DU accords reception to PM's Adviser Titumir

The Department of Development Studies at Dhaka University (DU) has accorded a special reception to Professor Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir, former chairman of the department and current finance and planning adviser to the prime minister.

The event, featuring a policy dialogue titled “Celebrating Leadership, Shaping Futures: Dialogue on Bangladesh's Economy and Development Studies”, was organised by the department on Monday at the Prof Muzaffar Ahmed Chowdhury Auditorium in the Social Sciences Building.

The reception was chaired by the Chairperson of the Department of Development Studies Prof Naeem Sultana, with Prof Titumir present as the chief guest.

Dhaka University Vice-Chancellor Prof ABM Obaidul Islam attended as the guest of honour.

Titumir was felicitated for assuming his role as finance and planning adviser to the prime minister. Guests welcomed him with flowers and gifts during the ceremony.

In the inaugural session, Prof Abu Yusuf highlighted the life, education, research, and career of Titumir. Former DU vice-chancellor Prof Niaz Ahmed Khan spoke on the growth and importance of development studies, alongside Titumir’s contributions to national development.

Congratulating Titumir, DU Vice-Chancellor Prof ABM Obaidul Islam described him as a leading economic researcher whose visionary and honest leadership is crucial during the nation's ongoing economic crisis.

Prof Obaidul Islam said, "Bangladesh is navigating a historic transformation and new economic reality. Major national challenges, including restoring macroeconomic stability, ensuring institutional accountability, eliminating inequality, and laying a foundation for sustainable development are important. Sustainable progress requires bridging academic research with state policy-making, an effort in which DU and the Department of Development Studies play a central role."

Addressing the current economic landscape, the vice-chancellor attributed the liquidity crisis in banking, persistent inflation, foreign exchange reserve pressure, and debt management issues to corruption under the previous fascist regime.

Speaking during the policy dialogue, Prof Titumir stressed the need for public accountability, stating that individuals holding public office must be prepared to answer to the people.

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He said, "Those who receive responsibilities from the people's representatives will be prepared to answer to the people. It's necessary to create a culture of choice and make yourself important."

He emphasised incorporating local realities and experiential "folk knowledge" alongside scientific solutions in development policy.

The event was attended by National Professor Mahbub Ullah, former vice-chancellor Prof Niaz Ahmed Khan, CPD Fellow Prof Mostafizur Rahman, Dean of Social Sciences Prof Kazi Mohammad Mahbubur Rahman, former dean Prof Taiyebur Rahman, along with faculty members, researchers, and university officials.