Development economics is not just about academic theory, and Dr Atiur Rahman, Bangladesh’s central bank governor, is proof that it is possible to put theory into practice. With an established reputation as a pro-poor economist – with a PhD thesis on 'peasants and classes' – the former university professor is now practising what he has been preaching, and previously teaching, at the University of Dhaka.
On taking the helm of Bangladesh Bank in May 2009, Mr Rahman sought to translate his research into transforming the central bank’s approach. “In our five-year vision, our strategy was that we must focus on financial inclusion – that became my major agenda,” he says.
