Global Network of Bangladeshi Biotechnologists (GNOBB) expresses deepest condolences on the passing of renowned scientist Professor Dr. Mohammed Rahmatullah, vice chancellor of the University of Development Alternative (UODA).  Dr. Rahmatullah was a highly respected scientist who made significant contributions to the field of “Natural Products and Drug Discovery” through his research on medicinal plants obtained from ethnomedicinal surveys.

Dr. Rahmatullah was a former lecturer of Bio-Chemistry at Dhaka University and conducted numerous research in national and international journals. He taught and researched at the University of Hong Kong, Kansas State University, Auburn University, Weiss Center for Research, Pennsylvania. After spending 18 long years in the US, he returned home and served at Khulna University and then at UODA.

In 2017, GNOBB awarded Dr. Rahmatullah ``Outstanding Resident Bangladeshi scientist award``  GNOBB for his outstanding scientific achievements, enduring vision, creativity, and enormous contributions in forming the wonderful network of Bangladeshi biotechnologists.

Dr. Rahmatullah’s research accomplishments are vast and varied. He discovered a new subunit of the pyruvate dehydrogenase complex during his research in the USA. In Bangladesh, he found a low-cost method of co-cultivation of ‘tilapia’ and ‘chitol’ fish, phytoremediation of arsenic from soil, and an extract from paddy husk that is effective against various viral diseases and pancreatic cancer. From 2009 onwards, his research has been primarily in ethnopharmacology. He documented traditional medicinal practices of over 40 tribes of Bangladesh and over 300 folk medicinal practitioners of the country with emphasis on their phytotherapeutic practices.

Dr. Rahmatullah’s passing is a great loss for the scientific community. We hope that his work will inspire the young generation to follow in his footsteps and continue to make significant contributions to the field of science. May his soul rest in peace.