Terming iconic businessman Latifur Rahman, who recently passed away, a perfect role model, businesses said he showed how can an empire be created from nothing with his honesty and integrity.
Recalling his outstanding contributions to societies and shining the country's image abroad, they called upon young entrepreneurs to follow Latifur's business ethics and practices to move the economy and his legacy forward.
The call came at a virtual condolence meeting organised by International Chamber of Commerce (ICC)-Bangladesh on Thursday. The country's leading chambers, trade bodies and associations took part in the meeting.
ICC Bangladesh president Mahbubur Rahman moderated the condolence meeting, followed by a Milad and Doa Mahfil.
Speaking at the event, country's leading businessman and founding chairman of Apex Group Syed Manzur Elahi said the country lacks enough role models in business area although it is moving towards the 50th anniversary of independence.
He said Mr Rahman came from a business family but their business entities -- jute mills and tea garden -- were nationalised soon after independence because of the then government's policy.
"From there, he literally created an empire from zero at very good cost. He did nothing unethical. I cannot see such a role model like him."
He also said Mr Latifur worked hard, honestly and showed patience in getting success, which could be a good source of inspiration for the young generation.
"He showed that we can be successful through honesty. There is no such thing as quick money. Quick money comes quickly and goes away quickly also," he added.
The veteran business personality called upon the young generation to study Latifur's life and do ethical businesses as the future of the economy lies on them.
President of the apex apparel body BGMEA Rubana Huq said the recently-passed legendary businessman taught them not to get depressed even in disastrous situation.
"Apart from honesty and integrity, he had the rare ability to turn grief or tragedy into strength that we should learn," she added.
DCCI president Shams Mahmud said Mr Rahman was one of the pioneers in businesses in Bangladesh, who helped build the foundation upon which the private sector is flourishing.
"He will be missed by all of us. The legacy of Mr Rahman will not be measured by physical, business or other non-living factors, the legacy is found in the people whom he inspired," he said.
MCCI vice president Anis A Khan said late Latifur Rahman was the longest serving president of the metropolitan chamber for seven years, which is a record.
"His ethical commitment to business and behaviour is legendary, including the award he received in Oslo. I consider him a doyen, icon, pathfinder and motivator. He set examples by his own actions," he added.
CCCI president Mahbubul Alam said Mr Rahman was an institution because of his ethical practices in businesses.
"I think the businesspeople will follow his path. He was not just a businessman. He was a global ambassador and brightened Bangladesh's image abroad," he added.
FICCI president Rupali Chowdhury said he was a soft spoken person with firm determination, always focused on solutions and never deviated from the core issues.
"The difficult choice that he made of being honest. We know the price of honesty in our society. Sometimes when we say somebody is honest and we think he is a weak person. But it was not the case for him," she added.
Sharing his experience with Mr Rahman, secretary general of Bangladesh Association of Pharmaceuticals Industries Abdul Muktadir said he had 100 per cent belief in Bangladesh where only he invested.
He said Mr Rahman never thought of going away even in tough situations.
President of Bangladesh Insurance Association Sheikh Kabir Hossain said he was a great personality who shined Bangladesh outside the country's territory through his works.
"We pray to the almighty for the salvation of the departed soul," he added.
AmCham president Syed Ershad Ahmed recalled contribution of late Latifur Rahman to the businesses and societies and conveyed their sympathy to the bereaved family members of Rahman.
Zaraif Ayaat Hossain, grandson of late Mr Rahman, hailed the business personalities to stand beside their family members and sought their prayers for the salvation of the departed soul.
"We keep thinking what will make Nana Bhai (grandfather) happy and what is the best way to honour him. The conclusion we come to each time is to take his amazing legacy in the future," he added.
Editor of Prothom Alo Motiur Rahman, Editor ofThe Daily Star Mahfuz Anam, Vice president of ICC Bangladesh Rokia Afzal Rahman, president of Nordic chamber of commerce and industry Tareq Rahman, AKM Nurul Fazal Bulbul of Bangladesh Association of Banks, Md Hatem of BKMEA, BTMA president Mohammad Ali Khokon, among others, also spoke at the event.
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