Emajuddin Ahamed

Emajuddin Ahamed (15 December 1933 – 17 July 2020)^[1] was a Bangladeshi political scientist, author and educationist. He served as the 21st vice-chancellor of the University of Dhaka during 1992–1996.^[2] He was awarded Ekushey Padak in 1992 by the Government of Bangladesh in the education category.^[3]

Emajuddin Ahamed
এমাজউদ্দিন আহমদ
Ahamed in December 2008
Vice-Chancellor of the University of Dhaka
In office 1 November 1992 – 31 August 1996
Preceded by	Mohammad Moniruzzaman Miah
Succeeded by	Abul Kalam Azad Chowdhury
Vice-Chancellor of University of Development Alternative
In office 2002–2016
Succeeded by	Rafiqul Islam Sharif
President of Asiatic Society of Bangladesh
In office 2004–2007
Preceded by	Abdul Momin Chowdhury
Succeeded by	Sirajul Islam
Personal details
Born	(1933-12-15)15 December 1933
Died	17 July 2020(2020-07-17) (aged 86) Dhaka, Bangladesh
Nationality	Bangladeshi
Spouse	Begum Selima Ahamed
Alma mater	Rajshahi College Dhaka University Queen's University
Occupation	Educationist
Awards	full list

Early life and education

Ahamed was born in Malda district in West Bengal in the then British India. He later moved to the Chapai Nawabganj District in Bangladesh with his family. Ahamed received his early education in Rajshahi. He got his bachelor's degree from Rajshahi College. He then joined the civil service as a lecturer of a government college. He became the principal of the college. In the mid-1970s, he was granted a scholarship by the Queen's University in Ontario, Canada when he earned a PhD degree for his research in political science.^[2]

Career

In his professional life, he chose the teaching profession. His teaching career began at the college level. Initially, he joined Prafulla Chandra (P.C.) College in Bagerhat as a lecturer. Later, he served as the principal of Nilphamari College, Chuadanga College, and Rangpur College. In 1970, he joined the Department of Political Science at the University of Dhaka as a senior lecturer.^[4]

Ahamed served two terms as the pro-vice chancellor before becoming the vice chancellor of Dhaka University in 1992. He retired in 1996. He became the vice-chancellor of the University of Development Alternative in 2002.^[5] He also worked with the Asiatic Society of Bangladesh.^[6]

Ahamed was awarded the Ekushey Padak in 1992 for his contribution to education.^[3]

Political scientist Mubashar Hasan described Emajuddin as a supporter of President Ziaur Rahman. According to Hasan, Emajuddin criticized the Awami League's Bengali nationalism for excluding non-Bengali residents of Bangladesh, and believed the Bangladesh Nationalist Party intentionally crafted their Bangladeshi nationalism to include all people living in Bangladesh.^[7]

Personal life

Emajuddin Ahamed was married to Begum Selima Ahamed. The couple had five children, three daughters and two sons, and eleven grandchildren. Their youngest daughter died in 1997.^[8] He is the father of Dil Rowshan Zinnat Ara Nazneen, Professor of Political Science at the University of Dhaka, Bangladesh and Tanwir Iqbal Ibn Ahamed, Associate Professor of Respiratory Medicine and grandfather of Tarnima Warda Andalib, Post Doctoral Researcher at University Sains Malaysia, Malaysia.^[9][10][11]

Awards

Ahamed received several academic awards. The most specific ones are: Ekushey Padak in 1992. Mahakal Krishti Chinta Shangha Gold Medal, Jatiya Shahitya Sangshad Gold Medal, Zia Sangskritik Gold Medal, Michael Madhushudan Datta Gold Medal, Dhaka Shamajik ebong Shangskritik Gold Medal, Bangladesh Jubok Front Gold Medal, Rajshahi Forum Unnoyon Gold Medal.^{[citation needed]}

Death

Ahamed died on 17 July 2020 aged 86 at Lab Aid Hospital in Dhaka due to cardiac arrest.^[1][8]