Biography of Mirza Azizul Islam: Advisor to caretaker Government of Bangladesh
Biography of Mirza A. Islam:
Early Life and Academic Foundations
Dr. A. B. Mirza Azizul Islam was born on February 23, 1941,
in Durgapur village, Sujanagar Upazila, Pabna District, Bangladesh. He
completed his early education at Khalilpur High School and Dhaka College.
Pursuing higher studies, he earned a Bachelor's and Master's degree in
Economics from the University of Dhaka. Furthering his academic journey, he
obtained a second Master's in Development Economics from Williams College and a
Ph.D. in Economics from Boston University in the United States.
Biography of Mirza Azizul Islam: Advisor to caretaker Government of Bangladesh/ financial sector#age#net worth#investor#public figure#Lecturer
Civil Service and United Nations Career
In 1964, Dr. Islam joined the Civil Service of Pakistan
(CSP), serving in various governmental roles across East and West Pakistan.
After the independence of Bangladesh, he continued his public service,
contributing significantly to the new nation's development. In 1982, he joined
the United Nations, serving in Bangkok and New York in various capacities. He
retired in 2001 as the Director of the Development Research and Policy Analysis
Division at the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the
Pacific (ESCAP).
Leadership in Bangladesh's Financial Sector
Upon returning to Bangladesh, Dr. Islam took on pivotal
roles in the country's financial sector. He served as the Chairman of the
Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission (BSEC) from 2002 to 2005, where
he played a crucial role in strengthening the capital market. In 2006, he
chaired the Board of Directors of Sonali Bank, contributing to the banking
sector's development. From 2007 to 2008, he served as an Advisor to the
Caretaker Government, overseeing the Ministries of Finance, Planning, and Commerce
during a transitional period.
Academic Contributions and Recognition
Dr. Islam's academic journey continued as he joined BRAC
University Business School as a Visiting Professor in 2011. He has taught
courses in business economics, macroeconomics, and business forecasting, while
also driving relevant research activities. His extensive work covers diverse
development issues such as globalization, international trade, fiscal policy,
human resources development, financing development, growth with equity, the
Asian financial crisis, and the comparative development experience of groups of
countries.
Advocacy and Policy Influence
Dr. Islam has been an influential voice in Bangladesh's
economic policy formulation. He has co-authored numerous publications on
development issues and has made presentations as a resource person at
international seminars or national workshops in over 25 countries. His insights
have contributed to shaping policies aimed at economic stability and growth.
Continuing Legacy
In recognition of his contributions, Dr. Islam was honored
at an event organized by Bonik Barta and the Bangladesh Institute of
Development Studies (BIDS) in 2023. Despite health challenges preventing his
physical attendance, he joined the event virtually, underscoring his enduring
commitment to Bangladesh's economic development. The event highlighted his
lasting influence on economic policies and academic excellence in the country.
Dr. A. B. Mirza Azizul Islam's career reflects a profound dedication to Bangladesh's economic progress, blending academic rigor with practical governance. His multifaceted contributions continue to inspire and shape the nation's development trajectory.
