Medical Scientist Dr. Shubhagata Chowdhury passes away

Renowned medical scientist and writer, Professor Dr. Shubhagata Chowdhury, has passed away. He was 77 years old.

Dr. Chowdhury, who had been battling multiple myeloma, a form of blood cancer, for nearly eight years, was declared dead by doctors after being taken to a hospital in the capital around 8.00am on Wednesday (January 15).

Professor Dr. Arup Ratan Chowdhury, Shubhagata's brother, confirmed this to media.

He said, "Dr. Chowdhury had been undergoing treatment for cancer. He became unconscious at home in the morning and was rushed to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead following medical tests."

"Dr. Chowdhury’s two daughters live abroad, and a decision regarding his final rites will be made upon their arrival. In the meantime, his body will be kept in the hospital's cold storage," he added.

Throughout his career, Dr. Chowdhury served as the Dean of the Faculty of Medicine at Chattogram University and later as its Principal. After retiring from government service in 2004, he continued his medical work in various hospitals, including BIRDEM. He was also a prolific medical writer, contributing numerous articles to local and international newspapers and medical journals. Additionally, he translated several medical textbooks into Bengali and published 38 books.

Born in Sylhet in 1947, Dr. Chowdhury was awarded the 2021 Bangla Academy Literary Award for his significant contributions to science, fiction, and environmental science. He also received the Sher-e-Bangla National Award in 2009 for his exceptional contributions to the field of medicine.