Barkat graduated from Moscow Institute of National Economy (MINE, Plekhanov Institute) in 1978 obtaining highest grades in all courses with honors first class and then complete Doctor of Philosophy from the same institute, in Development Economics.
In addition to his teaching, since 2009 he is working as Chairmen of Janata Bank Limited. He is the Present elected president of Bangladesh Economic Association. He is a freedom fighter.
They have three daughters.
Barkat passed SSC exam from Kushtia Zilla School in 1970 and Higher School Certificate from Kushtia Government College in 1973, both with first division with distinction.
In 1982 Barkat started his professional career by joining the Department of Economics, Dhaka University. He is the immediate past chairman of the same department.
He is currently the Chairmen of Janata Bank Limited.
He is the Chief Adviser of most reputed private sector research organization. Currently Barkat is the elected President of Bangladesh Economic Association. President, Manob Sakti Unnayan Kendra (MSUK, Kushtia: Working with Arsenic Filter).
Involvement with Different Non-Government Organizations: (Executive/General Committee) ALRD (Dhaka), ADAMS (Khulna), Nijera Kori (Dhaka), Shabolombi (Netrokona), SAMATA (Dhaka).
Founder President, Leonard Cheshire Disability (liquid crystal display), Bangladesh. Honorary Trustee, Die Licht brÜcke e.V. Germany in Bangladesh (The Bridge of Light, Germany in Bangladesh).
Chief Advisor, Human Development Research Centre (HDRC). Chairman, Medical Education and Health Development Association (MEDHA), Kushtia.
