A patriot all the way

With the passing away of Shah Abu Mohammed Shamsul Kibria (SAMS Kibria) in a dastardly, heinous and meanest of the mean grenade attack on 27 January, 2005, the nation has lost a great son and an outstanding freedom fighter. It is natural that emotions will flow deep at the loss of such a high profile diplomat, UN official and a former finance minister. The fact that the mourning has taken a national character and has sustained until today, the fourth day after the tragic incident speaks tons about the profound appreciation of the significant work Kibria had been doing all his life. In the paragraphs that follow, an attempt is being made to highlight only a few traits of the character and contribution of the departed.

In 1954, I was a student of class seven and the then East Pakistan experienced a democratic election with the ruling party, Muslim League, crushing into a pathetic defeat at the hands of a nationalistically magnetised coalition called the United Front. Another event that captured my attention was that of Kibria securing the first position in the combined list of the successful candidates in the Central Superior Service (CSS) Examination. The CSS examination used to be conducted every year on an all Pakistan basis to select the topmost merit through an absolutely neutral and a transparent process. SAMS Kibria topped the list and preferred to join the then Pakistan Foreign Service (PFS) rather than the Civil Service of Pakistan (CSP) which he could easily do. Because of his active participation and arrest in the Language Movement of 1952, the "intelligence clearance" of Kibria -- mandatory for someone joining the then PFS -- also became a high profile incident of the country. Since then Kibria's achievements were many and already documented. Several aspects of his role and contributions as the Finance Minister of the People's Republic of Bangladesh needed further mention.

It can be stated without any fear of contradiction that as a Minister of Finance, Kibria tried to be more concerned about the welfare of the people. The vigorously followed policy of incorporating the equity aspect in the growth strategy of the government he served was greatly helped by his own enthusiasm. Kibria was in favour of economic reforms but his approach was one of patient and incremental implementation primarily with a view to minimising the 'costs' of reforms to the disadvantaged. It was not so much on the direction but at the 'slow' pace of implementation of the economic reforms that some development partners were unhappy with Kibria.

That SAMS Kibria was an excellent manager of the economy should be acceptable to most people. He would not rush on a decision that would have widespread impact. He would rather spend time and energy in carefully examining the pros and cons of a major decision as a Finance Minister than regret its resultant adverse effects. For instance, he would not mind an increase in the price of petrol used mostly by the rich but would resist 'pressure' by the development partners to raise the price of diesel and kerosene mostly used for economic activities of the relatively poor who were numerous in number.

As the Finance Minister, SAMS Kibria had a tightrope walking towards a balance between the unlimited ends and scarce resources. Equally important was the difficult balancing act between political considerations on the one hand and evaluation of merit on the other. He was one of those who believed 'efficiency' itself was a kind of 'loyalty' which a purely 'political eye' may not be able to discern. In most of the major appointments during his tenure as the Finance Minister, Kibria would put higher weight on the qualifications of the candidate rather than his or her political leanings. However, he would insist on the nominee not being against the fundamental bases on which Bangladesh was created as an independent country.

In the debate involving a trade-off between unemployment and inflation, Kibria would always vigorously support the cause of price stability. This attitude combined extremely well with his meticulous macroeconomic management in achieving impressive economic growth and yet remarkable price stability (inflation rate under two percent) during the period 1996-2001). Very particular care was taken to ensure an unhindered availability of appropriate inputs and subsidised credits for the agriculture sector which recorded self-sufficiency in food production. As the Finance Minister, Kibria was one of the rightful claimants of the success.

Kibria was at the forefront of banking reforms and the fight against the large defaulters. For the first time, the equity holders of the scheduled banks were restricted to borrowing from their "own" banks only upto the limits permitted under the Company Act of 1913 (not more than half of the equity). As many as 57 big bank defaulter-equity holders were disqualified on various counts including from being elected to the Directorship of the respective bank until the default was cleared. It was nationally and internationally well focussed that Finance Minister Kibria actually stood up firmly in support of Bangladesh Bank decision against a big defaulter when the latter lost the court battle and went to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on the Ministry of Finance comprising of several stalwarts of both the major political parties. The Standing Committee chaired by a Parliament Member of the then ruling party was unable to dissuade Kibria from spearheading the fight against the defaulter. On the matter of macroeconomic policy framework, the finance minister Kibria subscribed to the view that international reserve of foreign currency was not an end in itself but a resource to be used for 'development and intermediate imports' for accelerating the pace of economic growth which was the objective. That's why he would not get panicked at the occasional slumping of the foreign exchange reserves as long as these did not dip below a threshold.

Notwithstanding Kibria's support for the actions of the central bank, Bangladesh Bank, his attitude and views towards its 'independence' were no different than those of all the other Finance Ministers of the Republic since its independence in 1971. SAMS Kibria was convinced of the potential in large increases in the remittances and supported the Bangladesh Bank initiatives in this respect. However, the vital legislation process on the "Anti-Laundering" Act took more time than it should have.

It has to be particularly noted that SAMS Kibria, like a handful of others earnestly tried but failed in evolving a national consensus on major economic issues.

In the large, varied and geographically widespread canvas of his workplace, Kibria demonstrated a remarkable ability to endear himself to those around him. His prompt, effective and gutsy support for the glorious war of liberation in 1971 was the result of his commitment to the just cause. Kibria became a leading organiser of the freedom fighters in USA after renouncing his post in the Embassy of Pakistan. Be it Washington, Bangkok, Dhaka or any other of his workplaces, Kibrias' residence became a home of sincerely warm hospitality and cultural activities -- thanks to the large hearted artistic personality in the person of Asma Kibria. On various days of celebrations, the invited guests of the family would feel nicely comfortable because of the affectionate and personal care of Asma Kibria. On numerous occasions in various parts of the world, Asma, my wife and I were moved by the warmth of the hospitality of this high profile family. Reza and Nazlu also added to the depth of the rich tradition, values and culture in the Kibria home.

As a former colleague and an ardent admirer of the views of SAMS Kibria, I wonder why a person of such extraordinary qualities of head and heart should have incurred the wrath of the killers. He was an honest man; his voice was democratic, moderate and secular. His presence in Bangladesh (in preference to any other place in the world where the Kibrias could have easily settled) certainly helped in improving the country's politics at home and image abroad. The cruelty perpetrated on Shah Abu Mohammed Shamsul Kibria and the pains he suffered before his tragic departure from his beloved and beautiful country would certainly raise many eyebrows amongst the well-wishers of Bangladesh. I pay my deepest respect to the departed soul of this great son of the soil. May his soul rest in peace in Heaven.

The author was the Governor of Bangladesh Bank for the period 23 November 1998 to 22 November 2001.