In the story of Bangladesh’s past, Muhammad Qudrat-A-Khuda stands out as a bright light in science, education, and writing. Born in 1900 in Margram, a small village in West Bengal, Qudrat-A-Khuda started a journey that would leave a lasting impact on chemistry, education, and literature.
Life of "Muhammad Qudrat-A-Khuda" At a Glance
Known For: Founding member of the Bangladesh Council of Scientific and Industrial Research.
Born: Around 1900
Age: Deceased at the age of 77
Birthplace: Margram village, Birbhum district, West Bengal, India
Nationality: Bangladeshi
Education:
Margram ME High School
Calcutta Woodburn ME School
Presidency College, Kolkata (MSc in Chemistry)
University of London (DSc)
Occupation: Organic Chemist, Educator, Writer
Death: 3 November 1977, in Dhaka, Bangladesh
Early Life and Background
Growing up in Margram, young Muhammad attended the local Margram ME High School and Calcutta Woodburn ME School. He did very well in school, and 1918, he graduated with top marks from Calcutta Madrasa.
He continued his studies at Presidency College in Calcutta, where he studied Chemistry. He did exceptionally well and earned a gold medal for his outstanding performance. Later, he received a special scholarship for advanced research in Chemistry at Calcutta University, and in 1929, he got a Doctorate in Science from the University of London.
Career
Qudrat-i-Khuda started teaching Chemistry at Presidency College in 1931 and later became the head of the Chemistry Department in 1936. He also worked as the Principal of Islamia College in Calcutta from 1942 to 1944. After that, he went back to Presidency College and became its Principal in 1946. He was also part of the Senate of Calcutta University.
When India was divided, he moved to East Pakistan (now Bangladesh) in 1947 and became the first Director of Public Instruction for the government there until 1949. Later, he became the Scientific Adviser to the Ministry of Defence of the Government of Pakistan. He served as the Chairman of the Secondary Education Board from 1952 to 1955. In 1955, he established the East Regional Laboratories of the Pakistan Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (now BCSIR) in Dhaka. After retiring as Director in 1966, he became the Chairman of the ‘Kendriya Bangla Unnayan Board’ (Central Board for the Development of Bengali).
After Bangladesh gained independence, he became the Chairman of the National Education Commission in 1972. The report published by this commission in 1974 is known as the ‘Qudrat-i-Khuda Education Commission Report’. He also taught Chemistry as a Visiting Professor at Dhaka University from 1975 until he passed away.
Muhammad Qudrat-I-Khuda was an expert in organic chemistry. He researched plants, jute, salt, charcoal, soil, and minerals. He found useful elements in local trees and plants for medicine. He and his team patented 18 scientific inventions. His biggest achievement was making Partex from jute-stick. He also made malt vinegar from sugarcane juice, rayon from jute and jute-sticks, and paper from jute.
Contributions
Qudrat-i-Khuda helped make Bengali more popular for science. He wrote many books about science and technology in Bengali.
- Vijnaner Saras Kahini (Interesting History of Science)
- Vijnaner Vichitra Kahini (Wonderful History of Science)
- Vijnaner Suchana (Origin of Science)
- Jaiba Rasayan (Organic Chemistry) – four volumes
- Purba Pakistaner Shilpa Sambhabana (Industrial Potentiality of East Pakistan)
- Paramanu Parichiti (An Introduction to the Atom)
- Vijnaner Pahela Katha (First Word of Science)
- Pabitra Quraner Puta Katha O Angari Jaoyara (The Holy Sayings of Quran and Angari Jaoyara)
Additionally, he supervised the publication of two Bengali science magazines:
- Purogami Vijnan (Pioneering Science; 1963)
- Vijnaner Joyyatra (The Victory of Science; 1972)
Personal Life
Apart from his work, Muhammad Qudrat-A-Khuda loved writing and teaching, especially about science in Bengali. He wrote books on many subjects, from the history of science to organic chemistry, to help Bengali speakers understand science better.
Legacy
Dr. Qudrat-A-Khuda’s impact went beyond his work in science and writing. His efforts to promote the Bengali language in science and his involvement in the liberation movement showed his dedication to his country’s progress.
Awards
The Government of Pakistan gave him the ‘Tamgha-i-Pakistan’ and ‘Sitara-i-Imtiaz’ to show how much they appreciated his great work. In 1976, the Government of Bangladesh honored him with the ‘Ekushe Padak’ and in 1984, they gave him the ‘Swadhinata Dibas Puraskar’ (Independence Day Award) for his amazing contributions to science and technology. Dhaka University also gave him a special honorary Doctorate degree to recognize his outstanding work in science
Unknown Facts
Despite his huge achievements, Muhammad Qudrat-A-Khuda stayed humble and focused on his work. He was passionate about teaching and science, and his dedication inspired many students and future scientists.
Death
Sadly, Muhammad Qudrat-A-Khuda passed away on November 3, 1977, in Dhaka. He leaves behind a legacy that continues to inspire people in science, education, and literature.
Conclusion
Muhammad Qudrat-A-Khuda’s life story shows how knowledge, hard work, and creativity can make a big difference. His dedication to science, education, and writing inspires people today, ensuring that his impact will be remembered for a long time.
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