Notable Alumni

Professor Mohammad Zafar Iqbal graduated from the Department of Physics in 1973 and obtained his Master’s degree from the Theoretical Physics Department in 1976.  He earned his PhD from the University of Washington in 1982. He worked as a post-doctoral researcher at California Institute of Technology from 1983 to 1988 (at the Norman Bridge Laboratory of Physics). He then joined Bell Communications Research (Bellcore), a separate corporation from the Bell Labs (now Telcordia Technologies), as a research scientist. Later he joined as a Professor in the Department of Computer Science and Engineering of Shahjalal University of Science and Technology. Professor Iqbal displayed a profound interest in theoretical physics and published many significant research articles. In addition he has three patents to his name. He is also renowned as a sci-fi and teenage fiction writer in Bangladesh authoring more than 182 books. “Ami Topu”, “Amar BandhuRashed”, “Nishikonna”, “Dipu Number Two”, “Project Nebula”, etc. are among his most popular books. A film was made based on his book named “Dipu Number Two”. He also writes columns for newspapers and magazines. He earned much honor both in his scientist and literary careers. For his great contributions in literature he received Bangla Academy Award in 2004. Other awards won by him are American Alumni Association Award (2005), Sheltec Literary Award (2003), Uro Child Literary Award (2004), One of The 10 Living Eminent Bengali (2005), National ICT Award (2017) etc. Professor Iqbal serves as the Vice President of Bangladesh Mathematical Olympiad and Vice Chairman of Bangladesh Physics Olympiad committees. He played a leading role in popularizing mathematics and physics among Bangladeshi youths at the local and international levels. In 2011, he won the Rotary SEED Award for his contribution in the field of education.