Moinul Huq, an eminent geologist and geoscientist breathed his last on August 26 at the age of 74 after suffering a long illness. He was one of the pioneers who set the course of oil and gas exploration in Bangladesh after the country emerged as an independent state.

Moinul Huq joined the then Oil and Gas Development Corporation of Pakistan in 1970 after completing Masters' degree in geology from Dhaka University. He was among the first group of young geologists who in later years played a pivotal role in the oil and gas sector of the country after the independence in 1971. He continued his long career in Petrobangla and later in Bapex and Hydro-Carbon unit of the Ministry of Energy. As a devoted professional in the field, he had also played crucial role in the establishment of Bangladesh Geological Society, in which he served as an elected General Secretary for two consecutive terms. He also made significant contribution to train young professionals in the field and as a part-time teacher at Dhaka and Jahangirnagar Universities, was keen on making geology a vocation that attracts young talented students.

He is survived by three daughters and host of relatives and friends.