Farewell to a Scientific Luminary: Renowned Molecular Scientist Rezaur Rahman Passes Away
Bangladesh’s scientific and literary community mourns the loss of eminent molecular scientist and celebrated science writer Dr. Rezaur Rahman, who passed away on Sunday, October 26, at 10:30 am while undergoing treatment at the ICU of LabAid Hospital in Dhaka.
According to family sources, Dr. Rahman suffered a heart attack on October 13 and was immediately admitted to LabAid Hospital. Two days later, on October 15, he underwent open-heart surgery. His condition deteriorated on Saturday, October 25, and he breathed his last the following morning while still in intensive care.
Relatives informed that Dr. Rahman’s body has been kept at LabAid Hospital’s mortuary. His burial arrangements will be decided after his younger daughter returns from the United States.
He is survived by his wife, Halima Rahman, and two daughters, Nilanjana Rahman and Manjulika Rahman, along with numerous relatives and admirers.
Dr. Rezaur Rahman devoted 35 years of his career to research at the Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission and also served as a part-time faculty member at Jahangirnagar University. Beyond his scientific contributions, he gained immense popularity as a prolific science writer, authoring a range of science textbooks, essays, novels, and popular science books that brought complex concepts closer to general readers.
In recognition of his outstanding contributions to science writing, Dr. Rahman received the Bangla Academy Literary Award in 2024. Expressing profound grief over his demise, the Society for the Popularization of Science in Bangladesh (SPSB) extended heartfelt condolences to his bereaved family.
Born in 1944 to Fazlur Rahman and Lutfunnessa, Dr. Rahman obtained his MSc in Biology from the University of Dhaka in 1965 and later earned his PhD in Entomology from the Czech Academy of Sciences in 1979.
Through his decades of scientific research and passionate science communication, Dr. Rahman inspired generations of young minds with curiosity, logic, and the light of inquiry. His notable works include Fire Asha Fire Jawya (Return and Departure), Deshantar (Beyond Borders), Lal Shobujer Koto Kahon (Tales of Red and Green), Chhayarjoni (Mistress of Shadows), Porojibi Prani (Parasites), Ural Machhir Pansi (The Flying Fish’s Boat), Andhokare Noy Mash (Nine Months in Darkness), Jatrar Shesh Simana (Journey’s Final Frontier), Shada Borof Kalo Brikkho (White Snow, Black Tree), and Sphulinger Abha (Gleam of Sparks) among many others.
