What is the source of Prof Islam's eminence? This article is not the place to discuss in any depth the broad range of his intellect: one of a pioneering quantitative development economist who, ahead of his time, also rendered important institutions and processes in his work that ranged from international trade, agriculture, rural development, to governance.

Nurul’s unique quality as a professional economist originated in the common sense and pragmatism which influenced his great faith in empirical work.

That legacy has produced a bevy of outstanding economists over the past three decades. He lived a full life, steering through extraordinary times while leaving a chequered professional career behind. Yet, he once professed he was only an economist by accident.