Bangladesh Institute of Development Studies (BIDS) has published a two-volume book, commemorating the birth centenary of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
The launching programme of the book “Readings in Bangladesh Development” (Editors: K.A.S. Murshid, Minhaj Mahmud and Kazi Iqbal) was held on an online zoom platform on Wednesday at 11.00 am, BIDS said in a press release on Thursday.
The book compiles articles of research carried out by BIDS researchers over the period 1972-2020 on many critical aspects of development, and thus outlines a development journey that will inform, inspire, and hopefully encourage further explorations in the contemporary economic history, according to the press release.
Presiding over the event, Dr K A S Murshid, director general, BIDS, started the programme by reflecting the contributions of Bangabandhu as the national hero who inspired the struggle for an independent Bangladesh through his sacrifice, vision, and courage.
Then he discussed the basic structure of governance and broad policy directions set by Bangabandhu, that admirably served the country on its development journey.
Panellist Dr Qazi Kholiquzzaman Ahmad, chairman, Palli Karma-Sahayak Foundation (PKSF), pointed out Bangbandhu’s personal characteristics as a leader, socialist and patriot and how the next generation would cherish and follow these qualities.
Panellist Dr Binayak Sen, research director, BIDS, reviewed the two volumes of the book keeping in mind the progress of the development of Bangladesh through these fifty years of timeline.
Dr Mashiur Rahman, economic affairs adviser to the prime minister, and Dr Gowher Rizvi, international relation affairs adviser to the prime minister, discussed contribution of Bangabandhu in setting the basic pillars of Bangladesh and how BIDS as an autonomous research contribution assisted the government in different stages of policymaking in all these years.
Prof Rehman Sobhan, chairman, Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD), was the chief guest for the event and he discussed the philosophy of Bangabandhu as a socialist and how he envisioned the development of an independent Bangladesh in the earlier years of independence.
Mohammad Jainul Bari, secretary, Planning Division, Ministry of Planning, was the special guest at the book launching programme.
