9 hours Ago
I met Professor Rehman Sobhan for the first time in 1980 after taking admission to Jahangirnagar University to study economics. I came across him more frequently after starting to visit the Bangladesh Institute of Development Studies for supporting papers and further studies. Gradually, I got to witness him speaking at the seminars and symposiums hosted by the Bangladesh Economic Association, loudly advocating for the interests of people in the lower strata of society.
He was incredibly articulate and delved deeply into the topic of discussion. As time went by, I found out that Professor Sobhan is much more than just an economist. He is a public policy champion, an institution, and a guiding force whose intellect, courage, and unwavering commitment to justice have shaped the very fabric of Bangladesh's economic and political landscape.
As he reaches 90, we celebrate an extraordinary life that has been nothing short of legendary. His brilliance, foresight, and relentless pursuit of equity continue to inspire, proving that true visionaries never grow old; they only grow more profound in their impact. It is the truest in the case of Professor Sobhan, whom I see drinking life to the lees, dancing on the floor, and smiling with his sharp eyes even today.
Beyond his towering intellect, Professor Sobhan has mentored generations of economists, policymakers, and thinkers. His presence in a room commands respect not for the sake of authority but for the sheer depth of his wisdom. I recall a conversation in which he said that the moral obligation of economists requires them not just to analyse but to act.
Born in 1935, Professor Sobhan's intellectual journey took root at Cambridge, but it was in Bangladesh where his ideas ignited change. As a young academic at Dhaka University, he dared to challenge the entrenched economic injustices of the time. His fearless articulation of the economic disparities between the then East and West Pakistan was more than an academic critique; it was a call for action! As one of the architects of the Six-Point Programme, he provided the economic rationale for Bangladesh's struggle for self-determination.
This made him one of the builders of the "two-nation theory," which finally led to the independence of our nation. During the Liberation War of 1971, Professor Sobhan transcended the role of a thinker and became a warrior for justice, serving as a roving ambassador for the Provisional Government of Bangladesh. He carried the cause of an unborn nation to the world stage, securing global recognition for Bangladesh's right to freedom.
Few scholars have had the privilege of shaping not only their time's intellectual discourse but also their nation's very destiny. His post-independence contributions reflect his lifelong devotion to nation-building. As a member of the first Bangladesh Planning Commission, he played a pivotal role in steering the country's economic policies during its formative years.
Yet his greatest legacy is perhaps the Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD), which he founded in 1993. Under his leadership, CPD has become a beacon of informed policymaking, bridging the gap between research and governance, and ensuring that economic growth is pursued through the lens of justice and inclusivity. A prolific writer and a towering public intellectual, Professor Sobhan's work, which spans 27 books and over 140 articles, continues to shape economic thoughts and governance.
His seminal writings do not merely analyse poverty and inequality; they challenge the very structures that sustain them. His book Untranquil Recollections: The Years of Fulfillment is not just a memoir but a chronicle of a life dedicated to the relentless pursuit of justice and truth. However, if anything is more awe-inspiring about Professor Sobhan than his past achievements, is his present vitality.
At 90, he remains as engaged, passionate, and committed to his ideals as ever. His mind remains as sharp as his convictions, his energy as boundless as his vision. He is not just a scholar or a policymaker; he is a force of nature, a living testament to the idea that one man's intellect and integrity can shape the destiny of millions.
Happy 90th, Professor Sobhan! Your legacy is immortal, your impact immeasurable, and your inspiration eternal. Bangladesh and the world stand in gratitude. Mamun Rashid is chairman of Financial Excellence Ltd and founding managing partner of PwC Bangladesh.
Views expressed in this article are the author's own. Follow The Daily Star Opinion on Facebook for the latest opinions, commentaries, and analyses by experts and professionals. To contribute your article or letter to The Daily Star Opinion, see our submission guidelines .
I met Professor Rehman Sobhan for the first time in 1980 after taking admission to Jahangirnagar University to study economics. I came across him more frequently after starting to visit the Bangladesh Institute of Development Studies for supporting papers and further studies. Gradually, I got to witness him speaking at the seminars and symposiums hosted by the Bangladesh Economic Association, loudly advocating for the interests of people in the lower strata of society.
He was incredibly articulate and delved deeply into the topic of discussion. As time went by, I found out that Professor Sobhan is much more than just an economist. He is a public policy champion, an institution, and a guiding force whose intellect, courage, and unwavering commitment to justice have shaped the very fabric of Bangladesh's economic and political landscape.
As he reaches 90, we celebrate an extraordinary life that has been nothing short of legendary. His brilliance, foresight, and relentless pursuit of equity continue to inspire, proving that true visionaries never grow old; they only grow more profound in their impact. It is the truest in the case of Professor Sobhan, whom I see drinking life to the lees, dancing on the floor, and smiling with his sharp eyes even today.
Beyond his towering intellect, Professor Sobhan has mentored generations of economists, policymakers, and thinkers. His presence in a room commands respect not for the sake of authority but for the sheer depth of his wisdom. I recall a conversation in which he said that the moral obligation of economists requires them not just to analyse but to act.
Born in 1935, Professor Sobhan's intellectual journey took root at Cambridge, but it was in Bangladesh where his ideas ignited change. As a young academic at Dhaka University, he dared to challenge the entrenched economic injustices of the time. His fearless articulation of the economic disparities between the then East and West Pakistan was more than an academic critique; it was a call for action! As one of the architects of the Six-Point Programme, he provided the economic rationale for Bangladesh's struggle for self-determination.
This made him one of the builders of the "two-nation theory," which finally led to the independence of our nation. During the Liberation War of 1971, Professor Sobhan transcended the role of a thinker and became a warrior for justice, serving as a roving ambassador for the Provisional Government of Bangladesh. He carried the cause of an unborn nation to the world stage, securing global recognition for Bangladesh's right to freedom.
Few scholars have had the privilege of shaping not only their time's intellectual discourse but also their nation's very destiny. His post-independence contributions reflect his lifelong devotion to nation-building. As a member of the first Bangladesh Planning Commission, he played a pivotal role in steering the country's economic policies during its formative years.
Yet his greatest legacy is perhaps the Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD), which he founded in 1993. Under his leadership, CPD has become a beacon of informed policymaking, bridging the gap between research and governance, and ensuring that economic growth is pursued through the lens of justice and inclusivity. A prolific writer and a towering public intellectual, Professor Sobhan's work, which spans 27 books and over 140 articles, continues to shape economic thoughts and governance.
His seminal writings do not merely analyse poverty and inequality; they challenge the very structures that sustain them. His book Untranquil Recollections: The Years of Fulfillment is not just a memoir but a chronicle of a life dedicated to the relentless pursuit of justice and truth. However, if anything is more awe-inspiring about Professor Sobhan than his past achievements, is his present vitality.
At 90, he remains as engaged, passionate, and committed to his ideals as ever. His mind remains as sharp as his convictions, his energy as boundless as his vision. He is not just a scholar or a policymaker; he is a force of nature, a living testament to the idea that one man's intellect and integrity can shape the destiny of millions.
Happy 90th, Professor Sobhan! Your legacy is immortal, your impact immeasurable, and your inspiration eternal. Bangladesh and the world stand in gratitude. Mamun Rashid is chairman of Financial Excellence Ltd and founding managing partner of PwC Bangladesh.
Views expressed in this article are the author's own. Follow The Daily Star Opinion on Facebook for the latest opinions, commentaries, and analyses by experts and professionals. To contribute your article or letter to The Daily Star Opinion, see our submission guidelines .
.
