Sharafuddin, Abdullah Al-Muti
Sharafuddin, Abdullah Al-Muti (1930-1998) educationist, administrator and science writer. Born on 1 January 1930 at village Fulbari in Sirajganj district. Abdullah Al-Muti Sharafuddin obtained MSc degree (1953) in Physics from the university of dhaka and MA (1960) and PhD (1962) in Education from the University of Chicago, USA.
A former Secretary of the Ministry of Science and Technology, Sharafuddin began his service career as a teacher in a government college. Subsequently he held many positions, including Director of Education Extension Centre, Dhaka; Director, Public Instruction; Counsellor, Education and Culture to different Embassies. After retirement he was appointed Chief Adviser to the Secondary Science Education Project of the ADB-UNDP.
Al-Muti Sharafuddin made considerable contribution to the field of science education in Bengali language and took the lead in popularizing science among the younger generation. He published 28 books on science, education and environment; notable among these are Bijnan O manush, E Juger Bijnan, Bipanna Paribesh, Bijnan Jijnasha, Sagorer Rahasyapuri, Megh Bristi Rod, and Paribesher Sankat Ghoniye Aschhe. He won over a dozen of prestigious awards including Independence Day Award, Ekushey Padak, Bangla Academy Award, Shishu Academy Award, Kalinga Award of UNESCO, and Kudrat-e-Khuda Gold Medal in recognition of his remarkable contribution in the field of science, education and literature.
Al-Muti Sharafuddin was the Chief Editor of the Bijnan Biswakosh (Science Encyclopedia) published by bangla academy, and editor of Mukul, a juvenile magazine. He was actively associated with various socio-cultural organisations such as the Shahitya Sangsad, Progati Lekhak Sangha, Kendrio Konchi Kanchar Mela, Bangladesh Shishu Academy, Bijnan Sangskriti Parishad, and Human Development Foundation. He was the founding Fellow of the Islamic Academy of Science, a Fellow and President of the asiatic society of bangladesh (1988-91). Sharafuddin was also the President of the Bangla Academy (1986-90), Vice-President of the Foundation for Research on Planning and Development (1993), President of Bangladesh Association for Science Education (1988-95), Executive Member of International Council of Associations for Science Education (1989-93), and Member of the International Scientific Council (nominated by the Director General of UNESCO). Until his death on 30 November 1998, he was the Chairman of the Project Implementation Committee of the National Encyclopedia of Bangladesh Project of the Asiatic Society of Bangladesh. [Sajahan Miah]
