Bangladesh’s first Finance Secretary M Matiul Islam passes away

M Matiul Islam, Bangladesh’s first Finance Secretary after independence, has died at the age of 95, his family confirmed Thursday (November 20).

His funeral will be held Friday after Jumma prayers at Azad Mosque in Gulshan.

Matiul Islam began his career in 1952 by joining the Pakistan Civil Service. In 1972, he took charge as Bangladesh’s first Finance Secretary, playing a key role in rebuilding the country’s post-war financial system and nationalizing the banking sector.

A graduate in commerce from Dhaka University, he earned a master’s in public administration from Harvard University.

He also served as Secretary of Industry, Alternative Executive Director at the World Bank, UNIDO Vienna representative, head of the World Bank Cooperative Programme, UNIDO Country Director in India, and Director at IIDFS.

He is remembered for his wisdom, dedication, and lasting contributions to Bangladesh’s economic development.