The articles in this book were mostly published in The Independent and Daily Star, Dhaka and Mainstream, New Delhi. They were written during the last few years both as response to swiftly moving events mainly in economic sphere and to organise my thoughts on individual issues. I do not expect that the views expressed by me will always be in agreement with the views expressed by others or even the views held by readers on these issues. Some of my friends however suggested that I publish these articles in a book form to evoke more discussion on these issues which affect Bangladesh and deserve serious attention of our policy planners. This book is published in deference to this request. It is hoped that readers after going through these articles will be able to reflect further on the subjects covered and form their own informed views on them and perhaps feel prompted to prod the policy makers to move in the right direction for development of "one world". Development does not mean only efficient generation of wealth but also its equitable distribution all over the globe and all segments of the societies.
Mr. A.K.N. Ahmed is an eminent central banker well known not only in Bangladesh but in many countries of the world. His areas of specialisation are central banking and development finance. During his long professional career he served with distinction in many important positions including Executive Director, State Bank of Pakistan, Deputy Managing Director, Industrial Development Bank of Pakistan, Chairman and Managing Director, Sonali Bank and the Governor of Bangladesh Bank, In early 50's he worked in the World Bank and in mid 70's as advisor in IMF. In mid 80's he also served as Bangladesh ambassador to Japan and South Korea when he was awarded Alexander the Great gold medal by Institute of Oriental Philosophy, Soka Geiki University, Tokyo for his deep knowledge of Japanese culture and society. Mr. Ahmed has published a large number of articles in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and other countries some of which have also been included by IMF in its bibliography of central banking. His published books are Economic Essays (1982), Japan - Centerpicce of the World (1989) of Deregulation and Central Bank Autonomy (1997) USA Today and Tomorrow (2000) Globalisation and Related Issues (2002). He has also published book of poems - Tormented Soul composed during his days of his captivity in Pakistan in 1971-1972.