A distinguished name devoted to the economy, education, and human welfare of Bangladesh, Dr M. Aklakur Rahman was an outstanding figure. He was not only a renowned economist but also an exemplary educator, a humanist, and a rare socially conscious personality.
He was born on 6 December 1925 in Teghoria village of Sunamganj. The eldest among seven siblings, his thirst for knowledge was evident from an early age. He began his education at the age of three in a traditional school run by his father. He later completed his schooling in Balaganj and Habiganj, and went on to pass his Intermediate examination from M.C. College, Sylhet.
Demonstrating academic excellence, he proceeded to Aligarh Muslim University, where he obtained his Bachelor’s degree in 1947. He subsequently completed his Master’s degree in Economics from the University of Dhaka and joined the same department as a lecturer.
Driven by his pursuit of research, he worked as a research assistant at the Victoria University of Manchester in England. He later taught at the University of Peshawar and served as a member of the editorial board of the Pakistan Economic Journal.
He subsequently worked as a senior economist at the Pakistan Institute of Development Economics in Karachi. During this period, he completed his PhD in 1962 from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in the United States.
After returning home, he played significant roles in both national and international spheres related to economics and development. In recognition of his outstanding contributions, the Bangladesh Economic Association awarded him lifetime honourary membership.
Dr Aklakur Rahman’s political and social life was equally significant. From his student days, he was involved in progressive politics and played an active role in the Language Movement. His reflections on the importance of the mother tongue remain relevant and inspiring to this day.
During the Liberation War of 1971, while he was in Pakistan, he took the initiative to raise funds to assist stranded Bengalis—an eloquent testament to his humanity and patriotism.
He remained steadfast in his principles throughout his life. A believer in socialist ideals, he never prioritised personal gain. Despite various obstacles in his career, including imprisonment, he never deviated from his principles.
His commitment to humanitarian service was remarkable. As a teenager during a malaria epidemic in Baniachong, he demonstrated extraordinary courage and compassion—an early reflection of his lifelong dedication to humanity. Even while being personally affected, his willingness to stand beside others elevated him to a higher moral stature.
He was also deeply engaged in spiritual life. From 1974, influenced by Shahid Al Bukhari, he devoted himself to yoga and meditation practices and played a significant role in establishing a Yoga Meditation Centre in 1983.
He passed away on 4 May 1992.
Tribute
Dr Aklakur Rahman was an enlightened individual who shaped his life through the harmony of knowledge, ethics, and humanity. His life teaches us that unwavering commitment to truth and principles is the greatest strength of human existence.
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