In Memoriam Prof. Muhammed Hussain President 1995-1997 Bangladesh Biochemical Society Former Vice-Chancellor, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh >>>>>>"An avid researcher with significant contributions in agricultural biochemistry and applied nutrition with focus on national need." By- Prof. Syed Saleheen Qadri Dean, Faculty of Biological Sciences Editor, Bangladesh Journal of Biochemistry Vice President, Bangladesh Society for Biochemistry & Molecular Biology

Professor Dr. Muhammed Hussain, Vice-Chancellor, Bangladesh Agricultural University. Mymensingh, an eminent biochemist who will be remembered for significant contribution made to agriculture and applied nutrition related fields, died on 04 February 2000 in a tragic road accident, aged 60.

Born on 16 August 1939 at Sitakund, Chittagong, Dr. Hussain, as he was popularly known, was educated at the University of Dhaka where he obtained and M. Sc degree in Biochemistry in 1960. He later earned a Ph. D degree from Texas A & M University, USA in 1967.

He joined the Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU), Mymensing at its inception in 1962 as a lecturer in the newly organized Department of Biochemistry and never looked back since, devoting his time, energy and enthusiasm into building the department into a premier agricultureal biochemistry department of the country. He was appointed Assistant Professor in 1967, Associate Professor in 1970 and was elevated to full Professor in 1977 in the same department, a position he held until his untimely death. Dr. Hussain also served the Department of Biochemistry as its chairman and head ; the Faculty of Agriculture as an elected Dean; and, the University as its Vice-chancellor; a recognition of his talent and organizational ability.

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An avid researcher, Dr. Hussain made significant contribution in agricultural biochemistry and applied nutrition with focus on national need. His main research interest was improvement of crops, like lathyrus, black gram, sweet potato, HYV rice and aroids, with respect to both yield and nutritional quality. His research contributed significanty to the release of

(i) two high yielding varieties of rice, named BAU 64 and BAU 65;

(2) two improved varieties of sweet potato, namely Kamalasundari and Tripti; and ,

(3) two improved cultivars of arum, namely Latiraj and Bilashi. Dr. Hussain has tohis credit fifty research articles published in national and international journals and is te author of one book, entitled Sabji Theke Pushti.

A dedicated organizer and an intuitive leader, Dr. Hussain was active in many professional and socio-cultural organizations and was called upon to serve as President of a number of scientific professional bodies including The Bangladesh Biochemical Society, the BAU Teachers' Council, the Texas A & M Alumni Association, local chapter. He was an Executive committee member of scientific societies like the Bangladesh Society of Microbiologist, the Bangladesh Nutrition Society, the Bangladesh Association for the Advancement of Science, and the Indian Society of Food Technologies.

His success was recognized by the award of a commonwealth Staff Fellowship 1978; a fellowship from the United Nations' University in 1987; and a fellowship from the International Association of University Presidents in 1999.

A man of amiable social disposition, Dr. Hussain was extremely popular among his students and peers alike. He liked to mix with them freely and was able to enthuse in them a sense of belonging and dedication. Dr. Hussain earned the love and respect of his colleagues by his inimitable qualities of understanding and fellow-feeling. Dr. Hussain will be surely missed by his colleagues and students and is irreplaceable.

A devoted family man, Dr. Hussain is survived by his wife. Zohra Hussain, one son, two daughters and grandchildren. May Allah in His infinite mercy grant Dr. Muhammed Hussain eternal bliss.