President Conferred Doctorate

Chairperson of BRAC and President of the Governing Board of BU Mr. F H Abed has been conferred Honorary Doctorate of Education by the University of Manchester in the UK for his pioneering role and exemplary contribution to alleviation of poverty and emancipation of women. The degree was conferred by the Chancellor of the University Ms. Anna Ford at a ceremony held on May 7, 2003 at the University campus in Manchester which was attended by the Lord Mayor of Manchester, Vice-Chancellor, Deans, Professors of the University and distinguished citizens. The citation, read by Professor David Hume said that Mr. Abed, as Founder and now Chairperson of BRAC, the world's largest Non-governmental Organization, is best known for his achievements in reducing human deprivation, quality of work of his organization and innovations in poverty reduction programs that he spear headed. Starting as a humanitarian aid agency after Bangladesh's War of Independence, his organization has evolved into a vast network promoting economic and social development. The citation also said that people around the world, who are trying to understand poverty and how it might be reduced, turn to Mr. Abed who has not only built an organization but also has been creating useful knowledge and disseminating ideas. "If you want to know the state of the art in providing sustainable micro finance and services to poor and how to reach and assist the ultra poor or how to help oppressed women achieve their human rights, you have to look at BRAC, its ideas and its systematic approach to learning from experience", the citation said. Mr. Abed in his response said that he shared this honor with his colleagues and the millions of poor women of rural Bangladesh whose dedication and hard work made this level of achievement possible.