Jamilur Reza Choudhury (15 November 1943 – 28 April 2020) was a prominent Bangladeshi civil engineer, academic leader, researcher and public servant. Over a long career he combined university teaching and administration with advisory roles in government and national educational programmes. He is remembered for his work to strengthen engineering education in Bangladesh, for institution building, and for promoting mathematics and problem-solving among young learners.
Career and major positions
Choudhury's professional life spanned several interlocking roles in higher education, administration and public service. He served as an Adviser (a minister-level member) in the Caretaker Government of Bangladesh in 1996 (April–June). He was the vice chancellor of BRAC University from 2001 to 2012, and thereafter served as vice chancellor of the University of Asia Pacific from 2012 until his death in 2020. From 2003 he led the Bangladesh Mathematical Olympiad Committee, supporting the development of talent in mathematics across the country.
Contributions and areas of work
As a civil engineer and academic, Choudhury focused on education, research culture and institution building. His contributions included curriculum development, promoting research activities within engineering faculties, and mentoring doctoral and graduate students. He emphasized links between academic training and national development needs, encouraging engineers to engage with infrastructure planning, safety, and policy discussions. Through the Mathematical Olympiad Committee he helped popularize problem-solving and nurture young mathematicians.
Impact, influence and examples
- Leadership of major private and public-oriented universities helped shape governance practices in Bangladeshi higher education.
- Advocacy for stronger research and teaching standards contributed to a generation of engineers and academics trained under reformed programmes.
- Work with the Mathematical Olympiad Committee brought competitive mathematics training and national selection processes to wider attention.
Honors and recognition
Choudhury received some of Bangladesh’s highest formal recognitions late in his career. He was awarded the Ekushey Padak in 2017 in the category of science and technology — one of the country's most prestigious civilian awards — conferred by the Government of Bangladesh. In 2018 he was appointed a National Professor, an honorary title given to distinguished academics for lifetime contribution to education. Information on the civilian award is summarised at Ekushey Padak.
Legacy and final years
Choudhury remained active in university leadership and national educational initiatives until his death. He died of a heart attack on 28 April 2020 in Dhaka, aged 76. Colleagues and former students remember him for combining technical expertise with administrative skill, and for efforts to make engineering education more responsive to societal needs. His leadership of universities and national committees left enduring effects on institutional practices and on opportunities for young scientists and engineers in Bangladesh.