THE SCIENTIST · THE EDUCATOR · THE VISIONARY
A Life of Distinguished Service
to Science and Education
Professor Md. Ali Nawab was born in 1926 in Comilla. Over a distinguished career spanning four decades at the University of Dhaka, he transformed the intellectual landscape of chemistry education in Bangladesh — establishing laboratories, training researchers, authoring definitive textbooks, and serving at every level of academic leadership. His monograph Principles of Physical Chemistry (1968) has remained a foundational undergraduate text for over five decades, a measure of the enduring authority of his scholarship.
A recipient of the Colombo Plan Scholarship, Professor Nawab completed his doctoral training at McGill University, Montreal (1957). He rose through every rank at Dhaka — from Lecturer (1950) to Full Professor (1970), Chairman of Chemistry (1973–76), and Dean of Science (1976–77). He also served as Professor at the University of Sulaimani in Iraq (1977–81), carrying Bangladesh's scholarly tradition to an international stage. He passed away in 1993, leaving behind a legacy of rare intellectual integrity that continues to inspire every generation of physical chemists in this country
A recipient of the Colombo Plan Scholarship, Professor Nawab completed his doctoral training at McGill University, Montreal (1957). He rose through every rank at Dhaka — from Lecturer (1950) to Full Professor (1970), Chairman of Chemistry (1973–76), and Dean of Science (1976–77). He also served as Professor at the University of Sulaimani in Iraq (1977–81), carrying Bangladesh's scholarly tradition to an international stage. He passed away in 1993, leaving behind a legacy of rare intellectual integrity that continues to inspire every generation of physical chemists in this country
Principal Research Contributions
Heterogeneous Catalysis by Transition Metal Oxides
Pioneering mechanistic studies of transition metal oxide catalysts, establishing kinetic frameworks that underpinned subsequent catalysis research across Bangladesh and remain foundational to the discipline.
Kinetics of Oxidation Reactions
Through systematic investigation of homogeneous and heterogeneous oxidation, he elucidated rate laws and mechanistic pathways that advanced the quantitative understanding of redox processes in complex chemical systems.
Adsorption Phenomena at Solid–Liquid Interfaces
Fundamental research on interfacial adsorption enriched both the theoretical and applied dimensions of colloidal science, laying groundwork for contemporary studies of surface chemistry and soft matter.
Physical Properties of Jute
In a landmark application of physical chemistry to national industry, he characterised the physicochemical properties of jute with rigour and precision — bridging pure science with Bangladesh's most vital natural-fibre economy.
Academic Timeline
1941
Matriculation with distinction, Yusuf High School, Comilla
1943
I.Sc., First Division & Merit Scholarship, Victoria College
1947
B.Sc. (Hons.) Chemistry, University of Dhaka
1948
M.Sc. (Thesis Group), University of Dhaka
1948
M.Sc. (Thesis Group), University of Dhaka
1950
Appointed Lecturer, Dept. of Chemistry, University of Dhaka
1954
Colombo Plan Scholarship, Government of Canada
1957
Ph.D., McGill University, Montreal, Canada
1970
Full Professor, University of Dhaka
1973 - 76
Chairman, Department of Chemistry
1976 - 77
Dean, Faculty of Science, University of Dhaka
1977 - 81
Professor, University of Sulaimani, Iraq
1983 - 86
Provost, Shahid Sgt. Zahurul Huq Hall, DU
1993
Passed away; his scholarly legacy endures
Key Publication
Principles of Physical Chemistry (1968) — standard undergraduate reference for over five decades.
Editorial Service
Editorial Board — Dhaka University Studies, and the Journal of the Bangladesh Industrial and Scientific Research.
Prof. Md. Ali Nawab
(1926 - 1993)