Remembering Forrest Cookson: A Friend of Bangladesh’s Economic Journey

The passing of Dr. Forrest E. Cookson on 21 April 2026, at the age of about 92, marks the end of a remarkable life devoted not only to the discipline of economics but also to the advancement of Bangladesh.

For those of us who had the privilege of knowing and working with him, his loss is deeply personal. Forrest's presence extended well beyond professional collaboration. For Bangladesh, it signifies the departure of a trusted friend, a thoughtful reformer, and a quiet architect of progress.

Dr. Cookson arrived in Bangladesh in the mid-1980s, at a time when the country was still shaping its economic identity amid considerable structural challenges.

Armed with academic training from Princeton and a distinguished professional career, he brought intellectual rigor, a global perspective, and most importantly, a deep and enduring belief in Bangladesh’s potential. What began as a professional engagement soon evolved into a lifelong commitment.

His association with Bangladesh spanned decades, during which he contributed quietly yet meaningfully to the country’s evolving economic landscape.

At a time when Bangladesh was navigating complex financial and institutional challenges, Forrest brought with him not only deep professional expertise but also a rare sense of commitment and empathy.

He believed in the country’s potential, often ahead of many others, and remained unwavering in that belief through changing times.

His most significant policy contribution came through his work in the 1990s on the Financial Sector Reform Program (FSRP), where he served as a consultant representing Nathan Associates of the United States.

The reforms undertaken during this period played a critical role in strengthening Bangladesh’s financial institutions and improving governance within the sector.

Dr. Cookson approached these challenges with pragmatism and sensitivity to local realities, earning the respect and confidence of policymakers and practitioners alike.

His influence, however, extended well beyond formal policy work. As President of the American Chamber of Commerce in Bangladesh (AmCham Bangladesh), he helped shape a more structured and influential platform for business dialogue.

A defining achievement during his tenure was the transformation of the American Bangladesh Economic Forum (ABEF) into a full-fledged American Chamber of Commerce in Bangladesh in 1996, an institutional milestone that significantly strengthened the role of the private sector in national economic discourse.

During those years, we worked together on several initiatives aimed at positioning Bangladesh more prominently on the global stage. In December 1997, Dr. Cookson led a large and distinguished Bangladeshi delegation, comprising more than 50 participants, including a few ministers to Kolkata to participate in a U.S. Investment Summit.

The visit opened new horizons for Bangladeshi stakeholders.

This was followed by a visit to Dhaka by a select but highly influential U.S. delegation, hosted by AmCham Bangladesh at the then Dhaka Sheraton Hotel, where they met senior government officials, members of AmCham Bangladesh, and explored investment opportunities in Bangladesh. 

These exchanges contributed meaningfully to building confidence and fostering deeper economic engagement, ushering in a new momentum in U.S.–Bangladesh commercial relations.

The year 2000 marked another significant milestone. We organized a business conference, including a luncheon program, during the historic visit of U.S. President Bill Clinton to Bangladesh on 20 March 2000 at the Dhaka Sheraton Hotel.

The event was attended by U.S. Commerce Secretary William M. Daley, members of the U.S. Congress, Bangladeshi ministers, AmCham members, and leaders of the business community, drawing over 300 participants. It significantly elevated the profile of AmCham Bangladesh.

Later that same year, in October, we hosted, for the first time in Bangladesh and indeed in South Asia, the conference of the Asia-Pacific Council of American Chambers of Commerce (APCAC), with around 40 American business representatives and active participation from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce in Washington, D.C.

Over three days, the conference presented Bangladesh in a highly positive light to an influential international audience through engagements with AmCham members and the U.S. Embassy in Dhaka, further strengthening the country’s global economic standing.

Beyond these landmark events, Dr. Cookson remained actively engaged in numerous initiatives, including the annual U.S. Trade Show in Dhaka, as well as a wide range of policy dialogues and business forums.

Each effort reflected his enduring commitment to strengthening Bangladesh’s economic ties with the wider world.

What truly set him apart, however, was not only his professional accomplishment but also his humanity. He possessed a rare ability to listen with patience, engage with sincerity, and offer insights that were both intellectually sound and practically grounded. Over time, he built enduring relationships across government, business, and academia.

A prolific writer and perceptive observer, Dr. Cookson consistently presented a balanced view of Bangladesh, acknowledging its challenges while emphasizing its vast promise. He believed in the country’s trajectory, often ahead of broader global recognition.

For me, working alongside him at AmCham Bangladesh as its executive director, remains one of the most meaningful chapters of my professional life. His depth of knowledge, mentorship, integrity, and quiet dedication to excellence left an indelible mark.

Dr. Cookson’s legacy lies not only in the reforms he helped shape or the institutions he strengthened, but also in the bridges he built; between ideas and action, between nations, and between people.

His influence endures, carried forward by those he inspired and by the progress he helped set in motion of establishing a richer, dignified, and glorious Bangladesh.

Rest in Peace, Forrest. We love and respect you.

A Gafur is a private sector professional and writer, and Former Executive Director, The American Chamber of Commerce in Bangladesh.