Dr Fahmida Khatun Appointed as Board Member of Bangladesh Bank
In a significant move by the Ministry of Finance, Dr Fahmida Khatun, the esteemed Executive Director of the Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD), has been appointed as a director on the prestigious Bangladesh Bank Board. This new role for Dr Khatun comes as a testament to her exceptional expertise and experience in the field of economics and policy-making.
The official announcement was made through an office order issued by Afsan Bilkis, Deputy Secretary of the Ministry, confirming Dr Khatun’s appointment for a three-year term on the central bank’s board. This appointment highlights the government’s recognition of her valuable contributions to the economic development of Bangladesh.
Impressive Academic Background and International Experience
Dr Fahmida Khatun’s impressive academic background includes completing her postdoctoral research at Columbia University in the USA, where she had the opportunity to collaborate with renowned economist Professor Jeffrey Sachs. She holds a Master’s and PhD in Economics from University College London (UCL), University of London, showcasing her strong foundation in the field.
Furthermore, Dr Khatun’s international experience extends beyond academia. She has participated in the Leadership Decision-Making program at Harvard University in the USA, further honing her skills in strategic decision-making and governance. Her global exposure has equipped her with a unique perspective on economic issues that will undoubtedly benefit her new role at the Bangladesh Bank.
Extensive Policy-Making and Advisory Experience
Dr Fahmida Khatun’s involvement in various policy-making and advisory bodies, both domestically and internationally, underscores her expertise in the field. Notably, she is a member of the High-level Advisory Board on the Productive Capacities Index of UNCTAD, a key organization focused on trade and development. Additionally, she serves on the board of BRAC, the world’s largest non-governmental organization, highlighting her commitment to social development and welfare.
Her role as a member of the Task Force on Climate, Development, and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) further demonstrates her dedication to addressing pressing global challenges. This initiative, led by Boston University in the USA, emphasizes the intersection of climate change, economic development, and international cooperation, areas where Dr Khatun’s expertise will be invaluable.
Varied Career Trajectory and Influential Roles
Throughout her career, Dr Fahmida Khatun has held diverse roles that have shaped her into a seasoned economist and policy expert. She started as a Research Fellow at the Bangladesh Institute of Development Studies (BIDS), where she conducted groundbreaking research on economic development in Bangladesh. Her subsequent roles as an Environment Specialist at the UNDP and an Economist for the USAID Mission in Bangladesh further solidified her expertise in sustainable development and international cooperation.
Dr Khatun’s experience as a teacher of economics at universities in Bangladesh and England highlights her passion for educating the next generation of economists and policymakers. Her contributions as a Visiting Fellow at various international research organizations have allowed her to share her knowledge and insights with a global audience, fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange.
In 2023, Dr Khatun’s co-chairing of the T20 Task Force on “Accelerating SDGs: Exploring New Pathways to the 2030 Agenda” for the G20 showcased her leadership and strategic vision in advancing sustainable development goals on a global scale. This role further solidified her reputation as a thought leader in the field of economics and policy-making.
In conclusion, Dr Fahmida Khatun’s appointment as a director on the Bangladesh Bank Board marks a significant milestone in her illustrious career. Her diverse experiences, impressive academic background, and extensive involvement in policy-making and advisory roles position her as a valuable asset to the central bank. As she embarks on this new chapter, her expertise and dedication to economic development are sure to make a lasting impact on Bangladesh’s financial landscape.