Dr Zahidul Hasan Mushfequr Rahman, a rocket scientist with extensive work experience with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (Nasa), passed away on October 16 at the Cedars-Sinai Hospital in Los Angeles, USA. He was 67 years old. He was the youngest brother of HN Ashequr Rahman MP, chairman of Meghna Bank PLC. Dr Rahman, who originally hailed from Mithapukur, Rangpur, was born in Jessore, Bangladesh. He was the son of Hamida Khatun and Abdur Rahman. In 1920s, late Abdur Rahman was the only Muslim Student in MSC in Science Faculty of Dhaka University.
Dr Zahidul Rahman inherited his father’s spirit of intellectual pursuit and embarked on an extraordinary journey in the field of science and technology. Dr Rahman completed his undergraduate education at the prestigious Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (Buet). He pursued his passion for knowledge relentlessly, earning his PhD from Washington State University. Later, he continued his research as a post-doctorate fellow at Texas A&M University, USA. His professional journey led him to the Nasa Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL).
Dr Rahman’s work during last 31 years with NASA was nothing short of remarkable, contributing to several groundbreaking space programs, including the Mars Rover. In recent time NASA took over the expedition of sending the Rover on a great voyage to the Mars. In construction, design & collation of details of the Rover, Dr Rahman was engaged in an active role joining the rank of prominent scientists & engineers.
The Rover Perseverance was launched on July 30, 2020 and traversing the long distance of 230 million miles, reached Mars on February 18, 2021. Rover started transmitting regularly data and pictures to the earth. In the exploration and conquest of the limitless space, this is indeed a milestone. While his professional accomplishments were remarkable, Dr Rahman’s family was his true passion. He is survived by his wife Rumana, his daughter Anika, his son Mehran and a big host of admirers. Dr Rahman was also an avid traveller, a supportive brother, son, husband, father, a caring uncle and a loyal friend to many. His presence in the lives of those who had the honor of sharing it was a source of inspiration and warmth.
Source: Dhaka Tribune
