Prof Anisur Rahman, a pivotal figure in Bangladesh's economic landscape, passed away on January 5, 2025, in Dhaka. He was 91 years old and is remembered as a founding father of the 'Two Economies' theory, which played a crucial role in shaping the discourse around the economic disparities that contributed to Bangladesh's Liberation War. [9a5c50d7]
Born in Brahmanbaria to Hafizur Rahman, a former civil servant, Anisur Rahman pursued his education in Kolkata and Dhaka before obtaining his PhD from Harvard University in 1962. His academic career flourished at Dhaka University, where he served as the chairman of the economics department from 1974 to 1975. [9a5c50d7]
Rahman was actively involved in the Six-Point Movement, advocating for the economic rights of East Pakistan. His contributions extended to the first Planning Commission of Bangladesh, although he resigned due to political frustrations. He later worked at the International Labour Office in Geneva until 1990, promoting participatory action research and social democracy. [9a5c50d7]
His legacy is marked by his commitment to empowering the downtrodden and training future economists and civil servants. Anisur Rahman's work continues to inspire those in the fields of economics and social justice, ensuring that his vision for a more equitable society endures. [9a5c50d7]