Rest in peace our respected Mentor

প্রকাশিত: ১০:৩৫ পূর্বাহ্ণ, মার্চ ৭, ২০২১

Rest in peace our respected Mentor

Mohammad Shams-Ul Islam

I’m saddened by the sad demise of our former Chairman , valiant freedom fighter , 1st Cabinet Secretary, veteran politician, and adviser to the HPM late HOSSAIN TOUFIQUE IMAM (H. T. IMAM) who breathed his last peacefully on 4 March’ 2021 ( Inna lillahe wa inna elaihe rajeun) . What matters is that feeling of loss- that personal sense of emptiness- the scholarly personality is no more . He was a legend in all subjects from politics to economics , literature to diplomacy and what not . While working in the then Pakistan Govt he defected to Bangladesh and joined the liberation war .
He touched the hearts of millions with his warmth , generosity and keen knowledge . He was a man of incredible patriotism , wit and compassion who embodied best values . He brought dignity and decorum to every post held by him during his long and distinguished public service. He has left an indelible mark on the development trajectory of our nation . He was a beautiful light and I’m forever thankful to him for affection and caring .
Time flies but memories last forever and I have some sweet memories with him starting from Nineties . While visiting Chittagong on 6 November, 1997 as Chairman of Agrani Bank on official tour I as SPO & Manager of Hotel Agrabad Branch , Ctg was entrusted as his ‘Protocol Officer’. I was fortunate to come in contact with him , Bhavi ( later died) & other entourage. I took the charge of the branch with a loss of Tk. 30.00 lac & within a short span of time I was able to attain profit to the tune of 1.50 lac . On hearing the success story of my branch he amid his busy schedule was interested to visit the branch . Accordingly he came to my branch in the morning with former GM Mr. S R Malik . We received him with bouquet of flowers which he liked very much . He appreciated us about the stellar performances of the branch within a short while and instructed all the officers & staff to do their best for the interest of the Bank . I heaved a sigh of great relief ! We all were overwhelmed & inspired by his sweet & kind words . Later he attended Managers’ Conference etc . Following day he along with other high ups visited one of my export oriented industries named Mahi Fish Processing Ltd which was published in the daily newspaper on the following day .
After a long pause I met him on 2009 after becoming GM . Having seen me & being promoted as GM he applauded me like his younger brother or son ! Since then we met many occasions & enquired about the Bank .
I’m grateful to him for attending in the unveiling of my book as Chief Guest on “Bangabandhu Corner ” in 2019 in the Bangla Academy Auditorium. In many occasions he used to call on his house to exchange of pleasantries & discuss various issues .
May Allah keep his soul in eternal peace and tranquillity.
All my respect , love , prayers and tears are with the bereaved family members.