Dr. Atiur Rahman nominated for Khan Bahadur Ahsanullah gold medal

Dhaka Ahsania Mission has nominated the renowned economist and Emeritus Professor Dr. Atiur Rahman to receive ‘Khan Bahadur Ahsanullah Gold Medal’ for the year 2021 for his outstanding contributions in socio-economic development and country’s economy.

Born on 3 August 1951, in Jamalpur district, Dr. Atiur Rahman is not only a distinguished academic but also serves as the President of the Executive Committee of the Center for Advanced Research on Arts and Social and Unnayan Shamannay. Before joining the Department of Development Studies, University of Dhaka as a professor in 2006, he dedicated a significant period at BIDS as an economist. As the Governor of Bangladesh Bank from 2009 for approximately seven years, he spearheaded the financial services sector, championing the ‘Silent Revolution of Financial Inclusion’ with innovative programmes for building Digital Bangladesh. Widely known as the Economist of the Poor for his people-centric research and the ‘Green Governor’ for his leadership in environmentally friendly finance, Dr. Atiur Rahman incorporated Rabindranath’s socio-economic development ideas into his work. Besides publishing over 80 books, including “Peasants and Classes” and “Bangabandhu Shahoj Patth,” he has authored numerous research papers both nationally and internationally.

His accolades include the Best central Bank Governor Asia and Pacific 2015 (Financial Times), Gusi Peace Prize, Indira Gandhi Swarna Padak, Bangla Academy Literary Award 2015, Bangla Academy Rabindra Award 2021, and Rabindra Academy Award 2022.

An eleven-member jury board consisting of renowned personalisties from various sectors of the society unanimously decided to award this medal to Dr. Rahman. The value of this award is 20 gm Gold Medal, two lakh taka in cash, a crest with monogram and a certificate.

Established in 1986 in honor of Hazrat Khan Bahadur Ahsanullah, a distinguished educationist, social reformer, Sufi saint, Assistant Director of the then Education Department, and founder of Dhaka Ahsania Mission, the award will be officially handed over to him soon.