Dhaka: Finance Minister AMA Abdul Muhith steps into 84 on Wednesday.

Marking his birthday, Chandrabati Academy will arrange a publication ceremony of a new book - Sritimoy Kormojiban - the second part of the finance minister's autobiography.

The first part was published last year during the Ekushey Book Fair. The publication ceremony will be followed by cutting a cake, wishing the finance minister and having discussion on his colorful life and great contribution to the society and the country.

Besides, his cabinet colleagues, family members and admirers will wish him a happy birthday and pray for his healthy and long life.

Muhith was born in Sylhet to advocate Abu Ahmad Abdul Hafiz and Syed Shahar Banu Chowdhury on January 25 in 1934. His father was a leader of Pakistan movement and founder of the then Sylhet District Muslim League. His mother was also a political activist and social worker.

Muhith secured first place in Intermediate examination in the province in 1951 from Sylhet MC College. He stood first class first in B.A. (Hons.) in English Literature in 1954 from Dhaka University and achieved post graduation with credit from the same university in 1955.

During his service period, he studied in Oxford University in 1957-58 and received master in public administration degree from Harvard University in 1964.

According to finance ministry website, he joined Pakistan Civil Service (CSP) in 1956 and served in different capacities in the government of East Pakistan, Central government of Pakistan, and then Bangladesh. He was appointed as the Secretary of Planning in January, 1972 and Secretary of the External Resources Division of Finance and Planning Ministry in May, 1977.

When Muhith was the Chief and Deputy Secretary of Pakistan Planning Commission, he prepared a report on the disparity between East and West Pakistan in 1966, which was the first report submitted on that issue in Pakistan National Assembly in fulfillment of constitutional obligation. He was the first diplomat of Washington Embassy of Pakistan who transferred his allegiance to Bangladesh in June during the Independence War of 1971.

Muhith has earned outstanding reputation in economic diplomacy. He has been a recognized figure in World Bank, IMF, IDB, ADB and in different organizations of the United Nations for quite a long period. He was a visiting fellow of W. Wilson School at Princeton University in 1984 and 1985.

He went for early retirement in 1981 from his service and started a new but glorious career as a consultant on economic and development matters in Ford Foundation and in IFAD. 

He was the finance and planning minister from March 1982 to December 1983 and later worked as a consultant in different institutions of WB and the UN. 

Muhith is equally gifted as a writer. He published 23 books on different subjects including liberation war, economic development, history, public administration and political problems.

He is a pioneer of Bangladesh Environment Movement and was also the founder President of Bangladesh Poribesh Andolon (BAPA) as well as its predecessor Porosh.

Muhith is married with Syed Sabia Muhith - a designer. They are parents of two sons and a daughter. 

Muhith took oath as the Finance Minister on 12th January 2014. He is the country's first finance minister who placed the national budget for the eighth time in a row since 2009. Last year, he placed the country's 45th budget and the 17th of the Awami League government while the 10th for him.