on November 9, 1937, in Bheramara, Kushtia, Shamsher Ali began his academic journey at Dhaka University, where he completed his bachelor's in physics in 1959, followed by a master's in 1960.

His early fascination with the subatomic world would grow into a lifelong pursuit, as he went on to teach complex subjects including quantum mechanics, nuclear physics and mathematical modeling 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.

Prof Ali's influence extended far beyond the laboratory.

He became the founding vice-chancellor of both Bangladesh Open University (1992-1996) and Southeast University (2002-2010), 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 recognized internationally with the Lifetime Achievement Award in Higher Education Leadership by the International Leadership Colloquium in Malaysia.

Throughout his distinguished career, Prof Ali 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—a title befitting a man whose intellectual rigor and educational leadership helped shape Bangladesh's scientific landscape.

Prof 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 also as a passionate advocate for knowledge in service of the public good.