Muhammed Zafar Iqbal

Muhammed Zafar Iqbal completed his secondary education at Bogura Zilla School, passing his SSC examination in 1968.

He then attended Dhaka College, where he successfully completed his HSC examination in 1970.

He earned his Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Physics from the prestigious University of Dhaka in 1973 and 1974.

He furthered his studies at the University of Washington, where he earned his Ph.D. in Physics in 1982.

Muhammed Zafar Iqbal discovered his passion for writing early, publishing his first science fiction short story, "Kopotronik Bhalobasha," while studying at the University of Dhaka. The story's publication in the weekly Bichitra magazine marked the beginning of his prolific literary career. He soon expanded this universe, releasing the highly successful collection "Copotronic Sukh Dukkhu."

Following his academic pursuits abroad, Iqbal worked as a post-doctoral researcher at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) from 1983 to 1988. He then joined Bell Communications Research (Bellcore) as a research scientist, contributing to advanced scientific studies. Despite his demanding scientific career, he continuously wrote and published acclaimed Bengali novels.

In 1994, driven by a desire to serve his homeland, he returned to Bangladesh and joined the faculty of Shahjalal University of Science and Technology (SUST). He served as the head of the Computer Science and Engineering department, profoundly shaping its curriculum. He mentored countless students and advocated heavily for the integration of technology in modern education.

Iqbal also played a pivotal role in establishing and leading the Bangladesh Mathematical Olympiad, serving as its vice president for many years. His efforts successfully popularized mathematics among Bangladeshi students, helping them compete on international stages. His advocacy for a modernized, science-based educational framework made him a highly respected public intellectual.

Throughout his career, he authored dozens of beloved science fiction books, children's literature, and columns promoting free thought. Books like "Amar Bondhu Rashed" and "Dipu Number Two" were adapted into critically acclaimed films. Through his engaging children's books, he has successfully nurtured a culture of curiosity and intellectual bravery among young readers. His literary creations often feature brilliant, brave teenagers solving complex mysteries, which serves as a massive inspiration for his adolescent audience. His lifelong dedication to combining pedagogy with engaging storytelling remains unmatched in the region. Even post-retirement, he continues to write extensively, shaping the cultural and scientific consciousness of Bangladesh well into 2026.

Muhammed Zafar Iqbal was born into a highly creative family; his elder brother was the legendary Humayun Ahmed, and his younger brother is the renowned cartoonist Ahsan Habib. His father, a police officer, was tragically martyred during the 1971 Liberation War. This profound loss deeply influenced Iqbal's patriotic values and his commitment to the nation's progress.

In 1978, he married Dr. Yasmeen Haque, who is also a distinguished physicist and academic. They share a deeply supportive partnership, both contributing significantly to the educational sector in Bangladesh. The couple has two children, a son named Nabil and a daughter named Yeshim, who herself translated some of her father's works into English.

Dr. Iqbal is known for his simple lifestyle, approachability, and unwavering dedication to his students. He frequently travels across the country to attend science fairs, olympiads, and youth motivation programs. Despite facing personal attacks for his progressive views, he remains a fearless advocate for secularism, scientific inquiry, and humanitarian values in Bangladesh.