National Professor Jamilur Reza Choudhury passes away

Jamilur Reza Choudhury, a renowned civil engineer, professor and researcher, died in his sleep early morning today.

He was 77.

The namaz-e-janaza was held in the Dhanmondi Shahi Eidgah field after Zohr prayers. Later, he was laid to eternal rest at the Banani graveyard.

President Abdul Hamid expressed profound shock and sorrow at the death of the national professor.

In a condolence message, the head of the state prayed for eternal peace of the departed soul and conveyed deep sympathy to the bereaved family, BSS reported.

Born on 15 November 1943, he was a former adviser to caretaker government in 1996.  

He spearheaded many significant projects including the international panel of exparts on the Padma bridge project, the Jamuna Multipurpose Bridge project, the Multipurpose Cyclone Shelter Programme, and task force for developing software export and its infrastructure in Bangladesh from 1997 to 2000.

He was the vice chancellor of University of Asia Pacific (UAP) and the first vice chancellor of Brac University from 2001-2010.

Among the numerous awards received through his reputed career, Professor Choudhury was awarded Ekushey Padak in 2017 and appointed as the National Professor in 2018.

He also won a Commonwealth Academic Staff Fellowship in 1974 and spent a year at the University of Surrey, UK, as a Visiting Associate Professor.

Professor Choudhury is survived by his wife Selina Choudhury, daughter Charisma Farheen Choudhury and son Kaashif Reza Choudhury.

However, he went to sleep last night as usual and when his family members called him for sehri, he did not respond.

He was rushed to the capital's Square hospital where doctors pronounced him dead.

In a Facebook post, Professor Choudhury's son-in-law, on behalf of the family, requested everyone not to attend the namaz-e-janaza in congregation considering the current coronavirus outbreak.

"The last thing he would have wanted is to be the cause of any harm to his countrymen," Zia Wadud wrote, requesting everyone to pray for the national professor from their own residences.

PM mourns death of Dr Jamilur Reza

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today expressed deep shock and sorrow at the death Dr Jamilur Reza Choudhury, BSS reported.

In a condolence message, the prime minister said, Dr Jamilur Reza, as an eminent engineer, played an important role in the country's infrastructural development.

She recalled with profound respect the outstanding contributions of the Ekushay Padak recipient to different development projects including Bangabandhu Bridge, Padma Multipurpose Bridge, Dhaka Elevated Expressway and Karnaphuli Tunnel in which he led the expert panels.

Sheikh Hasina prayed for eternal peace of the departed soul and conveyed profound sympathy to the bereaved family.

Salman F Rahman offers condolences on death of Jamilur Reza Chowdhury

Salman Fazlur Rahman, private industry and investment adviser to the prime minister, has expressed his deep sympathy at the death of National Professor Dr Jamilur Reza Chowdhury.     

"I am deeply shocked ‍and saddened to learn that renowned engineer, educationist and one of the pioneers of popularising computer and ICT in Bangladesh, National Professor Dr Jamilur Reza Chowdhury, breathed his last today," said Salman F Rahman, according to a press release issued on Tuesday.

Mentioning that he had a very cordial relationship with Dr Jamilur Reza Chowdhury, Salman F Rahman said, "Dr Chowdhury always responded to the nation's call as and when needed.

"He was involved, one way or another, with nearly all major infrastructural accomplishments of this country. In 1996, he performed successfully as the adviser to the caretaker government."

The nation also recognised his contribution and he was awarded the glorious "Ekushey Padak" in 2017. He was a multitalented and dynamic person. He also received many national and international awards, said the adviser to the premier, through the statement.

Terming Jamilur Reza Chowdhury as a versatile talent, Salman F Rahman said that Dr Chowdhury had authored about 70 papers in international journals and conference proceedings.

"He had acted as consultant to many national and international agencies and projects such as Bangabandhu (Jamuna) Bridge; and headed the International Panel of Experts for Padma Bridge. He was the Team Leader for the Multipurpose Cyclone Shelter Program and prepared the Master Plan for Cyclone Shelters in the coastal areas of Bangladesh."

His demise is an irreparable loss for the country and nation. The nation will remember his contribution forever, reads the press release.  

"I express my deepest condolences at his sudden demise. I pray and hope that Almighty Allah will allow the family members of late Dr Choudhury to overcome the present situation and help them during this difficult time," said Salman F Rahman.

Salman F Rahman also prayed for the eternal peace of the departed soul and wished that Almighty Allah should grant him the best place of Jannah.