Matiul Islam, Bangladesh's first finance secretary, passes away

Md Matiul Islam, first finance secretary of Bangladesh is dead- Photo- Collected_11zon

Dhaka, Nov 20 –Md Matiul Islam, the first Finance Secretary of independent Bangladesh and a key figure in rebuilding the nation's post-war financial system, has passed away at the age of 95.

A statement released by his family confirmed his demise, sharing the news with deep sorrow. "It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved father and grandfather," the statement read, adding that he breathed his last earlier this morning.

"He will always remain in our hearts for the love he gave, his wisdom, and his quiet but powerful influence on all around him," the family expressed.

Matiul Islam began his distinguished career in 1952 when he joined the Pakistan Civil Service. Following Bangladesh's independence, he took on the crucial and challenging role of the nation's first Finance Secretary in 1972. His responsibilities included the difficult tasks of rebuilding a shattered financial system and implementing the nationalization of the banking sector.

His impactful career extended beyond the finance ministry. According to the website of IIDFC, a non-bank financial institution where he served as a director, he subsequently held positions as: Secretary of the Ministry of Industries. Alternate Executive Director at the World Bank. Chief of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO)/World Bank Co-operative Program in Vienna.UNIDO Country Director in India.

Mr. Islam was academically brilliant, having secured first class first position in B. Com from Dhaka University. He later earned a Master's degree in Public Administration from Harvard University in the United States.

In recognition of his immense contributions to the nation’s financial governance and public life, the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Bangladesh (ICAB) honored him with a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2021. - UNB