IPDC Finance Limited debuted a webinar series last night on Facebook to have an intimate conversation with key figures who have played instrumental roles in developing Bangladesh's economy.
The series, titled "Ogroj", is hosted by Anis A Khan, former managing director and CEO of Mutual Trust Bank.
In his opening remarks, Anis said: "The coronavirus pandemic claimed the lives of many illustrious titans of commerce and this series is an attempt to listen to the accounts of those who are still with us.
"Bangladesh has come a long way under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Today we shall listen to Mohammed Matiul Islam, a confidant of her father - the Father of the Nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman."
Mohammed Matiul Islam was appointed the first finance secretary of Bangladesh.
The strong, unwavering narration belied his 91 years of age as he weaved memories of Bangabandhu and years of service in the fledgling Bangladesh together.
While speaking as the first guest of the show, Matiul said: “Public servants must be there for the people. They [public servants] are not government’s servant. They are public servants and therefore they should do good for the public.”
He also said civil servants should be honest and trustworthy.
He recalled how the first Cabinet of Bangladesh was formed on January 12 and how Sheikh Mujibur Rahman handpicked him as the first finance secretary of Bangladesh.
Reminiscing about the post-Liberation War days, he said he had not personally met Bangabandhu on too many occasions before independence.
After Bangabandhu took the office as the president of Bangladesh, Matiul was at an event with him.
"I tried to get away from the crowd but Bangabandhu sent someone to take me back. I was taken aback that day. He came to the room I was sitting in and said ‘We have decided to make you the first finance secretary' and he is someone you do not refuse" he said.
Matiul later worked for the World Bank for four years, before returning to public service as industry secretary where he was instrumental in setting up AB Bank. Afterwards, he joined the United Nations Industrial Development Organization, where he spent 12 years.
He retired in 1993 and in 1996 started International Leasing and Financial Services Ltd. In 1998, he launched National Housing and Finance. And in 2000, he opened the Industrial and Infrastructure Development Finance Company (IIDFC). He helped start the Credit Ratings Agency of Bangladesh in 2003.
The venerable civil servant-turned-banker recanted his early years growing up in undivided India and Pakistan, and what led him to civil service.