Staff Correspondent

The SOAS University of London is to confer an honourary doctorate to eminent economist Dr Atiur Rahman, a professor emeritus at Dhaka University.

SOAS University of London vice-chancellor Prof Adam Habib confirmed the degree which will be conferred in early September 2024, according to a press release on Saturday.

Dr Atiur is going to be awarded this honorary degree (Doctor of Science, Economics) in recognition of his “substantial contribution to the alleviation of poverty through his work as an economist, and as founder chairperson of Unnayan Shamannay, the globally acclaimed research and advocacy organization, according to the letter of SOAS University of London.

SOAS University of London is also acknowledging Dr Atiur’s tenure as the 10th Governor of Bangladesh’s central bank “as a leader in pro-poor public expenditure, environment and climate change, sustainable development, financial inclusion, and social innovation.”

Last year (in 2023), SOAS University of London awarded honorary degrees to four internationally distinguished personalities including eminent Indian screenwriter Javed Akhter (Doctor of Literature), London-based culinary artist Asma Khan (Doctor of Science, Social Science), UK-based public health expert Professor Kevin Fenton (Doctor of Literature), and internationally acclaimed Buddhist scholar- Dzongsar Jamyang Khyentse Rinpoche (Fellow).

This year, Dr Atiur is expected to receive his Doctor of Science (Economics) degree during the annual graduation ceremony in September. The university expects his contributions to Bangladesh and international development will be an inspiration to the SOAS University students on the occasion of their graduation.

It may be mentioned here that Dr. Rahman is an alumnus of this university and has earlier received several international and national awards. The International awards include the Gusi International Peace Prize from the Manila-based Gusi Foundation, the Indira Gandhi Gold Plaque from the Asiatic Society, Kolkata, and Best Central Bank Governor in Asia and Pacific from the Banker of the Financial Times and as well from the Emerging Markets of Euromoney.

His national awards include an Award from the Sheltech Foundation, a Tagore award from Rabindra Academy, and Bangla Academy literary and Tagore awards. The Dhaka Ahsania Mission has recently announced that Dr. Rahman will soon be awarded the Khan Bahadur Ahsanullah gold medal.