The American Chamber of Commerce in Bangladesh (AmCham) has paid tribute to its former president, Forrest E. Cookson, who passed away in Dhaka at the age of 91. He died last night at United Hospital Dhaka, leaving behind a legacy closely tied to Bangladesh’s economic transformation.
Born in the United States on April 26, 1934, Cookson first came to Bangladesh in the mid-1980s, at a time when the country was embarking on critical financial reforms. His initial engagement soon evolved into a lifelong commitment, as he became one of the notable foreign economists contributing to the country’s policy landscape.
Cookson played a significant advisory role to Bangladesh Bank, where he was deeply involved in shaping the financial sector reform programme of the 1990s. The initiative is widely regarded as a turning point in strengthening banking governance and improving regulatory structures within Bangladesh’s capital markets.
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Beyond the central bank, he also worked with the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics, helping refine the methodologies used in compiling national economic data—an essential foundation for policy planning and development analysis.
During his tenure as AmCham president from 1996 to 2001, Cookson focused on reinforcing the organisation’s institutional capacity while actively promoting stronger commercial ties between Bangladesh and the United States. His leadership period is remembered for advancing dialogue on trade, investment, and private sector development.
A founding figure within AmCham, Cookson maintained a long-standing association with the chamber, remaining engaged in its initiatives and intellectual discourse well into his later years. He was a regular contributor to the AmCham Journal and frequently shared insights on financial systems, investment climate challenges, and economic policy through national media platforms.
In a statement, AmCham Bangladesh expressed deep appreciation for his enduring contributions, noting that his work helped shape key aspects of the country’s financial and economic architecture. The chamber extended condolences to his family and colleagues, honoring a life dedicated to economic reform and international cooperation.
