Special Correspondent : Professor Mohammad Rashiduzzaman, a distinguished Bangladeshi academic and internationally respected scholar of South Asian politics, passed away on Wednesday (May 21) at his residence in New Jersey, USA. He was 89 years old and had been suffering from multiple age-related complications.
Professor Rashiduzzaman hailed from the village of Bhadratti in Kaliganj Municipality, Gazipur District, Bangladesh. His father, Mawlana Badruzzaman, was the headmaster of Kaliganj High English School. Raised in an intellectually rich environment, his academic journey began with strong foundations.
The news of his passing was confirmed by his younger brother, Dr. Mohammad Wahiduzzaman Manik, Professor of Political Science and Public Administration at Austin Peay State University, USA.
Academic and Professional Journey
Professor Rashiduzzaman began his academic career at the Department of Political Science, University of Dhaka, where he taught for over a decade. In 1964, he earned his Ph.D. from Durham University in the UK. From 1970 to 1973, he conducted postdoctoral research at Columbia University, USA. He later settled permanently in the United States, where he continued his teaching and research.
He served for many years at the Department of Political Science at Rowan University in New Jersey, eventually retiring as Professor Emeritus. His research focused on South Asian politics, Muslim identity, postcolonial state structures, and political Islam, earning him recognition in global academic circles.
Major Publications
Professor Rashiduzzaman’s books and scholarly articles are widely referenced in South Asian studies. His key publications include:
The Central Legislature in British India, 1921–1947 (Peter Lang, 2019)
Politics and Administration in the Local Councils in East Pakistan (Oxford University Press, 1968)
East Pakistan: A Study of Government and Politics (Ideal Library, 1967)
Nobojuger Rajniti o Sorkar (Kendall/Hunt Publishing, Iowa, 1993)
Identity of a Muslim Family in Colonial Bengal: Between Memory and History (Peter Lang, 2021)
Parties and Politics in East Pakistan, 1947–71: The Political Inheritances of Bangladesh (Peter Lang, 2025)
His scholarly articles were published in esteemed international journals such as Asian Survey, Pacific Affairs, Current History, Contemporary South Asia, and Journal of South Asian and Middle Eastern Studies.
A Life of Wisdom and Simplicity
Known for his soft-spoken nature, humility, and intellectual depth, Professor Rashiduzzaman was revered by his students not only for his academic insights but also for his moral guidance. His students often recall that he inspired them to become thoughtful, responsible human beings beyond academic success.
One former student remarked, “Sir didn’t just teach us political science; he taught us how to think, how to care, and how to lead meaningful lives.”
Mourning and Legacy
His passing has cast a shadow of grief among the academic communities in both the United States and Bangladesh. In his hometown Kaliganj, people remember him with immense pride as a son who elevated the nation’s intellectual stature on the global stage.
Professor Mohammad Rashiduzzaman lit a torch of knowledge that will continue to inspire generations to come. His contributions to education, research, and human values will be forever cherished.
We express our deepest condolences and pay our heartfelt tribute to this extraordinary scholar.
Inna Lillahi Wa Inna Ilayhi Raji’un.