Basic Hypergeometric Series remains the definitive reference for its subject, representing the extensive research conducted by Mizan Rahman alongside co-author George Gasper. Beyond his contributions to orthogonal polynomials and hypergeometric series, he maintained an active career as a writer in the Bengali language, exploring philosophy, scientific skepticism, and rationalism throughout his life.
Academic Background
Rahman was born in Dhaka in 1932, a time when the region was part of the British Raj. He began his higher education at the University of Dhaka, earning a BSc in mathematics and physics in 1953 followed by an M.Sc. in applied mathematics the next year. He later studied at the University of Cambridge, receiving a B.A. in 1958 and an M.A. in 1963. After serving as a senior lecturer at the University of Dhaka, he moved to Canada in 1962 to attend the University of New Brunswick. In 1965, he completed his Ph.D. with a thesis focused on the kinetic theory of plasma.
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Following his doctoral studies, Rahman joined the faculty at Carleton University. He progressed through the ranks from assistant professor to full professor, ultimately spending the remainder of his career at the institution. Upon his retirement, he held the title of distinguished professor emeritus. During his tenure, he was recognized for his instructional skills, receiving the Best Teaching Award in 1986. His scholarly output included editing Special Functions, q-Series and Related Topics, in addition to his primary book on hypergeometric series.
Literary and Philosophical Work
Rahman was a prolific author in Bengali, publishing ten books in his native language. His titles included Tirtha is my village, The Red River, Album, Context - Women, Ananya is my country, Ananda Niketan, Premonition, Not just soil, Autobiography of thought, Zero, and The universe from zero, the latter co-authored with Avijit Roy in 2015. Outside of books, he contributed to the monthly publication Porshi and served on the advisory board of Mukto-Mona, an online collective of freethinkers and rationalists.
Honors and Death
His mathematical contributions earned him several distinctions, including lifetime membership in the Bharat Ganita Parishad and a fellowship from the Bangladesh Academy of Sciences in 2002. In 1996, he received an Award of Excellence from Bangladesh Publications in Ottawa. Rahman died in Ottawa on January 5, 2015, at the age of 82.
Fast facts
- Born: 1932, Dhaka
- Died: 5 January 2015, Ottawa
- Education: University of Dhaka, University of Cambridge, University of New Brunswick
- Primary Employer: Carleton University
- Fellowship: Bangladesh Academy of Sciences (2002)
- Notable Publication: Basic Hypergeometric Series
- Languages: Bangla
Questions readers ask
What were Mizan Rahman's primary mathematical research interests?
He focused on hypergeometric series, orthogonal polynomials, and the kinetic theory of plasma.
Was he only involved in mathematics?
No, he was also a prolific writer in Bengali, publishing works on philosophy, literature, and social issues, while actively participating in rationalist communities.
Achievements
- Held posts at Carleton University
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