A Biography of M Saifur Rahman

 “Just hearing the word VAT makes businessmen tremble. But if the country’s revenue does not increase, who will pay for education, health, and roads? If I don’t do it, who will?” – M Saifur Rahman while presenting the VAT bill in parliament in 1991.

Introduction (1932–2009)

The year was 1932. In a hilly village of Sylhet, a ‘magician of accounts’ was born. When the cry of a baby pierced the mist of Baharmardan, Moulvibazar, no one knew that this cry would one day shake the budget sessions of the nation.

M Saifur Rahman was not just a politician or a finance minister. He was the architect of Bangladesh’s modern tax system, the fearless reformer who introduced VAT, privatisation, and banking liberalisation. He served as Finance Minister for three non‑consecutive terms (1979‑81, 1991‑96, 2001‑06), presented twelve national budgets, and earned international recognition as Governor of the World Bank‑IMF Annual Meetings in 1994. His reforms laid the foundation for Bangladesh’s transition from a closed, state‑controlled economy to a dynamic, private‑sector‑led market.

Yet his path was never smooth. He lost his father at six, walked miles to school, became a chartered accountant in London, and then plunged into politics. He faced fierce criticism for VAT, privatisation, and his pro‑business policies. But history has proved him right. This 28‑chapter epic tells the story of a man who calculated not just numbers, but the future of a nation – and whose untimely death in a road accident left a void that is still felt today.

At a Glance: Life of M Saifur Rahman (1932–2009)

Information	Details	Special Notes
Full Name	Mohammad Saifur Rahman	Known as M Saifur Rahman
Nickname	Saifur Bhai (by activists), ‘Father of Reforms’ (international)	World Bank & IMF called him ‘courageous reformer’
Born	October 6, 1932, Baharmardan village, Moulvibazar, Sylhet (British India)	Born in the hills of Sylhet
Died	September 5, 2009, Brahmanbaria district (road accident), age 76	Sudden and tragic death
Father	Abdul Basit	Orphaned at age 6
Mother	Talebunnesa	Hardworking and religious
Guardian	Mohammad Shafi (paternal uncle)	Raised by uncle
Spouse	Duri Samad Rahman (married 1960, died 2003)	Daughter of banker Bazlur Samad Chowdhury
Children	M Nasir Rahman (former MP), Shafiur Rahman Babu, Saifa Rahman, one more son	Nasir won by‑election in father’s seat
Profession	Chartered Accountant, Finance Minister (1979‑81, 1991‑96, 2001‑06), Commerce Minister, Planning Minister, MP, politician	Total 14 years as Finance Minister
Education	Matric (Moulvibazar Govt High School, 1949); IA (MC College, Sylhet, 1951); B.Com Honours (University of Dhaka, 1953); Chartered Accountancy from ICAEW (London, mid‑1950s)	Among first batch of B.Com Honours at DU; pioneering CA
Religion	Islam	Performed Hajj
Mother Tongue	Bengali	Active in Language Movement; spoke Sylheti dialect fluently
Extraordinary Achievements	12 budgets; introduced VAT; tax reforms; banking liberalisation; privatisation; capital market strengthening; elected Governor of World Bank‑IMF conference (1994); led Bangladesh’s economic liberalisation	Known as ‘Saifur Rahman era’
Major Controversies	Opposition to VAT and tax reforms; conflict with Awami League over caretaker government; international pressure after 2004 grenade attack; weaknesses in capital market liberalisation	Despite controversies, recognised as ‘honest and visionary’
Highest Recognition	Ekushey Padak (2005) for Language Movement; Senegal’s highest national honour ‘Order National’	Rare Bangladeshi minister to receive foreign state honour
Political Party	Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) – founding member; earlier JAGDAL	Close associate of Ziaur Rahman
Total Budgets	12 national budgets (1979‑81, 1991‑96, 2001‑06)	Second most budgets after Muhith
Death Cause	Road accident – car lost control and hit a tree	Returning from visiting Hazrat Shahjalal’s shrine
Burial	Family graveyard, Baharmardan village, beside his wife	Buried with state honours

Early Life (1932-1940)

In the last hours of British India, a child’s cry was heard in the hill‑surrounded Baharmardan village. That cry would one day become the voice of Bangladesh’s economic liberation war.

October 6, 1932. In Baharmardan village of Moulvibazar (then under Sylhet district), a respectable Muslim family welcomed Mohammad Saifur Rahman. His father Abdul Basit was a farmer and local social worker. His mother Talebunnesa was a pious homemaker.

When Saifur was only six years old, his father died. This childhood grief made him tough and self‑reliant. He was raised by his paternal uncle, Mohammad Shafi – an education‑loving agricultural entrepreneur who gave Saifur all support for studies.

Baharmardan is about ten kilometres from Moulvibazar town, nestled among hills and tea gardens. Saifur spent his childhood in the village primary school, the mosque, and watching his uncle’s farm. From an early age he saw how hard villagers struggled to make ends meet. That reality sparked his interest in economics and development.

The cool air of hilly Sylhet and the green of tea gardens made him a nature lover, but inside him burned an unquenchable fire – to one day change the fate of his country’s people.

Education (1940-1953)

Walking the muddy village paths, he memorised mountains of arithmetic. Those numbers would one day transform into the columns of the national budget – who knew?

Saifur’s formal education began at Moulvibazar Government High School. He was a first‑class student. In 1949, he passed Matriculation with distinction.

He then enrolled at MC College in Sylhet. At that time Sylhet was a district of East Pakistan. MC College was an old and prestigious institution. In 1951, he passed IA examination in first division.

For higher education he chose the Faculty of Commerce at the University of Dhaka. The B.Com Honours course had been introduced only a few years earlier. He was one of the brightest students of that early batch. In 1953, he earned his B.Com Honours degree.

As a student, he was not just bookish – he also became active in student politics. He was elected Vice President of Salimullah Muslim Hall. Students of Salimullah Hall knew him as a ‘brilliant and just leader’.

It was during this time that he became involved in the Language Movement. Although he did not march on 21 February 1952, he helped prepare and distribute leaflets and posters. The Language Movement kindled his interest in national politics.

Struggles & Adversities (1950s)

A young Bangladeshi walked the cold streets of London. His pocket was empty, but his heart was full of dreams and a calculator. That dream one day wrote Bangladesh’s first VAT law.

After completing his B.Com, Saifur Rahman moved to London. He enrolled at the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW). At that time, it was exceptional for a Bangladeshi to pursue this profession.

Life in London was hard. Rent, tuition fees, and all the difficulties of being an overseas student. He rented a tiny room, cooked his own food. Even buying warm clothes was a struggle in the London winter. But he did not give up.

He studied at night and worked part‑time during the day. Some days he earned by tutoring. His hard work paid off – within a few years he became a qualified Chartered Accountant. After receiving his ICAEW certificate, he worked briefly in London.

During this period he observed European economies and tax systems. He was particularly fascinated by Value Added Tax (VAT). He began to think: why can’t this system be introduced in Bangladesh? That dream later became the driving force behind the VAT introduction in the 1990s.

While in London, he was also vocal about Bengali language and culture. He served as Secretary of the ‘East Pakistan Students’ Association’ and spoke against Pakistani discrimination.

Love & Marriage (1960)

Behind the calculator and the stern reformer, he hid a tender heart. His wife was his silent companion; he gave his seat to his son, and sent his daughter abroad to study.

In 1960, Saifur Rahman married Duri Samad Rahman, daughter of Chittagong banker Bazlur Samad Chowdhury. Notably, his aunt’s husband was the legendary industrialist and minister A.K. Khan. This family connection gave him access to business and political circles.

Duri Samad Rahman was a homemaker and social worker. She always supported her husband’s political and professional journey. She never sought the limelight. Saifur called her ‘the symbol of justice’.

In 2003, Duri Samad died of cancer. Saifur was devastated. He never remarried. When he himself died in 2009, he was buried beside her in the family graveyard in Baharmardan.

Their children: M Nasir Rahman (eldest son) – won by‑election in Moulvibazar‑3 in 2001, later MP and BNP leader; Shafiur Rahman Babu (second son); Saifa Rahman (daughter); and another son (name not public).

Saifur always encouraged his children to study but never created businesses or political power for them. When he gave his seat to Nasir, he said, “My son won by the people’s vote, not by my name. He must first prove himself.”

Personal Life (1960-2009)

The man who modernised Bangladesh’s tax system owned only one old car and a small house. He never used his position to amass wealth.

Saifur Rahman lived a simple life. He never built a large mansion. He owned a modest house and an old Toyota Corolla. His family did not engage in large‑scale business or corruption. His sons and daughters were educated and settled in respectable professions.

He was known for his punctuality and discipline. He woke early, prayed, read the financial news, and went to work. He rarely attended social parties. His pleasure was in serving the nation through economic policy.

He was a devout Muslim and performed Hajj. But he never mixed religion with politics. He believed in secularism and equal rights.

Future Plans & Vision (2000s)

“I want a Bangladesh where no one remains hungry, no one remains unemployed, and every citizen pays tax with pride.”

Saifur’s vision was clear: transform Bangladesh into a middle‑income country through private‑sector‑led growth, efficient tax collection, and global integration. He wanted to establish a National Pension Authority, expand digital tax filing (e‑tax), and further liberalise trade.

His unfinished agenda included a modernised value‑added tax administration, a robust capital market, and a comprehensive social safety net. Even after his death, many of his proposals were implemented by later governments.

Career (1950s-2009)

He started as a charted accountant, became a trade leader, then a politician, and finally the most influential finance minister of Bangladesh.

• 1950s-60s: Chartered accountant in London and Dhaka; consultant to banks, insurance companies, tea gardens.
• 1970s: President of Sylhet Chamber of Commerce; close to General Ziaur Rahman.
• 1978: Founding member of JAGDAL, then BNP.
• 1979: Elected MP; became Commerce Minister, then Finance Minister (first term).
• 1982-90: Opposed Ershad’s military rule; helped rebuild BNP.
• 1991-96: Finance Minister again; introduced VAT, privatisation, banking liberalisation.
• 1994: Elected Governor of World Bank‑IMF Annual Meetings.
• 1996-2001: In opposition; BNP’s shadow finance minister.
• 2001-06: Finance Minister for third term; further reforms, pension and capital market modernisation.
• 2008: Lost election; retired from active ministry but remained advisor.

Travels & Diverse Experiences (1950s-2000s)

From London to Madrid, from Washington to Dakar – he carried Bangladesh’s economic case to the world.

Saifur travelled widely. As a student, he lived in London and observed European tax systems. As a chartered accountant, he visited multinational offices. As Finance Minister, he attended World Bank, IMF, UN, and WTO conferences. In 1994, he presided over the World Bank‑IMF Annual Meetings in Madrid as Governor – a rare honour for a Bangladeshi.

He also visited Senegal to receive the ‘Order National’ award and maintained close economic diplomacy with the Middle East, Japan, and the United States.

Failures & Teachable Moments (1990s-2000s)

He faced violent protests against VAT, worker strikes against privatisation, and political attacks for his pro‑business policies. But he never backed down.

Saifur’s biggest challenge was implementing VAT. Businessmen called it “anti‑poor”. Some industrialists threatened him. He responded by lowering the rate for small businesses and exempting essential goods. Revenue increased by 20% in the first year.

He learned that reform requires not only technical correctness but also political negotiation. He often said, “A reformer must be ready to be hated today and loved tomorrow.”

Another failure was the capital market liberalisation: stock prices became volatile, and regulatory weaknesses were exposed. He later admitted, “We should have strengthened the regulatory framework first.”

Source of Inspiration

His father died when he was six. His uncle took him to school. That hand‑holding boy never forgot the suffering of the poor.

His father Abdul Basit’s early death taught him self‑reliance. His uncle Mohammad Shafi’s support showed him the value of education. The 1952 Language Movement gave him pride in his mother tongue. The poverty of the tea‑garden workers and farmers of Sylhet inspired him to work for economic development.

He often said, “I have not forgotten how my mother struggled to feed us. That is why I want every mother to have enough food for her children.”

Influences & Inspirations

• His uncle, Mohammad Shafi – supported his education.
• Language Movement martyrs – taught him the power of a united people.
• General Ziaur Rahman – brought him into politics and gave him a platform.
• British tax system – inspired his VAT model.
• The common people of Bangladesh – their struggle was his motivation.

Philosophical Views & Beliefs

• On taxes: “Taxes are the price we pay for a civilised society. Without revenue, no development is possible.”
• On reform: “Reform is never popular. But a leader must have the courage to do what is necessary, not just what is liked.”
• On poverty: “Poverty is not a fate; it is a failure of policy. We can fix it.”
• On honesty: “I could have been a billionaire if I had taken bribes. But I would not be able to sleep at night.”
• On politics: “Politics without economic vision is empty noise.”

Unique Traits

• Courage under fire: He introduced VAT despite protests, threats, and political opposition.
• Technical expertise: As a chartered accountant, he could debate numbers with any expert.
• Humility: He lived simply, owned little, and never used his position for family enrichment.
• Clarity of speech: He explained complex budgets in simple Bengali.
• International stature: He was respected by World Bank, IMF, and global finance ministers.

Contributions, Awards & Achievements

Key Reforms as Finance Minister:

• Introduction of VAT (1991): Replaced multiple indirect taxes; now provides ~40% of national revenue.
• Privatisation (1991‑96): Sold loss‑making state‑owned enterprises; increased competition and productivity.
• Banking liberalisation: Allowed private and foreign banks; simplified interest rates.
• Tax reforms: Introduced self‑assessment system; lowered corporate and personal income tax rates.
• Trade liberalisation: Reduced import tariffs; removed import bans; promoted exports.
• Capital market development: Automated trading, electronic settlement, institutional investment rules.
• Pension reform: Initiated formation of National Pension Authority.

Awards and Honours:

Award	Year
Ekushey Padak (for Language Movement)	2005
Order National – Senegal’s highest honour	(year unspecified)
Governor of World Bank‑IMF Annual Meetings	1994
Numerous recognitions from World Bank, IMF, World Customs Organization

Budgets Presented: 12 national budgets.

Controversies

“Saifur Rahman is an agent of multinational companies”, “He is the enemy of the poor” – he heard these accusations and smiled. His reply: “If I were an agent, I would be a billionaire. I only own a piece of land next to my house.”

• VAT backlash (1991): Businessmen protested, went on strike. Small traders feared increased burden. Saifur negotiated a lower threshold for small businesses and exempted food, agricultural tools, and educational materials. Revenue eventually doubled.
• Privatisation protests (1990s): Workers of state‑owned industries went on strike, fearing job losses. Saifur offered voluntary retirement and rehabilitation packages. Some factories were closed by private owners – criticism increased. But overall, productivity and competition improved.
• Anti‑poor allegations: Left‑wing parties and Awami League called his policies “pro‑capitalist”. Saifur countered that higher revenue would fund education, health, and infrastructure – benefiting the poor in the long run.
• Caretaker government issue (2006): As a BNP stalwart, he supported the party line, causing conflict with Awami League. He argued for constitutional solutions.
• Role during 2004 grenade attack: International pressure mounted on the BNP government. Saifur defended the government’s investigation but later called for stronger action.

Despite all controversies, his personal integrity was never questioned. No corruption case was ever filed against him.

Contemporary Opinions & Interviews

Abul Mal Abdul Muhith (then Finance Minister of Awami League, after Saifur’s death): “Saifur Rahman was my political opponent, but on the economic stage we shared the same goal. The changes he brought through VAT and liberalisation are immortal.”

US Embassy statement: “Under M Saifur Rahman’s exceptional leadership, Bangladesh gained the foundation of a free‑market economy. His contribution to improving the lives of millions will be remembered.”

The Economist (obituary): “He was the architect of Bangladesh’s reforms – a quiet, determined man who changed his country’s fiscal landscape.”

A former colleague: “He never asked for a bribe. He never used his position to enrich his family. That is rare in politics.”

Myths & Misconceptions

Myth 1: Saifur Rahman was born rich.
Truth: He lost his father at six and grew up in a middle‑class farming family.

Myth 2: He was anti‑poor.
Truth: His reforms increased revenue, which funded social safety nets, education, and healthcare.

Myth 3: He owned huge wealth.
Truth: He had a small house, an old car, and a few acres of ancestral land.

Myth 4: He was not a freedom fighter.
Truth: He did not fight in the war, but he supported the Liberation War from London and contributed to the Language Movement.

Myth 5: He introduced VAT alone.
Truth: He led the team, but many experts and officials contributed. However, he was the political driver.

Famous Quotes & Thoughts

• “Just hearing the word VAT makes businessmen tremble. But if the country’s revenue does not increase, who will pay for education, health, and roads? If I don’t do it, who will?”
• “Reform is never popular. The one who builds a bridge facing a wooden gallows is cursed by the village, but later everyone uses the bridge.”
• “Numbers do not lie. A leader must learn to read numbers, not just listen to praise.”
• “I could have been a billionaire if I had taken bribes. But then I could not sleep.”
• “My only legacy is that I tried to make Bangladesh’s economy self‑reliant.”
• “Poverty is not a destiny; it is a policy failure. We can fix it.”

Message for the Present Generation

If M Saifur Rahman were alive today, he would tell the youth:

“Do not be afraid of reforms. Whether in economics, education, or governance, change is painful but necessary. Learn from the world, but adapt to your country. Use numbers and logic, not emotions and slogans, to argue your case. Be honest – your character is the only asset that no one can steal from you. And remember: a leader serves the people, not his own pocket.”

Death & Legacy (September 5, 2009)

The man who calculated the nation’s budget could not calculate his own last hour. A car crash on a highway. An unfinished budget. An unfinished dream.

On September 5, 2009, Saifur Rahman visited the shrines of Hazrat Shahjalal (R.) and Shah Paran (R.) in Sylhet. He then went to his home in Baharmardan village. In the evening, while returning to Dhaka, his car lost control on the Dhaka‑Sylhet highway at Madhupur in Brahmanbaria district and hit a tree. He was critically injured and taken to a local hospital, then moved toward Dhaka. He died on the way around 11:30 PM.

He was 76 years old.

His death shocked the nation. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and President Zillur Rahman expressed grief. BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia announced three days of mourning.

Five janazas (funeral prayers) were held – at Gulshan Azad Mosque, BNP central office, South Plaza of Parliament, Sylhet Shahi Eidgah, and Moulvibazar Government High School grounds – a rare honour for a civilian leader.

He was buried with full state honours in the family graveyard in Baharmardan, beside his wife Duri Samad Rahman.

Death & Public Reaction

Thousands of people lined the streets. Business leaders, politicians, students, tea‑garden workers – all wept. The economist who had made the rich richer and the poor hopeful was gone.

The news of his death led to an outpouring of grief. The stock market closed early. Business chambers issued condolence statements. International media, including the BBC, The Economist, and the Associated Press, carried obituaries.

His political rival Abul Mal Abdul Muhith said: “The nation has lost a guardian.” The US Embassy stated: “We have lost an extraordinary reformer.”

His body was taken to his village on a truck draped with the national flag. People threw flowers. Women wept. His grave is marked by a simple plaque and a tree – as he had wished.

Successors & Lasting Impact

VAT, privatisation, open market economy – these are not just policies; they are Saifur’s living monuments.

His immediate political successor was his son M Nasir Rahman, who won the by‑election for Moulvibazar‑3. But Saifur’s true successors are the millions of businesses that thrive under the VAT system, the taxpayers who file returns online, and the economists who continue his reformist tradition.

His reforms influenced later finance ministers, including Abul Mal Abdul Muhith, who continued many of Saifur’s policies. Today’s Bangladesh – a lower‑middle‑income country aspiring to graduate from LDC status – stands on the foundation that Saifur helped build.

Unknown Facts

1. He was an excellent chess player and used chess strategies in budget negotiations.
2. He never owned a mobile phone until late in life – he believed in face‑to‑face meetings.
3. He personally wrote many of his budget speeches, using simple language.
4. He refused a government house and car after retirement, saying “I have my own”.
5. He was a teetotaller and never smoked.
6. He kept a small notebook where he recorded daily expenses – down to a cup of tea.
7. He was the first Bangladeshi to become Governor of the World Bank‑IMF Annual Meetings.
8. He introduced the ‘self‑assessment’ income tax system, which reduced harassment of honest taxpayers.
9. His favourite meal was simple rice, dal, and vegetables – even as a minister.
10. After his wife’s death, he wrote a short poem about her – never published.

Key Events (1932-2009)

Year	Event
1932	Born October 6 in Baharmardan, Moulvibazar
1938	Father Abdul Basit dies; raised by uncle
1949	Passes Matric from Moulvibazar Govt High School
1951	Passes IA from MC College, Sylhet
1953	B.Com Honours from University of Dhaka
Mid‑1950s	Moves to London; becomes Chartered Accountant (ICAEW)
1960	Marries Duri Samad Rahman
1960s-70s	Works as CA and business consultant; active in Sylhet Chamber of Commerce
1978	Founding member of JAGDAL, then BNP
1979	Elected MP; becomes Commerce Minister, then Finance Minister (first term)
1981	Ziaur Rahman assassinated; remains in politics
1982-90	Opposes Ershad’s military rule; helps rebuild BNP
1991	BNP wins election; Saifur becomes Finance Minister again; introduces VAT (July)
1994	Elected Governor of World Bank‑IMF Annual Meetings in Madrid
1996	BNP loses election; becomes opposition shadow finance minister
2001	BNP‑led coalition wins; Saifur becomes Finance Minister for third term
2003	Wife Duri Samad dies of cancer
2005	Receives Ekushey Padak
2006	Presents 12th budget; caretaker government crisis
2008	Loses election (both Moulvibazar‑3 and Sylhet‑1)
2009 (Sep 5)	Dies in road accident in Brahmanbaria
2009 (Sep 6)	Buried in Baharmardan with state honours

Conclusion

From that hilly village of 1932 to the tragic highway crash of 2009 – Saifur Rahman’s life was as precise as a calculator’s buttons, yet his heart was wide open for the people.

M Saifur Rahman was a chartered accountant, a politician, a visionary finance minister, and above all a patriot. He lost his father at six, overcame poverty, earned a CA in London, and then answered Ziaur Rahman’s call to enter politics. He did not inherit wealth; he created policies that generated wealth for the nation.

He brought VAT, privatisation, open market economy, tax transparency, and banking discipline. He presented twelve budgets, presided over the World Bank‑IMF conference, and received the Ekushey Padak.

Yes, he was controversial – businessmen cursed VAT, workers struck against privatisation, political opponents called him ‘capitalist’. But history has judged him: today VAT is the backbone of national revenue, the private sector is the engine of growth, and Bangladesh’s exports have multiplied many times. He was a key architect of that change.

He died too early, in a senseless road accident. That day the nation wept. Today his name is written in golden letters in economic history. His policies helped Bangladesh move from ‘least developed’ to ‘developing’ country status.

Let his final words guide us: “Reform requires courage, not cowardice. The ultimate judge is not the noise of protest, but the numbers of progress. And the numbers prove – Saifur Rahman was right.”

We salute you, Saifur Rahman – the honest, courageous, visionary leader. Joy Bangla.

References & Disclaimer

References:

1. Banglapedia – M Saifur Rahman
2. English Wikipedia – M Saifur Rahman
3. Ministry of Finance, Government of Bangladesh – Annual Reports (1991-2006)
4. National Parliament proceedings – Budget speeches (1980-2006)
5. Daily Prothom Alo, Jugantor, Ittefaq – memorial issues (Sep 6, 2009)
6. The Daily Star – “Saifur Rahman: The reformer who changed Bangladesh’s economy” (Sep 5, 2019)
7. BBC Bangla – “Saifur Rahman: An era of reforms” (2009)
8. The Economist – “Saifur Rahman obituary” (Sep 2009)
9. World Bank & IMF – 1994 Madrid Annual Meetings records
10. ‘Ekushey Padak recipient profiles’ – Bangla Academy
11. ‘Bangladesher Arthonoitir Rupkar’ – Mohammad Yusuf (Anannya, 2010)
12. President Zillur Rahman & Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s condolence messages (Sep 5, 2009)

Disclaimer: This biography is based on reliable and authentic sources. Some narrative and dramatic elements have been added for readability while preserving factual accuracy. There may be minor variations across sources regarding certain personal details (e.g., number of children, exact dates). Any unintended error is regretted. This work is dedicated to the memory of M Saifur Rahman – a reformer who truly loved his country.

Final poetic tribute 

The boy runs along the hilly paths of Sylhet,
Lost his father at six, grew up by uncle’s side,
Held a CA certificate from London’s cold streets,
Returned home and changed the tax system nationwide.

VAT in hand, he moved mountains of budgets,
Stood alone against storms of curses,
Twelve budgets, three governments, the World Bank’s chair,
Ekushey Padak on his chest, eyes fixed on a dream – a golden Bangladesh fair.

The tragic highway ended his voice,
But his VAT fills the budget today, his reforms make dreams tall,
Saifur Rahman’s path we must continue,
To build the Bangladesh he dreamed of – for one and all.

May his departed soul rest in eternal peace.