Two former finance ministers -- Abul Maal Abdul Muhith and M Syeduzzaman -- were yesterday felicitated for their outstanding contribution to nation-building by Bangla daily Bonik Barta and think-tank Bangladesh Institute of Development Studies (BIDS). Both were pro-people and entrepreneur-friendly, said politicians, economists and civil society members, who convened at the capital’s Pan Pacific Sonargaon hotel to toast them at a gala event. “They were very sharp and clear in their minds,” said Mashiur Rahman, economic affairs adviser to the prime minister.