Muhammed Zafar Iqbal facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Muhammed Zafar Iqbal
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| মুহম্মদ জাফর ইকবাল | |
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Muhammed Zafar Iqbal at Chotoder Scratch Programming book launching event in 2022
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| Born | 23 December 1952 Sylhet, Bangladesh
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| Nationality | Bangladeshi |
| Education | PhD in physics |
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Yasmeen Haque
(m. 1978) |
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Muhammed Zafar Iqbal (Bengali: মুহম্মদ জাফর ইকবাল; born 23 December 1952) is a very well-known Bangladeshi writer, physicist, and professor. He is famous for writing exciting science fiction stories and many other books for young people. He also taught computer science and engineering at Shahjalal University of Science and Technology (SUST) for many years.
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About Muhammed Zafar Iqbal
Muhammed Zafar Iqbal was born on 23 December 1952 in Sylhet, which was then part of East Pakistan. His father, Faizur Rahman Ahmed, was a police officer. Sadly, his father was killed during the Liberation War of Bangladesh. His mother's name was Ayesha Akhter Khatun.
Because his father's job required moving often, Zafar Iqbal spent his childhood in many different places across Bangladesh. He comes from a family of talented writers. His older brother, Humayun Ahmed, was a very famous writer and filmmaker. His younger brother, Ahsan Habib, is a cartoonist and editor of a funny magazine called Unmad. He also has three sisters: Sufia Haider, Momtaz Shahid, and Rukhsana Ahmed.
His Education Journey
Zafar Iqbal finished his SSC exam from Bogra Zilla School in 1968. He then completed his HSC exam from Dhaka College in 1970.
He studied physics at the University of Dhaka, earning his bachelor's degree in 1973 and his master's degree in 1974. After that, he traveled to the United States and earned his PhD from the University of Washington in 1982.
His Career and Contributions
After getting his PhD, Muhammed Zafar Iqbal worked as a researcher at important places in the United States.
Working as a Scientist and Professor
From 1983 to 1988, he worked at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech), which is a very famous science university. After that, he joined Bell Communications Research (Bellcore) as a research scientist. He worked there until 1994.
Muhammed Zafar Iqbal always wanted to come back to Bangladesh. He decided to join Shahjalal University of Science and Technology (SUST) as a professor in the computer science and engineering department. He even became the head of that department. He retired from teaching in October 2018.
He also helped start the Bangladesh Mathematical Olympiad. This event helps young people in Bangladesh get excited about mathematics and compete in math challenges both locally and internationally. In 2011, he received the Rotary SEED Award for his great work in education.
Helping with Textbooks
In 2017, Muhammed Zafar Iqbal helped revise textbooks for classes 9-10 for the NCTB. He worked with Mohammad Kaykobad to make these books easier and more fun for students to learn from.
He also worked as a main editor for new NCTB textbooks in 2023, including the class 7 "Science (Investigative Study)" book. There was a small issue where some parts of the book were similar to content from other websites, like National Geographic. He openly admitted this mistake and took responsibility as the chief editor.
His Amazing Books
Muhammed Zafar Iqbal started writing stories when he was very young. He wrote his first science fiction short story at just seven years old! When he was studying at the University of Dhaka, one of his science fiction stories, "Kopotronik Bhalobasha" (which means "Copotronic Love"), was published in a weekly magazine. Later, he wrote more stories about "Kopotronik" and published them in a collection.
He has written many, many books especially for teenagers. These include exciting novels, science fiction adventures, and other fun stories. Some of his popular books are:
- Meku Kahini
- Shanta Poribar
- Kabil Kohlafi
- Dushtu Cheler dol
- Nitu o tar bondhura
- Dipu number 2
- Obonil
- Ikarus
- Pri
- Tritron ekti groher nam
- Amar Bondhu Rashed
- Haat Kata Robin
He is also known for his detective book series called Tuntuni o Chotachchu. "Chotachchu" means "Small Uncle" or "the youngest uncle."
- Tuntuni o Chotachchu (2014)
- Aro Tuntuni o Aro Chotachchu (2015)
- Abaro Tuntuni o Abaro Chotachchu
- Tobuo Tuntuni Tobuo Chotachchu (2018)
- Jokhon Tuntuni Tokhon Chotachchu
- Jerokom Tuntuni Sherokom Chotachchu (2020)
- Jetuku Tuntuni Setuku Chotachchu
- Aha Tuntuni Uhu Chotachchu (2022)
- Bah Tuntuni Bah Bah Chotaccu (2023)
- ogo Tuntuni kigo Chotacchu (2024)
Muhammed Zafar Iqbal is considered one of the first writers to create science fiction in the Bengali language. He also writes articles for newspapers regularly.
Personal Life
Muhammed Zafar Iqbal married Yasmeen Haque in 1978. She was also a professor at SUST, teaching Physics. They have two children. Their son, Nabil Iqbal, is a scientist at Durham University. Their daughter, Yeshim Iqbal, is a research scientist at New York University.
Awards and Recognition
Muhammed Zafar Iqbal has received many awards for his writing and contributions to education:
- Agrani Bank Shishu Shahitto Award (2001)
- Quazi Mahbubulla Zebunnesa Award (2002)
- Khalekdad Chowdhury Literary Award (2003)
- Sheltech Literary Award (2003)
- Uro Child Literary Award (2004)
- Md. Mudabber-Husne ara literary Award (2005)
- Marcantile Bank Ltd. Award (2005)
- One of the 10 living Eminent Bengali (2005)
- American Alumni Association Award (2005)
- Dhaka University Alumni Association Award (2005)
- Sylhet Naittamoncho Award (2005)
- Bangla Academy Literary Award (2005)
- Best Playwright Meril Prothom Alo Awards (2005)
- Uro Child Literary Award (2006)
- Rotary SEED Award (2011)
- National ICT Award (2017)
See also
In Spanish: Muhammed Zafar Iqbal para niños
- Attacks on Muhammad Zafar Iqbal
