Amartya Sen deems Abed "architect of modern and beautiful world"

Amartya Sen, Nobel laureate and Lamont University Professor at Harvard University, has said Fazle Hasan Abed, founder and chairperson of BRAC, is one of the architects of a modern and beautiful world.

Bangladesh and her soil are honoured to have many wonderful persons and role models, he said, adding that Abed is one of them.

The Nobel laureate said this while speaking as the chief guest at a reception hosted by Harvard University's John F. Kennedy School of Government and the Ash Institute in Boston in honour of Abed, founder of the largest non-governmental organisation of the world, reports News World, a US-based news agency.

Professor Amartya said general people of Bangladesh are enjoying better health care facilities because of BRAC's contribution to poverty alleviation and the education and health sectors. The people of many neighbouring countries are still deprived of such facilities, he added.

"I have visited different schools and projects of BRAC," the eminent economist said, adding that Abed's contribution to the welfare of people is unforgettable.

Bangladesh has earned worldwide acclaim for the system of micro-credit pioneered by Nobel laureate Dr Muhammad Yunus and the largest non-governmental organisation of the world established by Abed, he said.

Speaking on the occasion, Fazle Hasan Abed said BRAC has been moving forward as the largest NGO with an array of projects aiming to ensure the dignity of people through eradicating poverty.

A campaign to eliminate poverty is now being carried out in Bangladesh, which can be an example for many countries in the world, he added.

Professor Gowhar Rizvi of Harvard University moderated the programme.

- The Daily Star, Thursday, April 3, 2008 09:40 PM GMT+06:00