Dhaka University Statistics Department Alumni Association (DUSDAA)  has decided to award Dr M Ataharul Islam with its highest accolade,  "DUSDAA Outstanding Leadership Award", said a press release.

Dr Ataharul, a renowned academic, was a former student of Dhaka University's  (DU) Department of Statistics. In his four decades of teaching, he has worked at several universities around the world, including University of  Hawaii, University of Pennsylvania, University of Alabama and  King Saud University.

He also taught at Dhaka University, Chittagong University  and East West University.

In addition, he has more than 200 research articles in  international journals. He also has five books to his credit, all  published abroad.

 He was a trendsetter in DU's Department of Statistics in terms of  research, the press release said.

Apart from his contribution to DU, he has played a  significant role in the development of statistics curriculum of many  universities, both home and abroad, and policy analysis for  various government and non-government organisations and development  partners.

DUSDAA is set to host a virtual award giving ceremony on November 26, where  DU VC Prof M Akhtaruzzaman will serve as chief guest, and ex-JU VC  Prof Kazi Saleh Ahmed will be special guest.