The passing of a renowned pioneer in bio-gas solution, academic, freedom fighter and loving father
Renowned scientist, academic, civil servant and freedom fighter Md Abdul Gofran passed away peacefully on the morning of 2 December 2025 at his residence. He was 88 years old. His family members found him in eternal sleep, after spending the previous night joyfully with his loved ones.
He left behind his wife, aged 83. He also left behind 2 sons and 2 daughters, several grandchildren and countless loved ones. One of his sons, Justice Md Ashraful Kamal, currently serves as a judge of the High Court Division of the Supreme Court of Bangladesh.
Born on 1 January 1937 in Choumoni, Begumganj, Noakhali, Md Abdul Gofran was a proud freedom fighter in the Liberation War of Bangladesh. He notably took part in the Betiyara War in Feni, a significant battle during the struggle for independence.
A pioneer of green and renewable energy in Bangladesh, Md Abdul Gofran dedicated decades of his life to expanding eco-friendly energy solutions. He is widely recognised for his groundbreaking work in promoting low-cost, community-based biogas technologies, making clean energy accessible in rural areas. His innovations focused on practical and frugal solutions to support sustainable development and improve livelihoods.
He served for many years as a biogas consultant at Grameen Shakti and later became the Chairman of the Bangladesh Biogas Development Foundation (BBDF). His contribution extended beyond biogas to initiatives in solar energy and broader renewable energy development in Bangladesh.
In addition to his scientific work, he conducted several notable studies on poverty alleviation and urban slum improvement, contributing strategic insights to national development initiatives.
Md Abdul Gofran’s academic engagements also reached international platforms. He served as an international guest lecturer for PhD students at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in 2014, representing Grameen Shakti. He also attended the LCEDN–University of Strathclyde Annual Conference in Glasgow in 2019, where he delivered a presentation titled “The Potential of Biogas/AD in Bangladesh.”
His family seeks prayers and blessings from all who knew and admired him.
