‘Akbar Ali Khan wanted to discover Bangladesh’

Former economist and educationist Akbar Ali Khan’s truth was about Bangladesh and its people and thus he wanted to discover Bangladesh, speakers told a programme on Wednesday.

Akbar Ali Khan would respect the opinions of others and then give his own, they said in a special lecture on the eminent intellectual in the Arts Building of the University of Dhaka.

Praag, a Dhaka University-based study circle, arranged the lecture titled “Akbar Ali Khan in the background of intellectual crisis”.

Mohammad Azam, a Bangla professor, said there are crises in all societies but Bangladesh is passing a crucial time in terms of intellectual practices. “Our society is suffering heavily due to this crisis.”

He said Akbar Ali Khan’s major academic contribution is Discovery of Bangladesh.

“He never used the word ‘Bengali’ or ‘Bangladeshi’ in his writings. Instead, he used Bangladesh and Bangladesh’s people because he did not take the risk of falling into the trap of ideology.

“He never avoided the academy while practicing intellectualism. He can be an excellent example for us,” the professor added.

He further said, “He [Akbar] even produced works during illness. In fact, all his important works were produced when he was sick. It is a clear sign of his inner spirit for the truth and society.”

Former director general of Bangladesh National Museum Faizul Latif Chowdhury said Akbar Ali Khan’s area of interest was non-conventional economics. “Apart from this, the demand and supply chain also attracted him.”

Poet and litterateur Emran Mahfuz also spoke among others while Jahid Ahsan, a student of history, conducted the event.