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His career had started in bureaucracy but Dr Akbar Ali Khan later did not tie himself down to that line of work. He became a forthright analyst and an economist acceptable by all after overcoming the identity of a former bureaucrat.
He used to analyse the complex theories of economics in a simple, neutral and disillusioned manner to show how they work in the individual life and the state structure and what is their relationship with politics.
He had compared Bangladesh’s economic progress to a deflated balloon since inequality increased at the same time. His outspokenness sometimes may have made many uncomfortable, but he never made remarks considering anyone’s happiness or displeasure because he had a moral basis, to tell the truth only.
Although a student of history, Akbar later studied economics and wrote extensively on the subject. Some of the notable books out of the 18 he published are “Daridrer Orthoniti: Otit, Bortoman O Bhobisshot”, “Porarthoporotar Orthoniti”, “Ajob o Jobor Ajob Orthoniti”, “Obak Bangladesh: Bichitro Chholonajale Rajniti”, “Chabikathir Khoje: Notun Aloke Jibananadar Banalata Sen”, “Durvabona O Vabna: Rabindranathke Niye”, “Banglay Islam Prochare Safollo: Ekti Oitihasik Bishleshon”, and “Bangladeshe Budget: Orthonity and Rajniti”. His last autobiography is “Purano Sei Diner Kotha.”
One of his most popular articles is titled “Shuorer Baccha Orthoniti,” from the “Porarthoporotar Orthoniti” book, in which he highlighted the issues of bribery and corruption in government services in Bangladesh.
He also discussed the country’s socio-economic progress amid so much corruption in “Obak Bangladesh: Bichitro Chholonajale Rajniti.”
Akbar Ali Khan had zero tolerance for corruption during his bureaucrat days. After retiring from government service, he joined the anti-corruption movement. He also served as a member of the Board of Trustees of Transparency International, Bangladesh (TIB) for two consecutive terms from December 2013 to December 2019.
He actively contributed to the acceleration of good governance and the anti-corruption movement in Bangladesh, TIB said in a press release on Friday.
TIB also said that his well-thought-out strategic and policy advice, guidance and support in all of its activities against corruption have served as motivation for the organisation to carry on. His death is an irreparable loss to the country.
He analysed how such a huge Muslim population settled in Bangladesh under the Indian subcontinent and shared the results in his book “Banglay Islam Prochare Safollo: Ekti Oitihasik Bishleshon.”
In “Bangladeshe Budget: Orthonity and Rajniti,” the former finance secretary highlighted the shortcomings of the government’s budget management and suggested solutions to address them.
Even though he was a bureaucrat, his knowledge should amaze the readers. If they read the books he has written, they would understand how much he studied before writing them. The references cited in each book are proof of that. The light of knowledge that he has lit through his books will last from generation to generation.
Regarding his writings, Bangladesh Economic Association (BEA) in a press release said that the memories of Akbar Ali Khan’s writings and progressive and creative activities will remain forever as a symbol of social responsibility.
Although his death brought an end to all external relations, the feeling of a spiritual bond created by mutual closeness during his life will never be tarnished by his eternal farewell. BEA’s spiritual bond with him will always be a source of strength and motivation for human welfare.
During the 1971 Liberation War, Akbar Ali Khan served as the deputy secretary of defence in the Mujibnagar government. He was also sentenced to 14 years of imprisonment in absentia by a Pakistani military court for his active participation in the war.
After being part of the struggle to free the country from the exploitation of Pakistanis, he always emphasised multi-party democracy and repeatedly insisted on participatory elections that are acceptable to all.
Meanwhile, he was laid to rest at Mirpur Martyred Intellectuals’ Graveyard at around 3:30pm Friday following his namaz-e-janaza at Azad Mosque in Dhaka’s Gulshan after Juma prayers.
