His contributions to the business community were unique

As the leader of the country’s two major trade bodies, the late Annisul Huq made great contributions to institutionalise the organisations, his former colleagues and friends in the business community said.
A successful businessman and a popular TV show host, the mayor of Dhaka north who passed away on Thursday night in London was an energetic organiser, they said.
Starting his career with Desh Garment, Annisul Huq established Mohammadi Group and contributed to the country’s economy by creating jobs and increasing export earnings.
His first stint as a business leader was as the president of Saarc Chamber of Commerce and Industry, where he demonstrated his dynamic qualities.
Annisul then served consecutively as the president of Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) and the Federation of Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industries (FBCCI).
Another former BGMEA president, Abdus Salam Murshedy, told the Dhaka Tribune that from his own his experience of working with the BGMEA, he had never seen a more capable leader.
“Every business person makes contributions to the national economy, but as a business leader, Annis bhai’s contribution is different from others and it is unique,” Salam said.
“During his presidency at BGMEA, he knew every member and responded to phone calls instantly. Annis bhai devoted himself to giving the country’s trade bodies an institutional shape and to increase their capacity to provide all out cooperation to the business community.”
Salam – who is also a managing director of Envoy Textile – said that Annisul’s successors as BGMEA president have followed him as a role model and always quote his success stories.
“What I saw in him was his capacity to change, and exceptional leadership,” Salam said. “He was an inspiration and I learned how to talk and how to handle tough situations from that unique leader.”
As an FBCCI president, Annisul also enjoyed great successes.
“During his presidency at FBCCI, Annisul took a bold decision to establish buildings for district chambers, and with a fund of about Tk20 crore he made it possible,” former FBCCI president Mir Nasir Hossain told the Dhaka Tribune.
“It was a landmark achievement for the Bangladeshi business community. Annisul raised his voice in the international platform to make Bangladesh a sourcing hub and to gain rights of business from various international organisations.”
Md Atiqul Islam, another former BGMEA president, told the Dhaka Tribune that Annisul Huq was a man of commitment.
“He made possible things we cannot not even think of achieving. As a visionary leader, Annisul showed how to dream and make it happen,” he said.
“As the city mayor, he made plans to make the Dhaka a clean and liveable city. It is our earnest request to the government and the successor to finish his unfinished and dream projects.”