BRAC University honours Mahbubul Alam Majumdar, AFM Yusuf Haider
BRAC University recently hosted receptions on its Merul Badda campus for Professor Mahbubul Alam Majumdar, Dean of the School of Data and Sciences, and Professor Emeritus AFM Yusuf Haider of the Department of Physics at the University of Dhaka, marking their personal achievements.
Majumdar has been selected for this year's Ekushey Padak, Bangladesh's second-highest civilian award, in the education category for his promotion of mathematics among young people and his work with the Mathematics Olympiad.
A post published on 5 February on the Chief Adviser's official Facebook page stated that the Ministry of Cultural Affairs has announced honours for nine individuals and one rock band.
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Majumdar has played a key role in nurturing mathematical talent in Bangladesh, serving for years as a coach and mentor of the national Mathematics Olympiad team. BRAC University stated that his efforts have helped Bangladesh achieve notable successes at the International Mathematical Olympiad, including winning a gold medal.
He also recently received the 2026 Spirit of Abdus Salam Award for his 'efforts to strengthen Bangladesh's scientific and educational foundations'.
The family of Abdus Salam, founder of the Abdus Salam International Centre for Theoretical Physics (ICTP) and recipient of the 1979 Nobel Prize in Physics, announced the award during a Salam centennial event on 29 January 2026.
BRAC University stated that Majumdar studied at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Stanford University, and the University of Cambridge, and has 'consistently put nation-building and public benefit at the centre of his work'.
Meanwhile, Haider has been appointed Professor Emeritus in the Department of Physics at the University of Dhaka in recognition of his contributions to research, teaching, and academic leadership.
At BRAC University, Haider held a range of academic and administrative roles, including 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 Professor Syed Ferhat Anwar presented bouquets to Majumdar and Haider during an academic meeting at his office.
On 17 February 2026, the Department of Computer Science and Engineering organised a reception titled 'A Life in Equations, A Legacy in Nation Building'. The event opened with a video on Majumdar's academic journey, teaching, and commitment to Bangladesh.
A panel discussion followed, featuring the Vice-Chancellor, 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 included 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.
Majumdar's family members—father Dr Badiul Alam Majumdar, mother Tazima Hossain Majumdar, sister Shahirah Majumdar, and brother-in-law Rahat Ahmed—also shared reflections.
Responding to a question, Majumdar stated that he was keeping a promise he made to himself at the age of 16 to return to Bangladesh after completing his studies. Dr Sadia Hamid Kazi, Chairperson of the Department of Computer Science and Engineering, also spoke.
