Eminent citizens seek due recognition for Dr Mahabub

The contribution of development economist Dr Mahabub Hossain in Bangladesh's agriculture and rural development is unique, said speakers at a civic condolence meeting yesterday, in the capital's Krishibid Institution, Bangladesh.

At the meeting, organised by a citizens committee, speakers suggested that the state duly recognises Dr Hossain, who died of heart diseases on January 3.

"The contribution he made in our agricultural development, poverty reduction is not possible by any individual," said M Sayeduzzaman, former finance minister.

"Dr Mahabub was a humble man. He touched lives of many and changed lives of farmers through research and agricultural innovation," said Dr Badiul Alam Majumder, Shujan secretary.

Dr Mustafizur Rahman, executive director at the Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD), said Dr Mahabub always used to tell the researchers to learn about the lives of the farmers and common people.

Dr Hossain served as head of social science division of International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), executive director of Brac, and director general of Bangladesh Institute of Development Studies (BIDS), among others.

Dr Shamsul Alam, planning commission member, said the state should recognise and award Dr Mahabub for his immense contrition to the modernisation of the country's agriculture.

Dr QK Ahmad, chairperson, Pally Karma Sahayak Foundation (PKSF), chaired the meeting, which was attended by a galaxy of economists, colleagues, friends and relatives, all paid rich tributes in remembrance of Dr Mahabub.