| Sharafuddin, Abdullah Al-Muti (1930-1998)
educationist, administrator and science writer. Born on 1 January 1930
in the village Fulbari, Sirajganj. Abdullah Al-Muti Sharafuddin obtained
MSc degree (1953) in Physics from the university
of dhaka and MA (1960) and PhD (1962) in Education from the
University of Chicago, USA.
A former Secretary of
the Ministry of Science and Technology, Sharafuddin began his service
career as a teacher in a government college. Subsequently he held
many positions, including Director of Education Extension Centre,
Dhaka; Director, Public Instruction; Counsellor, Education and Culture
to different Embassies. After retirement he was appointed Chief
Adviser to the Secondary Science Education Project of the ADB-UNDP.
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Abdullah
Al-Muti Sharafuddin |
Al-Muti Sharafuddin made considerable contribution to
the field of science education in Bengali language and took the lead in
popularizing science among the younger generation. He published 28 books
on science, education and environment; notable among these are Bijnan
O manush, A Juger Bijnan, Bipanna Paribesh, Bijnan
Jiggasha, Sagorer rahoshyapuri, Megh Bristi Rodh, and
Poribesher Sankat Ghoniye Aschhe. He won over a dozen of prestigious
awards including Independence Day Award, Ekushey Padak, Bangla
Academy Award, Shishu Academy Award, Kalinga Award of UNESCO, and Kudrat-e-Khuda
Gold Medal in recognition of his remarkable contributions in the fields
of science, education and literature.
Al-Muti Sharafuddin was the Chief Editor of the Bijnan
Biswakosh (Science Encyclopedia) published by bangla
academy, and editor of Mukul, a juvenile magazine. He
was actively associated with various socio-cultural organisations such
as the Shahitya Sangsad, Progati Lekhak Sangha, Kendrio
Konchi Kanchar Mela, Bangladesh Shishu Academy, Bijnan Sangskriti
Parishad, and Human Development Foundation. He was the founding Fellow
of the Islamic Academy of Science, and a Fellow and President of the asiatic
society of bangladesh (1988-91).
Sharafuddin was also the President of the Bangla Academy
(1986-90), Vice-President of the Foundation for Research on Planning and
Development (1993), President of Bangladesh Association for Science Education
(1988-95), Executive Member of International Council of Associations for
Science Education (1989-93), and Member of the International Scientific
Council (nominated by the Director General of UNESC). Until his death
on 30 November 1998, he was the Chairman of the Project Implementation
Committee of the National Encyclopedia of Bangladesh Project of the Asiatic
Society of Bangladesh. [Sajahan Miah] |
