The Road to Middle-Income: Bangladesh’s Growth Story
On November 10, 2015, the Center for Enterprise and Society (CES) at the University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh (ULAB) arranged for a renowned banker, Mr. K Mahmood Sattar to present a talk entitled “The Road to Middle-Income: Bangladesh’s Growth Story” at the Auditorium of ULAB Campus A. The talk was a part of ULAB’s ongoing initiative known as the CES Speaker Series. The talk attended by the Vice Chancellor of ULAB Professor Imran Rahman; ULAB Registrar Lt Col Md. Foyzul Islam (Retd); Pro Vice Chancellor Dr. Jahirul Haque; CES advisor Mr. Sajid Amit; Deans, Faculty members and Researchers at ULAB.
Mr. Sattar was invited to speak about his 33 years of experience in the Bangladesh banking sector, including his stint as the CEO and MD of the City Bank and Eastern Bank, as well as his directorship at reputed organizations such as the Association of Bankers Bangladesh, BRAC bank and bKash. He shared a lively story of Bangladesh’s growth as he lived it and contributed to it.
Delivering a highly pragmatic speech occasionally laden with growth statistics, Mr. Sattar frequently compared the growth of the Bangladeshi economy with the growth of Bangladeshi cricket. An optimistic Mr. Sattar attributed Bangladesh’s milestones in economic and social successes to its entrepreneurs primarily, as well as its bankers, financial intermediaries, and also highlighted prudent innovations and facilitations via policy. He greatly appreciated the courage of resilient Bangladeshi entrepreneurs progressing despite all odds. Mr. Sattar also identified the need for expanding Bangladeshi products worldwide, for business outsourcing and for establishing domestic companies in foreign countries.
Mr. K Mahmood Sattar reached his conclusion on a high note. He pointed out 7% growth rate as the breaking point which, if maintained for 2 years, would march us forward towards our goals of prosperity. After his highly informative and inspirational speech and a post-speech question and answer round, Mr. Sattar was presented with a crest from ULAB, as a token of appreciation.
