Muhith's life entwined with Bangladesh

The life and works of Finance Minister Abul Maal Abdul Muhith comprised a distinctive combination of his childhood memories and moments of uprising of Bangladesh's history, observed friends and well-wishers yesterday.

During his academic life, Muhith also witnessed the surrounding social, political and cultural developments of the nation, they told the launching ceremony of Muhith's autobiography, "Sonali Dinguli", detailing the first 22 years of his life.

Addressing the programme in the capital's Bangladesh Shishu Academy, Prof Emeritus Anisuzzaman said the history of the country's society, politics, economy and culture has been reflected in the autobiography, published by Chandrabati Academy.

"What he witnessed and learned in his student life, he had tried to follow in his career later," he mentioned as the chair.

Eminent economist Rehman Sobhan said Muhith's life history was exceptional and he had a distinguished academic career. "We together had campaigned for our Liberation War in the USA. He took a risk doing this," he added.

Former finance minister M Saiduzzaman recalled their days together in Dhaka University when they took part in the Language Movement of 1952.

The life of Muhith is blended with multiple features, he said, adding that Muhith has specialised knowledge on administration, economy and politics.

Commerce Minister Tofail Ahmed said it was really a wonder how a man could do so many things and that very few politicians find the opportunity to write down the history of their lives and works.

Muhith expressed satisfaction on sharing the story of his life with people. Cultural Affairs Minister Asaduzzaman Noor also spoke.

A renowned economist, diplomat, freedom fighter, and Language Movement veteran, Muhith was born in a respected Muslim family of Sylhet in 1934.

He secured first place in intermediate examinations from Sylhet MC College in 1951 and first class first in Bachelor of Arts (honours) in English literature from Dhaka University in 1954 and passed Master of Arts with credit from the same university in 1955.

He studied in Oxford University in 1957-58 and received a Master of Public Administration degree from Harvard University in 1964.

He joined Pakistan Civil Service in 1956 and after the country gained independence, he also served the Bangabandhu-led government before joining politics.