Prominent Economist
Bangabandhu Chair Professor at Dhaka University
Former Governor, Bangladesh
The InCAP: Mr. Atiur Rahman, what kind of measures should Bangladesh take to keep this development trend uninterrupted?
Dr. Atiur Rahman: This developmental marathon must continue unabated, and we should remain focused on the dynamic shifts of our economy that are already in motion. We got to continue our policy support for easing the rules and regulations for both the entrepreneurs and the people who take the services. In fact, easing of business and governance services is itself a better stimulus than just pouring in more money. For that matter, we must remain supportive of the changes that are already taking place and may have been accelerating in the changed context. We need to:
- Continue investing more in agriculture, which is now cereal plus including horticulture, fisheries, poultry, and livestock.
- Change the energy mix in favor of renewables, if possible, by making more public investment in green energies.
- Continue to support ICT infrastructures and encourage more related start-ups.
- Improve supply chains, both domestic, regional, and global, utilizing better inclusive diplomacy and digitization of customs and tax regulations.
- Improve revenue collection mechanisms by enhancing the capacities of human resources and further digitizations so that the tax-GDP ratio demonstrates a visible spike.
- Focus on infrastructures as the force-multiplier for growth. The government’s prioritization on mega infrastructures, particularly the Padma bridge, metro-rail, Matarbari energy hub, and special economic zones, will emerge as the game- changers in taking Bangladesh to a higher growth level by attracting more FDI and as well as domestic investment, which we may not have comprehended yet.
- Invest more in education, skilling, and reskilling of the human resources to prepare the country for the fourth industrial revolution, which is knocking at our doors.
- Keep the macro-economy highly liquid and stable, remaining bold but cautious without becoming extra sensitive about growing fiscal deficit at this stage of recovery.
The leadership certainly matters in taking a country forward despite all hurdles. We are lucky to have a leader who can look far ahead, act swiftly, care for the people, and remain inclusive. Our journey towards further prosperity continues to gain traction and add more milestones under such a passionate and compassionate leadership, which derives strength from Bangabandhu and 1971. Let’s all give our very best in making this turnaround of our economy.
Which three sectors will you prioritize in pushing the economic development of Bangladesh?
First, of course, the multi-faceted rural economy with cereal, fishing, poultry, livestock, and horticulture. Also, the non-farm sector, which provides more rural income than farm income, should continue to get the required finance and logistics support.
Second, export-led manufacturing, including RMGs, Leather, Jute, and agro-processing products, should continue to get the priority. This sector employs most of our younger labor force, including females.
Third, the remittances must be made further easier to flow without any hassle for the earners who make great strides in difficult circumstances. They must be treated well in the airports and given well-deserved consular plus travel-related services. The better-off remittances providers must be given better options for becoming new investors in Bangladesh under the FDI category.
In addition, they must have priority access to Special Economic Zones so that they can flourish as investors with all the services they need.
You are considered as a leader and mentor. You are the inspiration of thousands of hearts. Please say something to them.
Stay engaged. Never lose heart. Be entrepreneurs instead of always looking for jobs. Give jobs to others instead. Enhance better digital literacy and work for the digital economy. You are our future. Bangladesh has come a long way.
Don’t let it go down. Contribute your part in making Bangladesh more ethical and green. Skill yourselves to run a fast-moving Bangladesh. Hold high the moral values and let women participate in all economic and social activities without fear and favor. They can do their bit without any extra support if the governance and social environments are up to their expectations.
Let us all move in a caravan to fulfill the dream of achieving ‘Sonar Bangla’, which I think is within your reach.
CEO & Managing Director
Sonali Bank Limited
The greatest achievement of your life as of now
My current position – CEO & Managing Director of Sonali Bank Limited
How do you define patriotism?
Working honestly
The greatest philosopher in your view
Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman
Meaning of “Success” to you
Work, work, and work
Your Icon
Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman
Name the most influential books you have read
War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy
What did you want to be when you were a child?
Banker
Which is the best gift you’ve ever received?
My daughter and son
Your greatest fear
Scratch on reputation
Favorite Poet and Litterateur
Rabindranath Tagore
What motivates you?
To live with a significant contribution
Hobby
Reading books, traveling, and swimming
Best piece of advice you’ve received
Be honest at work
You in only three words
Work, Love, Advancement
Member of Parliament
Managing Director of Envoy Group
The InCAP: Mr. Murshedy, you handed over 20 takas to your mother in 1973, which you earned by playing football – we want to know how you were feeling at that time!
Abdus Salam Murshedy: My father was a teacher, and I was the youngest amongst 6 children. It was a measured life, and everything was pretty calculative. In the initial stages of me playing football in the area-based matches, in Khulna, I got paid tk. 20 only. It was my first earning and was huge for me at that time. I handed that over to my mother it was an extremely emotional moment in my life which I shall cherish for the rest of my existence.
Envoy Group, which started in 1984, now represents 40 business enterprises. So how did this magic happen?
I had a wonderful team working with me. Since 1984 when we started, the journey allowed me to meet and work with many wonderful souls that greatly contributed to this growth. Our combined relentless efforts, dedication, strong determination, and leadership played a vital role in our success. Our dream to grow more inspired us, and we left none of the opportunities we are learning for.
What’s your plan for your beloved motherland Bangladesh?
I believe that at this point in time, Bangladesh is a successful role model for developing nations, a model for nations showcasing immense potential. I attribute the full credit of this to none other than our Honorable Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s visionary leadership. As an entrepreneur and an organizer, I have always ensured to brand Bangladesh in the best way possible to the world, now is my chapter as a member of parliament where I intend to do more for my country’s people in a more intrinsic manner.
I am greatly dedicated to Football development, as the Senior Vice President of BFF, so that Bangladesh football regains the same glory of its days back in the 1980s, within Asia initially. As an entrepreneur, I see our PM’s futuristic visions as the goals we all need to pursue, i.e., the 2041 vision.
An honest and most dedicated leader, and the best head of state, since 1975 onwards, who contributed the most in the reversal of BD from a bottomless basket to an icon of a developing nation, I salute HPM Sheikh Hasina for allowing us the opportunity to showcase Bangladesh so successfully on the world platform. As an MP, I am a public property – the opportunity that I have as MP, I and my wife are working together to ensure that we live up to the expectation of the people in my constituency – I get ample peace in working for the people.
How do you explain your life so far? What is your life philosophy?
I am a workaholic, and anyone knowing Salam Murshedy will know that too. Any industry starting and growing is easier but hard to retain the same success and standards at all times. When I started work, there was immense risk, but the standard I have set now, to maintain that, it takes continued effort. I still work a minimum of 12 hours each day. Hard work has no alternative, and I always believed this.
Chairman
Unilever Consumer Care Ltd
Independent Director
Berger Paints Bangladesh Ltd
Singer Bangladesh Ltd
Community Bank Ltd
Viyellatex Ltd
Chief Adviser
Crown Cement Group
The greatest achievement of your life as of now
Become Chairman of GSK Bangladesh and thereafter Unilever Consumer Care, both of which are giant MNCs
How do you define patriotism?
Doing your bit in developing the nation to be self-reliant, be it imparting education, training, or socio-economic upliftment.
The greatest philosopher in your view
Socrates
Meaning of “Success” to you
Raising children as fine human beings having compassion for fellow human beings
Name the most influential books you have read
George Orwell – Animal Farm
What did you want to be when you were a child?
Nothing definite as a child, but aspired to be a Chartered Accountant when I started learning about the world
Which is the best gift you’ve ever received?
My wife and two lovely sons
Your greatest fear
Something unfortunate happening to my family
Favorite Poet and Litterateur
Poet – Robert Frost, Literateur – Thomas Hardy
What motivates you?
Praise and recognition
The most admirable personalities from recent times
Greta Thunberg, Angela Merkel (Ex PM of Germany)
Hobby
Reading, writing, and singing
How many countries have you traveled to?
24 countries
Apart from Bangladesh, which country is your favorite?
United Kingdom
Best piece of advice you’ve received
Have a better opinion of yourself
You in only three words
Simple person, positive nature, professional in work-life
Managing Director, Berger Paints Bangladesh
Trustee of the Board, Bangladesh Business & Disability Network
Vice President, Bangladesh Economic Zone Investors Association (BEZIA)
The greatest philosopher in your view
All-time favorite Socrates!
Meaning of “Success” to you
To make every stakeholder happy and excited about the future.
Your Icon
There are too many icons, difficult to adore any single person for every trait of his/her personality.
The greatest achievement of your life as of now
To make my organization respected by the majority of the consumers.
Name the most influential books you have read
100 years of Solitude by Gabriel García Márquez & Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind by Yuval Noah Harari
What did you want to be when you were a child?
Doctor and Singer
Which is the best gift you’ve ever received?
Unconditional love of my parents
Your greatest fear
Being bedridden for a long time
Favorite Poet and Litterateur
Jibanananda Das, Rabindranath Tagore
What motivates you?
Life itself!!!
One hidden habit of yours that you want to let everyone know
Let it remain hidden!!!
The most admirable personalities from recent times
Barack Obama
How do you define patriotism?
To perform one’s responsibilities with honesty and dedication.
How do you want people to remember you after death?
When I am already dead, who cares???
Describe yourself in only three words
Honest, hardworking, and lack of patience
President & Managing Director
Bank Asia Limited
The greatest achievement of your life as of now
Pioneering Agent Banking in Bangladesh
How do you define patriotism?
It is the best one can do for his country
The greatest philosopher in your view
Friedrich Nietzsche
Meaning of “success” to you
When you feel satisfied after doing something
Name the most influential book(s) you have read
Anna Karenina, Crime and Punishment, Hamlet
What did you want to be when you were a child?
An Engineer
Which is the best gift you’ve ever received?
My daughters
Your greatest fear
Loneliness
Favorite Poet and Litterateur
William Shakespeare and Rabindranath Tagore
What motivates you?
The wellbeing of others
The most admirable personality from recent times in your opinion
Abdullah Abu Sayeed
Your favorite color
Blue
Disclose one of your prayers
Good health for all
Describe yourself in three words
Committed, Truthful, Disciplined
Vice Chancellor, Asian University For Women
Managing Director, Mohammadi Group
Former President, Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association
The greatest achievement of your life as of now
Being a mother
How do you define patriotism?
Patriotism is a spirit of loyalty, love, service and sacrifice
The greatest philosopher in your view
Nietzsche
Meaning of “Success” to you
Gratification upon contribution to community and society at large.
Your Icon
My mother
Name the most influential books you have read
Out of the many favourites, Abu Sayid Ayub’s Pantho Joner Sokha
And
The Morning of the Magicians: Louis Pauwels and Louis Bergier
What did you want to be when you were a child?
Journalist
Which is the best gift you’ve ever received?
Love
Your greatest fear
Ego
Favorite Poet and Author
Poet: Derek Walcott
Author: Toni Morrison
What motivates you?
Challenge
Hobby:
Reading, Writing, Singing, Interior
Your favorite holiday destination
Home
Best piece of advice you’ve received:
Love and be loved.
You in only three words
Courage, conviction and care.
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