Late lamented finance minister and BNP politician M Saifur Rahman was posthumously honoured with the Gunijan Sambardhana-2024 on Friday.
The event for honouring distinguished persons was a joint initiative by the Bonik Barta and the Bangladesh Institute of Development Studies (BIDS).
This marked the seventh edition of the felicitation ceremony hosted at a city hotel on Friday night.
Dewan Hanif Mahmud, editor and publisher of Banik Barta, the vernacular business daily, moderated the programme.
Addressing the event, Mr Mahmud focused on the significance of honouring Saifur Rahman, saying: "This is the best moment to pay tributes to Saifur Rahman. After August 05, we are in an era of new beginnings."
"We are honouring him for his contributions to economic reforms and his outstanding role in the development of the private sector," he added.
At the event, BNP standing committee member Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury praised Saifur Rahman as a "champion of the private sector and production".
"In business, we do reforms; but to bring a groundbreaking change, we need a champion. Saifur Rahman was that champion. He followed the philosophy of late President Ziaur Rahman who aimed to transform a one-party economy into a multilateral, inclusive economy."
"Saifur Rahman always balanced market economy principles with uplifting the marginalised. He was a champion of resource mobilisation and introduced initiatives like the 'Food for Education' programme to boost student enrolment, especially among girls," continued Mr Khosru.
"BNP will carry forward Saifur Rahman's legacy and pursue greater liberalisation for the betterment of Bangladesh's economy," He added.
Commerce adviser Sheikh Bashir Uddin said, "Saifur Rahman focused on equitable wealth distribution, resource mobilisation and employment generation."
"Although he was an accountant by profession, his life encapsulated the essence of the economy. As a nation, we take pride in his contributions. Despite challenges, the economic structure he built remains resilient. In this new era, we will uphold his spirit and continue to grow our economy."
Muhammad Fawzul Kabir Khan, adviser to power, energy and mineral resources, discussed renewable energy and solar power initiatives, noting their alignment with Saifur Rahman's vision for sustainable development.
Acting BIDS director general Kazi Iqbal described Saifur Rahman as "the best finance minister Bangladesh has ever had".
"Saifur Rahman respected researchers and played a pivotal role in the first Interim Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper (IPRSP). His contributions to industrial and economic reforms in the 1990s were transformative," he said.
"If we connect the dots of history, Saifur Rahman will stand out as a significant figure," observed Mr Iqbal.
Former finance secretary and incumbent PKSF chairman Zakir Ahmed Khan focused on Saifur Rahman's long and impactful career.
It is noteworthy that Saifur Rahman served as minister for finance, commerce, and planning at various times from 1976 to 2006.
During his tenure, he played a key role in the private-sector development and policy formulation, including the introduction of VAT, back-to-back LCs in the garment sector and bonded warehouse facilities.
His contributions remain central to the country's economy, according to Mr Khan.
A video documentary was also displayed at the event, celebrating Saifur Rahman's enduring legacy and his role in shaping the economic structure.
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