A. N. M. Hamidullah
A. N. M. Hamidullah | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1919 Somospur village, Srinagar, Munshiganj (formerly Bikrampur) |
| Died | 1994 Canada |
| Occupation(s) | Banker, diplomat |
| Years active | 1965–1994 |
| Known for | First governor of Bangladesh Bank (1972–1974) |
A. N. M. Hamidullah (1919–1994), originally from Somospur village in Srinagar, Munshiganj (previously known as Bikrampur), was appointed as the inaugural governor of Bangladesh Bank, holding the position from 1972 until 1974. He was instrumental in the foundation of the central bank for the newly sovereign Bangladesh, overseeing critical matters such as currency issuance, monetary systems, and credit control.
Early life
In 1971, Hamidullah held the position of managing director at Eastern Banking Corporation. During the Bangladesh Liberation War, his family tragically lost their lives at the hands of the Pakistani Army while attempting to escape Dhaka, a loss that profoundly influenced him.
Career
Hamidullah was recognized as a Fellow by the International Bankers Association based in Washington. He completed specialized banking education at Barclays Bank in London and represented Pakistan at financial industry conferences held in Tokyo in 1963 and 1967. As governor of Bangladesh Bank from 1972 to 1974, he participated in International Financial Meetings and contributed to committees such as the IFM Joint Committee and Pakistan’s Jute Mills Permitting Committee.
Beginning his tenure as managing director in 1965, he propelled Eastern Banking Corporation’s expansion to 62 branches throughout Pakistan before 1971. Following Bangladesh’s independence, Eastern Bank Corporation played a key role in founding Uttara Bank together with Muslim Commercial Bank.
After concluding his term as governor in 1975, Hamidullah served as ambassador to Kenya and Zambia between 1978 and 1982. Upon his return to Bangladesh, he rejuvenated several financial institutions as Executive President and Managing Director: United Commercial Bank in 1982, The City Bank Limited in 1984, and Al Baraka Bank in 1989. His profound expertise left a lasting influence on the Industrial Development Bank, multiple commercial banks, and Bangladesh Bank during his professional life.
Death
A.N. Hamidullah died in Canada in 1994.