Bangladeshi economist Dr Atiur Rahman has been awarded an honorary Doctorate of Science in Economics by SOAS University of London.

Globally acclaimed media personality Zeinab Badawi, president of the university, presented the award to Dr Atiur at Friend’s House in London on Thursday.

SOAS University trustee board chairman Lord Hastings and Vice-Chancellor Prof Adam Habib were also present at the special graduation ceremony.

In his acceptance speech, Dr Atiur highlighted the existentialist challenges including the climate change faced by the only planet that we have and share.

“We must work together to reduce greenhouse house gas emissions, and build resilience to create opportunities for new green jobs, sustainable energy utilisation, and green growth,” he said.

Driving such a positive change will, of course, need convictions and investment in individuals and institutions, cooperation across agencies and countries, according to the development economist.

Dr Atiur has advocated for central banks to play a strategic role in designing sustainable finance for an ambitious climate-friendly green transformation.