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Bosunia, an academic and structural engineering expert, said, “While Einstein taught us to understand the universe, FR Khan taught us how we can touch the sky.”

Renowned architect Rafiq Azam described Khan as “more of a philosopher than an architect-engineer.”

He said the new generation remains largely unaware of Khan’s significant contributions, attributing this to the state’s limited efforts to celebrate national intellectual figures.

“This ceremony has been organised privately. It is a failure of the state that it does not celebrate the country’s brilliant minds like FR Khan,” he added.

State Minister for Education Bobby Hajjaj also attended the programme and acknowledged the state’s lack of initiative in recognising such contributions, noting that more attention is often given to politically prominent figures.

At the event, Khan’s nephew, Engr Faizur Rahman Khan --also the managing director of bti -- delivered a presentation featuring photographs and personal recollections of the celebrated engineer.

He also announced the introduction of an educational scholarship in the name of FR Khan at Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (Buet) and in schools.

The programme concluded with a musical performance by Rabindra Sangeet singer Shama Rahman.

FR Khan revolutionised structural engineering by developing innovative systems for tall buildings, now widely known as skyscrapers. Among his most notable works are the John Hancock Center, Willis Tower, the Hajj Terminal, and projects at King Abdulaziz University.

Khan received numerous prestigious accolades, including the Wason Medal and the Middlebrooks and Ernest Howard Awards. He was also honoured with the Independence Award by the government of Bangladesh.