Biography of Mirza Azizul Islam: Advisor to caretaker Government of Bangladesh
Biography of Mirza A. Islam:
A. B. Mirza Azizul Islam, a prominent Bangladeshi
bureaucrat, has held pivotal roles in government and international
organizations, shaping economic policies and financial regulations.
Early Career and Education
Dr. A. B. Mirza Azizul Islam embarked on his professional
journey as a Lecturer in Economics at Dhaka University in 1962. His academic
pursuits led him to earn an M.A. in Economics from Dhaka University, followed
by an M.A. in Development Economics from Williams College, USA, and a Ph.D. in
Economics from Boston University, USA.
Government and International Service
Joining the Civil Service of Pakistan (CSP) in 1964, Dr.
Islam navigated through various governmental roles in East and West Pakistan,
eventually contributing significantly to the Government of Bangladesh after its
independence. His career extended to international platforms when he joined the
United Nations in 1982, serving in Bangkok and New York in diverse capacities.
Notably, he retired from the UN in 2001 as Director of the Development Research
and Policy Analysis Division at the United Nations Economic and Social
Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), Bangkok.
Encountering Mirza Azizul Islam
In 2002, our author crossed paths with Mirza Azizul Islam
during his tenure as Chairman of the Bangladesh Securities and Exchange
Commission (BSEC). As a BSEC-nominated director at the Chittagong Stock
Exchange, our author was struck by Islam's meticulous approach to economic
reports and policy papers. Islam’s brief stint as Chairman of Sonali Bank
further showcased his strong leadership abilities and deep understanding of
financial governance.
Leadership in Financial Regulation
Returning to Bangladesh, Dr. Azizul Islam assumed leadership
roles critical to the country's financial sector. He served as Chairman of the
Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission from 2002 to 2005, overseeing
regulatory frameworks pivotal to market stability and investor confidence. His
tenure also included chairing the Board of Directors of Sonali Bank in 2006,
where he contributed to shaping banking policies.
Advisor to the Caretaker Government
From 2007 to 2008, Dr. Azizul Islam played a crucial role as Advisor to the Caretaker Government, overseeing the Ministries of Finance and Planning during a transitional period. His stewardship was marked by efforts to ensure economic stability and good governance, crucial for the country's political and economic landscape.
Biography of Mirza Azizul Islam: Advisor to caretaker Government of Bangladesh/ financial sector/ Early life/ Struggle/ Hard work / Success/Lecturer
A Trusted Advisor in Times of Transition
Their professional relationship flourished during Islam’s
pivotal role as the finance, planning, and commerce advisor to Bangladesh’s
non-partisan caretaker government in 2007-08. Grateful for the access granted
to the dynamics of public policy formulation, our author appreciated Islam's
visionary approach to public policy. Islam's advocacy for beneficial terms of
trade for farmers and his astute analysis of global economic crises underscored
his reputation as a formidable macroeconomist.
Colleague and Mentor
During their time at Brac Business School, our author
learned of Islam's earlier role as personal secretary to Bangabandhu Sheikh
Mujibur Rahman. Despite this historical connection, Islam maintained a
dispassionate view of the Mujib regime, embodying the qualities of a brilliant
public servant. His insights, shaped by a North American PhD and extensive work
with development agencies across Asia, enriched our author's understanding of
economic development and policy implementation.
Contributions to Bangladesh’s Economic Landscape
Mirza Azizul Islam's career spanned pivotal positions in the
governments of East and West Pakistan, and later, Bangladesh. As a student of
economics, his strategic insights and policy formulations played a crucial role
in stabilizing the economy, reducing inflation, and fostering a conducive
environment for business investments.
Championing Reforms and Infrastructure Development
He co-founded the Better Business Forum and the Regulatory
Reforms Commission alongside Dr. Fakhruddin Ahmad, significantly impacting
Bangladesh’s regulatory environment. His expertise in the capital market
facilitated Bangladesh’s listing of Grameenphone. Islam's advocacy for human
capital development emphasized the importance of education, healthcare, and
vocational training in enhancing productivity and reducing income inequality.
His initiatives in trade liberalization and regional integration aimed to
enhance Bangladesh’s global economic competitiveness.
Academic Contributions
Currently, Dr. Azizul Islam enriches the academic landscape
as a Visiting Professor at BRAC University Business School, where his wealth of
experience and expertise in economics and development economics continues to
inspire and educate future leaders.
Conclusion
Dr. A. B. Mirza Azizul Islam's illustrious career spans academia, government service, and international leadership, making significant contributions to Bangladesh's economic policies and financial regulations. His dedication to public service and his profound impact on economic development continue to resonate through his teaching and advisory roles, embodying a lifelong commitment to advancing Bangladesh's socio-economic progress.
