Ibrahim Khaled no more

Veteran banker Khondkar Ibrahim Khaled passed away at a hospital in Dhaka on Wednesday at the age of 80.

He breathed his last at 5:45 am at the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), said Professor Kanak Kanti Barua, Vice Chancellor of the BSMMU.

Earlier, Mr Khaled was admitted to Bangladesh Specialised Hospital in early February after he had tested Coronavirus positive. He suffered from other physical ailments after recovering from the Covid-19 illness.

Later, he was admitted to the BSMMU on February 21 with post-Covid complications.

"He tested negative for the coronavirus, but suffered from various old-age complications," his son Khondkar Sayeed said.

The noted banker had diabetes and hypertension as well as sustained an injury in the head.

Before being admitted to the BSMMU, he was being treated at a private hospital, where he was given 17 bags of blood.

His condition deteriorated after he had a stroke on Friday, doctors said.

President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister (PM) Sheikh Hasina expressed their condolences over his death.

"The people of this country will forever remember the talent and skills, showed by Khandker Ibrahim Khaled, in ensuring smooth development of the banking sector in Bangladesh," President Abdul Hamid said in a condolence message.

PM Sheikh Hasina also paid tribute to Mr Khaled for his indelible contributions to the banking sector.

Besides, a large number of personalities, including ministers and state ministers, and organisations expressed condolence over the death.

Founder and trustee of Gonoshasthaya Kendra Dr Zafrullah Chowdhury expressed deep condolence on the day.

In his message Dr Zafrullah said his death had caused an irreparable loss to the country's economy.

Economic Reporters' Forum (ERF), a platform of financial journalists, also expressed deep condolence at the demise of the noted banker.

Bangladesh Economic Association (BEA), a group of economists, also expressed condolence at the death.

Khaled's namaz-e-janaza was held at Kachi-Kanchar Mela office at Segunbagicha at 11.00 am, followed by another funeral prayer at the Baitul Mukarram national mosque. He was laid to rest at his ancestral home in Gopalganj.

Ibrahim Khaled was born in Gopalganj on July 4, 1941. He completed his Masters in Geography from Dhaka University (DU) and also obtained an MBA from the IBA, DU.

Mr Khaled's association with the banking sector spanned nearly six decades. He was chairman and managing director (MD) of the Bangladesh Krishi Bank, and MD of Sonali Bank Limited, Agrani Bank Limited and Pubali Bank Limited.

He was a deputy governor of the Bangladesh Bank from 1998 to 2001.

Mr Khaled had been closely linked to Kachi-Kanchar Mela, having served as its director, executive council president and trustee board member from 2000 onwards.

jasimharoon@yahoo.com