A commemorative programme on Saturday honoured the life and work of Professor Dr. M. Shamsher Ali, the eminent nuclear scientist, educationist, and Islamic thinker whose career embodied a rare harmony of science, faith, and social reform. Speakers described him as a towering intellect who bridged the worlds of nuclear research and Islamic scholarship while championing education for all.
The event of Greater Jashore Directory Executive Committee, held at Abdus Salam Hall of Jatiya Press Club in Dhaka on Saturday, celebrated Dr Ali's lifelong mission to prove that science and religion are not rivals but complementary paths to truth. Participants recalled how his writings and lectures consistently showed the Qur'an's invitation to rational inquiry and scientific reflection. His science-based interpretations of Qur'anic verses, they said, remain unique in South Asia, inspiring generations to embrace both critical thinking and spiritual depth.
Delivering the keynote address, Md. Wahidul Islam, Joint News Editor of The Daily Observer, described Dr Ali as "a distinguished son of Jashore" who combined "rigorous nuclear science research with profound engagement in Islamic epistemology, pedagogy, and social activism." He traced five pillars of Dr. Ali's legacy early life and education, nuclear research, educational leadership, Islamic scholarship, and social reform.
Born in Jashore, long known for its literary and reformist traditions, Dr. Ali studied physics at Dhaka University before earning a PhD in nuclear science abroad, when the discipline was still nascent in South Asia. Returning home, he joined the Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission and played a pioneering role in applying nuclear technology to agriculture, medicine, and energy. He represented Bangladesh at the International Atomic Energy Agency in Vienna, advocating peaceful uses of nuclear science and urging developing nations to build their own scientific capacity. Education remained central to his vision. As the founding Vice Chancellor of Bangladesh Open University, Dr. Ali sought to democratise higher education through distance learning, opening doors for rural, working-class, and marginalised students. He also served as a professor at Dhaka University, mentoring a generation of scientists and thinkers.
Beyond laboratories and lecture halls, Dr. Ali promoted literacy, women's participation in science, and ethical governance. His books, ranging from advanced nuclear physics to accessible science writing and Islamic thought, reflected his commitment to making knowledge available to all.
Justice Abdul Mannan of the High Court Division of the Supreme Court, who presided over the programme, called Dr. Ali "a great soul who contributed immensely to the country," and urged prayers for the departed scholar.
Jashore University of Science and Technology Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. M.A. Mazid announced plans to name a university facility after Dr. Ali to preserve his memory. Bangladesh Television Director General Mahbubul Alam pledged efforts to recover and broadcast Dr. Ali's lectures so future generations can learn from his works.
