Prof AR Khan intertwined with science in Bangladesh

It is impossible to omit Anwarur Rahman Khan's name while penning circumstances leading to Bangladeshis growing an interest in science for he was one of the persons who wholeheartedly supported this growth, speakers told a memorial meeting yesterday.

The speakers termed Prof Anwarur a good, honest, simple and brave human being of multiple talents, a social worker and a seeker of truth in fields like physics, politics, philosophy and economics. 

His death is an irreparable loss to Bangladesh, they added at the programme in Dhaka University's (DU) Mukarram Hossain Khundker Biggan Bhaban.

"Though Khan died at the age of 84, his death is considered untimely for...he had a lot more to give to society," said DU Vice-Chancellor Prof AAMS Arefin Siddique.

Born in 1932, the DU professor passed away in May 25, 2015 in an accident in London. Over 20 of his research papers have been published both at home and abroad. He established Bangladesh Astronomical Society in 1984 and founded Anushandhitshu Chakra, an organisation promoting science.

Prof Ajoy Roy of DU physics, who was acquainted with Prof Anwarur for a long time, said his only identity was not an astronomer and he was known in many other fields for his contributions.

Over the past two decades since he retired, Prof Anwarur worked spreading science and astronomy in Bangladesh and always tried to encourage the young generation, said Md Shahjahan Mirdha, general secretary of Bangladesh Kite Federation.

Terming Prof Anwarur one of Bangladesh's best physicists, Prof AM Harun ar Rashid said he made it possible for the DU applied physics department to be established.

One of Prof Anwarur's students, Prof Shamima Karim Choudhury, said he became self dependent and taught them to be so. He was a very good organiser involved with many organisations, said Prof Muhammad Ibrahim.

Prof Mohammad Ali Asgar said Prof Anwarur topped his list of good human beings for he never saw Prof Anwarur engaged in backbiting.

Prof Anwarur's brother Prof Ataur Rahman Khan said apart from being immensely skilled in photography, Prof Anwarur also knew how to play the flute and sitar.

Moreover, Prof Anwarur liked and rode bicycles from childhood till death to stay fit, avoid traffic congestion and save the environment from pollution. Thinking of global warming, he has never used air-conditioners at home, said Md Shajedul Hossain Sarkar, DU instrument engineer.

Prof Anwarur's cousin Maj Gen (retd) Dr Abdur Rahman Khan and Prof Rezaul Karim Majumdar also spoke.