Bangladesh Hall of Fame - Scientist Md. Qudrat-e-Khuda

Mohammad Kudrat-e-Khuda - famous for Partex product from jute

Muhammad Qudrat-i-Khuda (1900-1977) was born in village Margram of Birbhum District in West Bengal. He was a renowned scientist, educationist and writer. He was awarded the 'Tamgha-i-Pakistan' and 'Sitara-i-Imtiaz' by the Government of Pakistan for his achievements. He received the 'Ekushey Padak' in 1976 and the 'Swadhinata Padak' from the Government of Bangladesh (Posthumous)in 1984 for contributions to science and technology. He received an honorary doctorate from Dhaka University for his contributions to science. He was the fellow of Asiatic Society of Bangladesh. Muhammad Qudrat-i-Khuda died in Dhaka on 3 November 1977.

Innovation: Muhammad Qudrat-I-Khuda's field of specialisation was organic chemistry. He conducted research on herbals, jute, salt, charcoal, soil and minerals. He successfully extracted biochemical elements from local trees and plants for medicinal use. Qudrat-i-Khuda and his associates patented 18 scientific inventions. Manufacturing of Partex from jute-stick was his greatest scientific achievement. Manufacturing malt vinegar from the juice of sugarcane and molasses, rayon from jute and jute-sticks, and paper from jute were his other significant scientific innovations.

Qudrat-i-Khuda played an important role in popularising Bangla for scientific practices. As such, he wrote a number of books on science and technology in Bangla including Vijnaner Saras Kahini (Interesting History of Science), Vijnaner Vichitra Kahini (Wonderful History of Science), Vijnaner Suchana (Origin of Science), Jaiba Rasayan (Organic Chemistry) in four volumes, Purba Pakistaner Shilpa Sambhabana (Industrial Potentiality of East Pakistan), Paramanu Parichiti (An Introduction to the Atom) and Vijnaner Pahela Katha (First Word of Science). Two Bangla science magazines 'Purogami Vijnan' (Pioneering Science; 1963) and 'Vijnaner Joyyatra' (The Victory of Science; 1972) were published under his auspices. He also wrote some religious books including Pabitra Quraner Puta Katha O Angari Jaoyara (The Holy Sayings of Quran and Angari Jaoyara). He played an active role in the liberation movement and helped in stimulating Bengali nationalism.

Awards: The Government of Pakistan awarded him the 'Tamgha-i-Pakistan' and 'Sitara-i-Imtiaz' in appreciation of his outstanding achievements. The Government of Bangladesh honoured him with 'Ekushe Padak' in 1976 and 'Swadhinata Dibas Puraskar' (Independence Day Award) in 1984 for his outstanding contributions in science and technology. Dhaka University conferred on him an honorary Doctorate degree for his outstanding contribution to science. Muhammad Qudrat-i-Khuda died in Dhaka on 3 November 1977...More>>