Theoretical physics is one of the most fundamental sciences. It would not be an exaggeration to say that it is, in fact, the most significant and original basic science, as it deals with the underlying laws governing most of physics and the entirety of chemistry and biological sciences. In the words of Dirac, one of the greatest theoretical physicists of all time—alongside Maxwell, Einstein, and Schrödinger:
“The general theory of quantum mechanics is now almost complete. The underlying physical laws necessary for the mathematical theory of a large part of physics and the whole of chemistry are thus completely known.”
The Department of Theoretical Physics at the University of Dhaka was established in 1975. However, despite its initial success, the department had to cease its activities after only three years due to a shortage of faculty and infrastructural facilities, which was a very unfortunate event. Professor A.M. Harun-or-Rashid was the founding Chairman of the department. The primary initiative for its revival was taken by Dr. Golam Mohammad Bhuiyan, Dr. Arshad Momen, and Dr. Md. Kamrul Hassan, who played a major role in its re-establishment (thanks to them). Recognizing the importance of fundamental science in the 21st century, the university authorities decided to revive the department. Finally, through the dedicated efforts of the Department of Physics and the university administration, the department was re-established in 2007 (thanks to them too).
At present, the department’s main research activities are primarily focused on Theoretical Condensed Matter Physics, Elementary Particle Physics (Theory and Phenomenology), Quantum Gravity, General Relativity, and Cosmology. Significant emphasis is placed on computational methods and simulations, as they are crucial for certain research areas, particularly in Condensed Matter Physics and aspects of High Energy Theory.