Dr Mohammad Haroonur Rashid, eminent economist, academic, public policy expert and former secretary to the Government of Bangladesh, passed away on the evening of August 25.
He took his last breath at the Bangladesh Specialized Hospital, Shyamoli, Dhaka, at the age of 88.
Born in Amanatganj, Barisal, Dr Rashid was the second son of the late Altaf Uddin Ahmed and Jebunessa Begum.
Dr Rashid joined the Civil Service of Pakistan (CSP) in 1965 and went on to serve Bangladesh with distinction in several key positions. Throughout his career, he made significant contributions to financial rules and regulations, economic planning and the development of the country’s economy. He served as secretary of the Ministries of Commerce, Labour and Manpower, and Planning, and was also a Member of the Planning Commission.
Following his retirement from government service, Dr Rashid continued to contribute to the country’s public and financial institutions. He served as chairman of Grameen Bank, Janata Bank and the Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission. He was also the founder senior vice president of Uttara Officers’ Club.
His commitment to public institutions, governance and intellectual pursuits continued throughout his later years. He served as a director of the Bangladesh Institute of Governance and Management (BIGM) and was a member of its governing body and Board of Trustees.
An accomplished scholar, Dr Rashid earned his PhD in Economics from Boston University, US, following his studies in Economics at the University of Dhaka.
Dr Rashid was one of six brothers and four sisters. He is survived by two daughters, one granddaughter, two of his brothers and his four sisters, along with relatives, friends, former colleagues, students and well-wishers.
He joins his late wife, Rokeya Rashid neé Rahman, who passed on in 2010.
His Namaz-e-Janaza will be held on Friday, after Asr prayers, at Masjid Al Magferah, Sector 3, Uttara, Dhaka, and he will be laid to rest at Banani Graveyard.
