Was born in Dhaka in 1942 in an urban middle class family. Went to school in Dhaka (1952-57). Finished college in 1959 obtaining an intermediate degree from Notre Dame College. Studied at the Dhaka University in 1959 throgh 1963, obtaining B A Honours and M A degrees in Economics. Obtained post graduate diploma from the Institute of Development Economics, Karachi, in 1964. Taught economics at Dhaka University (1964-65). Entered the Civil Service of Pakistan (CSP) in 1965. Worked in different junior civil service slots (1965-71). Joined the national liberation war of Bangladesh in 1971 while still serving as additional deputy commissioner of Chittagong Hill Tracts district in the southeastern part of Bangladesh. Studied in University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) and Boston University (BU) from where he obtained his Ph.D. degree in 1979. Taught economics at BU, Dhaka University, Boston State College and Hankuk University of Foreign Studies (HUFS), Korea (till 2009). Author of more than 20 books (economics) and 60 published articles. Served the UN Asian and Pacific Development Centre (APDC), based in Kuala Lumpur,for the period 1990-96.Retired from civil service in 2001 as the chief secretary of the government of Bangladesh. Currently (2009- to date) works as the Executive Chairman, Board of Investment, Prime Minister's Office, Government of the Peoples Republic of Bangladesh, with the rank,status, privileges and honours of a cabinet minister. Loves literature, music, sports and hash walking. Single.