The body of Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) Mayor Annisul Huq, who died in a London hospital on Thursday after months of his battle with various neuro complications, will be brought to the capital today (Saturday).
A Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight, carrying the body of the businessman-turned-politician, left the Heathrow airport at 6.00 pm local time on Friday. The flight is expected to reach the Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at 11.40 am Bangladesh time.
Family sources said his namaz-e-janaza will be held at the Bangladesh Army Stadium at around 4.00 pm on the day. His first janaza was held at the Regent Park Central Mosque in London. He will be buried at the Banani graveyard.
Mr Huq breathed his last at 10:30 pm Bangladesh time at Wellington Hospital at the age of 65. His wife Rubana Huq, two daughters and his only son were at his side.
He was admitted to National Neuroscience Hospital on August 13 after he became sick due to various neurological problems (dizziness and lack of balance) during his London visit, which started on July 29, according to a DNCC press release.
Subsequently, he was diagnosed with cerebral vasculitis, and was under treatment in the intensive care unit (ICU) of the hospital.
Annisul was showing some improvements lately, but his condition deteriorated suddenly on Tuesday. Then he was shifted to ICU of Wellington Hospital.
A successful entrepreneur and businessman, Annisul left behind a host of relatives, admirers, well-wishers and followers to mourn his death.
As the death news spread on Thursday, people started mourning for him in public and on social media.
President Abdul Hamid, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, Finance Minister A M A Muhith, Cultural Affairs Minister Asaduzzaman Noor, Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader, Law Minister Annisul Huq, Information Minister Hasanul Haq Inu, Dhaka South City Corporation Mayor Sayeed Khokon, various other trade bodies and civil society organisations condoled his death and expressed sympathy for the bereaved family.
Terming his death 'untimely and an irreparable loss' to the nation, the President and the PM said the nation lost a meritorious and patriotic politician.
They also said the people of the country would remember him for his contributions in social, political and economic arenas.
Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) condoled the sad demise of its former president and expressed deep shock.
The FBCCI president, first vice president, vice president, directors, all district chambers, all associations and FBCCI secretariat prayed for the salvation of the departed soul. They also expressed their deep sympathy to the bereaved family.
Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) also condoled the death of the DNCC mayor.
In a condolence message BGMEA President Md Siddiqur Rahman along with its directors and former presidents expressed their condolence for his death. They conveyed their sympathy to the bereaved family members and prayed for the salvation of the departed soul.
From an ordinary middle-class person, Annisul became one of the leading businessmen of the country. From a little-known struggler, he rose to the zenith of prominence.
Annisul came out victorious as the DNCC mayor as an Awami League-backed candidate in a 'controversial' election in 2015.
Born in 1952 in Noakhali, Annisul graduated with honours in Economics from Rajshahi University.
He established his own business in 1986 and was the chairperson of nine export-oriented organisations under the trade name of Mohammadi Group, which directly employs about 12,000 people in the garment sector alone.
In addition to the export of ready-made garments, the group has a real estate division, two IT companies, a power generation company that directly contributes to the national grid, and a distribution company that represents multiple foreign television channels. The group is also set to launch an independent television channel, Nagorik TV, very soon.
He worked alongside his family, most notably his wife Rubana Huq, who is the managing director of Mohammadi Group.
Once a popular television personality, Annisul held important positions in various local and international organisations.
He was the president of BGMEA from 2005 to 2006, of SAARC Chamber of Commerce and Industries from 2010 to 2012, and of FBCCI from 2008 to 2010.
He was the president of Independent Power Producers Association, an organization of the private sector companies who own power plants in the country and supply electricity to the national grid.
Mr. and Mrs. Huq have three children.
Navidul Huq, the eldest and only son, is currently the director of Mohammadi Group and Managing Director of Desh Energy Ltd.
Wamiq Umaira, the first daughter, is currently working at International Labour Organization (ILO) in Geneva, Switzerland after completing her studies from New York University and Princeton University.
Tanisha Huq, the second daughter, recently completed her bachelors in Political Science and Economics form Simmons College in Boston.
Mr. Huq along with with his family members enjoyed doing business for over two decades. Together, they created an influential and respected family in the business, political and societal circles in Bangladesh.
