Eminent scientist Professor Dr Ali Asgar passed away early yesterday at a private hospital in the capital. He was 80 years old.

Survived by his wife and two sons, Professor Asgar had been suffering from neurological complications.

He was buried at the graveyard in Uttara sector-4 of the capital following his namaz-e-janaza, said his son Arif Asgar.

Professor Asgar was head of the department of medical physics and biomedical engineering at Gono Bishwabidyalay.

He was the recipient of prestigious awards such as Doctor Moniruzzaman Gold Medal, Doctor Kudrat-e-Khuda Gold Medal, Diploma Engineers Association Gold Medal and Mercantile Bank Gold Medal for his contribution to science.

Prof Asgar joined Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (Buet) in 1962. His roles there included that of professor, head of physics department, dean of engineering faculty and member of the syndicate.

Dr Asgar developed a modern magnetism laboratory at Buet's physics department in collaboration with Sweden's Uppsala University and formed the Dhaka Material Science Group for developing experimental facilities, training people in the field and forming a network with local, regional and international cooperation.

He had published over eighty technical papers in national and international journals and authored twenty books on science, education and development.

He designed and proposed national science week programme for innovative science education and made television and radio appearances to promote scientific education.