Jamilur Reza Choudhury facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Jamilur Reza Choudhury
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জামিলুর রেজা চৌধুরী
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Choudhury in 2018
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| Vice-Chancellor of University of Asia Pacific | |
| In office 2 May 2012 – 28 April 2020 |
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| Preceded by | Abdul Matin Patwari |
| Vice-Chancellor of BRAC University | |
| In office 2001–2010 |
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| Preceded by | Position established |
| Succeeded by | Ainun Nishat |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 15 November 1943 Sylhet, Assam Province, British India |
| Died | 28 April 2020 (aged 76) Dhaka, Bangladesh |
| Nationality | Bangladeshi |
| Alma mater | |
| Known for | Academics, research, civil engineering, former adviser to Caretaker Government of Bangladesh |
Dr. Jamilur Reza Choudhury (born 15 November 1943 – died 28 April 2020) was a very important person in Bangladesh. He was a talented civil engineer, a respected professor, and a dedicated researcher. He also worked hard to improve education for everyone.
He served as an Adviser (like a minister) for the Caretaker Government of Bangladesh from April to June in 1996. He was the first Vice-Chancellor (the main leader) of BRAC University. Later, he became the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Asia Pacific. From 2003, he was also the president of the Bangladesh Mathematical Olympiad Committee, which helps young people get better at math.
For his amazing work in science and technology, the Government of Bangladesh gave him the Ekushey Padak award in 2017. In 2018, he was honored as a National Professor, which is a very special title given to top experts in Bangladesh.
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Early Life and Family
Jamilur Reza Choudhury was born in Sylhet on 15 November 1943, when Bangladesh was still under British rule. His father, Abid Reza Choudhury, was also a civil engineer. In 1952, his family moved to Dhaka. His father was the first Muslim to graduate from the Bengal Engineering and Science University in 1929. Jamilur's mother, Hayatun Nessa Choudhury, was a homemaker. Jamilur was the middle child among five siblings.
His Journey in Education
Choudhury started school in 1950 at the Mymensingh Zilla School. When his family moved to Dhaka in 1952, he went to Nawabpur Government High School. A year later, in 1953, he transferred to St Gregory's High School, a private Catholic school. He passed his entrance exam from Sylhet Government Pilot High School.
He studied at Dhaka College from 1957 to 1959. In 1963, he earned his Bachelor of Science Degree in Civil Engineering from Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET). He was the top student in his class! Right after graduating, he became a lecturer in the Civil Engineering Department at BUET.
He continued his studies and earned two more degrees from the University of Southampton in the UK. He got his Master of Science in Engineering in 1965 and his Ph.D. in structural engineering in 1968.
In 2010, the University of Manchester gave him an honorary Doctor of Engineering degree. This was a very special moment, as he was the first person from Bangladesh to receive such an honor from a British university.
Important Work and Contributions
After finishing his Ph.D. in 1968, Dr. Choudhury returned to Bangladesh and became an assistant professor at the East Pakistan University of Engineering & Technology (which later became BUET). He became an associate professor in 1973 and a full professor in 1976. He worked as a professor at BUET until 2001.
He also helped set up a "Computer Center" at BUET and was its director for about 10 years. From 2001 to 2010, he served as the Vice-Chancellor of BRAC University, helping to lead and grow the university.
Dr. Choudhury was very important in developing technology in Bangladesh. He led a special group from 1997 to 2000 that worked on improving software export and IT (Information Technology) in the country. He was also a key member of the Prime Minister's team that planned for a "Digital Bangladesh."
He was involved with many local and international organizations. He also served as the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Asia Pacific (UAP). One of his most notable contributions was being the Technical Adviser for the famous Padma Bridge, a huge bridge project in Bangladesh.
Awards and Recognitions
Dr. Jamilur Reza Choudhury received many awards for his outstanding work:
- Ekushey Padak (2017) - A very high civilian award in Bangladesh.
- Sheltech Award (2010)
- Bangladesh Engineering Institution Gold medal (1998)
- Dr. Rashid Gold medal (1997)
- Rotary Seed Award (2000)
- Lions International (District-315) Gold Medal
- Honorary doctorate degree from the University of Manchester (2010) - He was the only Bangladeshi to receive an engineering doctorate from a British university.
- Jica Recognition Award
- Star Lifetime Award (2016)
- Order of the Rising Sun, 3rd Class, Gold Rays with Neck Ribbon (2018) - A high honor from Japan.
His Passing
Dr. Jamilur Reza Choudhury passed away on 28 April 2020, at his home in Dhaka, Bangladesh, after a heart attack. He left behind a legacy of great achievements and contributions to engineering, education, and technology in Bangladesh.
