Professor Dr Mizan Rahman
Born: 16 September 1932 | Died: 5 January 2015
A distinguished Bangladeshi-Canadian mathematician, writer and free thinker, Professor Dr Mizan Rahman moved effortlessly through the complexities of mathematical formulae, nurtured a profound love for literature, and devoted himself to exploring the truths of life through philosophy and rational thought.
Born in Dhaka on 16 September 1932, this exceptionally gifted scholar achieved international recognition for his research in mathematics. Yet his intellectual world extended far beyond number theory and mathematical formulae. He was equally drawn to literature, philosophy, scientific thinking, scepticism, free thought and rationalism. His life and work reflected a remarkable harmony between the pursuit of knowledge and a deep sense of humanity.
Education and Mathematical Pursuits
Dr Mizan Rahman’s academic journey began and developed in Bangladesh. He earned a BSc in Mathematics and Physics from the University of Dhaka in 1953, followed by an MSc in Applied Mathematics in 1954. He subsequently travelled to the United Kingdom for higher studies. In 1958, he received a BA in Mathematics from the University of Cambridge, followed by an MA from the same university in 1963.
From 1958 to 1962, he served as a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Mathematics at the University of Dhaka. In 1962, he joined the University of New Brunswick in Canada, where he completed his PhD in Mathematics in 1965. His doctoral research focused on the dynamics of plasma, employing the method of singular integral equations.
After completing his PhD, he joined Carleton University in Canada. He spent many years there teaching and conducting research, serving successively as Assistant Professor, Associate Professor and Professor of Mathematics. Following his retirement in 1998, he was honoured by the university with the title of Distinguished Research Professor Emeritus.
Outstanding Contributions to Mathematics
Dr Mizan Rahman’s principal areas of research included special functions, basic hypergeometric series and orthogonal polynomials. His work, particularly in q-series and related areas of mathematics, earned an important place in the international mathematical community.
Together with the renowned mathematician George Gasper, he co-authored Basic Hypergeometric Series. First published by Cambridge University Press in 1990, the book subsequently became an important reference work for researchers and students working in the field. An expanded second edition was published in 2004.
The book has been widely used in advanced study and research in this demanding branch of mathematics. Through a systematic presentation of complex theoretical subjects, Dr Rahman helped create a valuable intellectual resource for mathematicians and researchers around the world.
According to information from the Bangladesh Academy of Sciences, he published more than one hundred research papers in international scholarly journals. He also played an active role in international mathematical conferences, the review of research papers and the organisation of specialised workshops.
A Literary Mind and Advocate of Free Thought
Another remarkable dimension of Dr Mizan Rahman’s personality was his deep appreciation of literature and his commitment to free intellectual inquiry. Alongside the rigorous logic and abstract reasoning of mathematics, he engaged deeply with questions concerning human life, society, culture, philosophy and existence.
Various biographical sources state that he published ten books in Bengali. Among his notable works are Tirtha Amar Gram, Lal Nadi, Album, Prasanga Nari, Anannya Amar Desh, Ananda Niketan, Duryoger Purvabhas, Shudhu Mati Noy, Bhabnar Atmakathan and Shunya.
His writings combined personal memories with reflections on society and the times in which he lived. They explored human values, reason and philosophical questions. His commitment to scientific thinking and free thought led him towards an intellectual space in which established assumptions could be questioned and examined.
He was also active in free-thinking writing and online discussions. His contribution to promoting scientific awareness, scepticism, rationalism and human values in the Bengali language was significant.
Honours and Recognition
His contributions to both mathematics and literature were recognised through a number of honours and awards. For his research and teaching at Carleton University, he received several scholarly achievement awards as well as recognition for excellence in teaching.
In 1996, he received the Award of Excellence from Bangladesh Publications in Ottawa. In 1998, he was honoured with the Desh Bidesh Award as a reader-selected author. In recognition of his contribution to Bengali literature in North America, he received an honour from the Banga Sammelan in 2002.
He was also recognised as a Fellow of the Bangladesh Academy of Sciences. His achievements represent more than a record of personal success; they offer an inspiring example of how one can remain closely connected with the Bengali language, literature and intellectual pursuits while living abroad.
A Final Farewell
On 5 January 2015, the distinguished mathematician and writer died in Ottawa, Canada, at the age of 82. Before his death, he donated his body for the purposes of medical education, leaving behind a profound testament to his lifelong commitment to knowledge and human welfare.
The life of Dr Mizan Rahman reminds us that the pursuit of knowledge has no fixed boundaries. A person can explore the deepest principles of mathematics, be moved by the beauty of literature, contemplate the great questions of philosophy, and examine society and human life through the light of reason.
He was a scholar for whom mathematics represented the discipline of thought, literature the expansion of human experience, and free thought the courage to seek truth.
On his birthday, we remember this remarkable intellectual with profound respect. May the legacy of his research, literary works and rationalist thought continue to inspire future generations to pursue knowledge, intellectual curiosity and humanity.
Dr Mizan Rahman — may the light of your scholarship and creativity continue to illuminate our intellectual world.
Remembered with profound respect and affection.
