Governor AKN Ahmed was legend: Atiur

Bangladesh Bank Governor Atiur Rahman expressed deep shock at the demise of AKN Ahmed, former governor of Bangladesh Bank. Terming Ahmed a "legend in the banking sector at home and abroad", Atiur said, "He was one of my mentors."The former BB governor AKN Ahmed died following a stroke in Washington, USA on Wednesday. He was 85. In a condolence massage on Thursday, Atiur also said, "AKN Ahmed's service life was legendary. He led the demonetization project of Tk 100 notes after the war of independence according to the directives of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman." The BB governor, moreover, recalled AKN Ahmed's contributions with due respect.  Ahmed served the central bank as its second governor from November 19, 1974 to July 13, 1976. He also worked for World Bank, IMF, and served as Bangladesh ambassador to Japan and South Korea. He was awarded 'Alexander the Great Gold Medal' by the Institute of Oriental Philosophy, Soka Geiki University, Tokyo for his deep knowledge on Japanese culture and society, according to 'Scholars Journal'. Atiur Rahman prayed for the salvation of the departed soul and conveyed profound sympathy to his bereaved family members. AKN Ahmed had been living abroad after his retirement and working with international economic organization as a senior fellow. He was also involved with different social organizations. The eminent economist was born in Brahmanbaria.