Prominent economists Dr AB Mirza Azizul Islam and Dr Mashiur Rahman have been felicitated in recognition of their outstanding contributions to the development of economy and democracy.
The Bangladesh Institute of Development Studies (BIDS) and the Bonik Barta co-hosted the reception accorded to them at a city hotel on Monday.
Dr Islam is a Bangladeshi economist, bureaucrat and the former adviser to the Fakhruddin Ahmed-led caretaker government.
He was in charge of the finance ministry.
On the other hand, Dr Rahman is a former secretary and former economic affairs adviser to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
Bonik Barta editor Dewan Hanif Mahmud moderated the felicitation programme.
BIDS director general Dr Binayak Sen delivered an address of welcome there.
Dr Islam managed two economic crises efficiently in his working life once in his global capacity and the other as an adviser to a caretaker administration, he cited.
Dr Sen further said that Dr Islam could talk about macroeconomic issues very eloquently as he was well-versed in policies. According to the BIDS DG, Dr Rahman is an open-minded and warm-hearted person.
In a video message, Dr Islam said any recognition comes with further responsibility. "I need everyone's support to continue my responsibility to the country."
In his speech, Dr Mashiur Rahman spoke about his roles in different positions in the government. At the event, foreign minister Dr AK Abul Momen urged Dr Rahman to author a book on his experience as a private secretary of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
Planning minister MA Mannan called for the Bonik Barta and the BIDS for honouring more such eminent persons.
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