Mr. A. N. Hamidullah, also known as Abu Nazam Hamidullah, holds a distinguished place in the history of Bangladesh as the first Governor of Bangladesh Bank. His tenure from 18 January 1972 to 18 November 1974 was marked by his visionary leadership and strategic direction in establishing the monetary and credit system of a newly sovereign Bangladesh. Beyond his contributions to the central bank, Mr. Hamidullah’s illustrious career in banking, diplomacy, and business consultancy left a profound impact on the economic landscape of Bangladesh.
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Early Life and Education
A. N. Hamidullah was born on 1st February 1924 in the village of Shamashpur in Sreenagar Upazila of Bikrampur (now known as Munshiganj). His academic journey reflected his early brilliance and dedication to learning:
- In 1942, he passed the Matriculation Examination from Munshiganj Haraganga School.
- In 1944, he excelled in the Intermediate Examination from Munshiganj Haraganga College.
- In 1946, at the age of 22, he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from Presidency College under the University of Calcutta.
Early Career in Banking
Mr. Hamidullah began his banking career as a Probationary Officer at the State Bank of Pakistan. His early career saw rapid growth and recognition:
- From 1961 to 1965, he served as the Chief Executive of the East Pakistan Regional Office of the Industrial Development Bank of Pakistan.
- In 1965, he became the founder Managing Director of Eastern Banking Corporation, which later became Uttara Bank. He led the bank until December 1971.
Role as the First Governor of Bangladesh Bank
Following the independence of Bangladesh, Mr. Hamidullah was appointed as the first Governor of Bangladesh Bank on 18 January 1972. During his tenure until 18 November 1974, he played a pivotal role in:
- Establishing the framework for the country’s monetary policy and credit system.
- Ensuring the internal and external stability of the newly established Bangladeshi Taka.
- Laying the foundation for the development of a robust banking sector and promoting macroeconomic stability.
His leadership during the formative years of Bangladesh’s central banking system remains one of his most remarkable contributions.
Banking Leadership and Corporate Career
After his tenure as Governor, Mr. Hamidullah continued to lead and shape Bangladesh’s banking industry:
- In 1983, he became the President and Chairman of the United Commercial Bank Ltd., overseeing operations and encouraging economic development through private sector banking.
- From 1984 to 1985, he served as the Chief Advisor to City Bank Ltd., where he provided strategic guidance to the Board of Directors.
- From 1987 to 1992, he served as the Founder Executive President of Al-Baraka Bank Bangladesh Ltd., introducing Sharia-compliant banking to Bangladesh.
Diplomatic and International Roles
Mr. Hamidullah also made significant contributions beyond banking:
- From 1978 to 1982, he served as the High Commissioner of Bangladesh to Kenya and was concurrently accredited to Zambia.
- He represented Bangladesh as the Permanent Representative to UNEP (United Nations Environment Programme) and UNCHS (United Nations Centre for Human Settlements).
- He participated in the Annual Joint Committee of IMF/IBRD between 1972 and 1974 as an alternate member.
- He attended seminars on “Financing in the Industry” in Tokyo in 1963 and 1967.
Professional and Industry Recognition
Mr. Hamidullah’s contributions were widely recognized:
- On 14 August 1969, he received the Pakistan Civil Award ‘Sitara-e-Khidmat’ (Star of Service) for his dedication and service to the people of East Pakistan.
- On 12 October 1973, he was elected as a Fellow of the International Bankers Association in Washington, D.C.
- He was the First President of the Institute of Cost and Management Accountants of Bangladesh (ICMAB), helping establish the professional body in its formative years.
Commitment to Professional Growth and Learning
Mr. Hamidullah was committed to continuous learning and professional development:
- He underwent advanced banking training at Barclays Bank in London.
- He emphasized knowledge sharing and professional growth in the banking sector, encouraging young bankers to adopt best practices and ethical banking principles.
Personal Life and Tragic Loss
Mr. Hamidullah faced profound personal tragedy during the 1971 Liberation War when he lost his first wife and son in an attack by the Pakistani occupying forces. Despite this immense loss, he remained committed to rebuilding Bangladesh and contributing to its economic stability.
He was blessed with a son and two daughters, who have carried forward his legacy of resilience and dedication.
Legacy and Passing
Mr. A. N. Hamidullah passed away on 19 June 1995 at the age of 71 in Canada. He was laid to rest with deep respect and admiration for his service to Bangladesh’s banking and financial sectors. His legacy as a pioneering economist, visionary banker, and dedicated public servant remains an inspiration for future generations.
Conclusion
A. N. Hamidullah’s life reflects a remarkable journey of service, leadership, and resilience. From being the first Governor of Bangladesh Bank to guiding the private banking sector and representing Bangladesh on the global stage, his contributions have left a lasting imprint on the country’s economic and financial development. His visionary leadership and steadfast dedication to Bangladesh’s progress will be remembered for generations to come.