A hero of our times

It is still difficult for us to stand the trauma and pain caused by the death of Dhaka North City Corporation's (DNCC) mayor Annisul Huq. An enthusiastic, sober and workaholic person like Annisul Huq is rare to come across in a country like Bangladesh.

He streamlined the trouble-ridden areas under DNCC overcoming all hurdles and his extensive drive to reduce traffic jam and clean up Dhaka city was applauded by immense numbers of people from all walks of life. Annisul Huq won people's hearts by virtue of his outstanding integrity, his fearless approach to city administration and his crystalline image which is larger than life.

Annisul Huq was a successful businessman and an adulated cultural icon. At the same time Annisul Huq's brilliant performance as DNCC mayor overwhelmed all concerned with amazement. His valiant actions at Tejgaon truck stand and some more parts of Dhaka city to liberate the city dwellers from traffic congestion, illegal settlements and other forms of perils commanded honor and admiration from all sensible citizens.

A mayor with such uncompromising devotion to his work is a person of surpassing valor beyond doubts. People of Dhaka city are grievously shocked at the demise of Annisul Huq and everyone will be missing him deeply. Such astounding popularity could only be conquered by a fabulous, monumentally impressive and heroic figure like Annisul Huq.

Annisul Huq's death reminds us of Greek tragedy where embellished heroes despite a life dotted with glorious breakthroughs succumb to the icy hand of death all on a sudden.

Annisul Huq was broadly loved by the people who knew him. He had dreams about a beautiful city and he had the power to transform his dreams into reality which is how he won a special spot in the hearts of people.

It's a rare example in our country to be so much loved by people irrespective of political ideologies which happened in Annisul Huq's case. He was a mayor of extraordinary worth and qualities. He cherished the vision of rebuilding and reorganizing Dhaka city. Annisul Huq widely emboldened the spirit of young generation with his mammoth works. His dedication, patriotism and unique traits have made him immortal.

In a country of 16 crore people, Annisul Huq was an exceptional man scintillating with his own merit and greatness. DNCC was unbelievably fortunate to have him as its mayor. Now questions are arising whether the future guardians of Dhaka city would be so dexterous and intrepid like Annisul Huq.

The entire nation is shedding tears at the passing away of Annisul Huq which shows how immensely loved he was by his countrymen. This is the highest glory of his lifetime. Annisul Huq never spoke antagonistically to anyone. Rather he often talked about materializing his objectives for a well-organized Dhaka city. Annisul Huq's ever smiling face can never be forgotten.

If all politicians of our country were devoted and transparent like Annisul Huq, it would have become a golden Bangladesh long back. There are many lessons to learn from Annisul Huq's life. All political leaders of Bangladesh should work with unity moving beyond political divides for the country's advancement like Annisul Huq did.

Annisul Huq emerged on the business, cultural and political turfs of Bangladesh in a way that is comparable to the saying by Alexander the Great, "veni, vidi, vici" which means "I came, I saw, I conquered."

At a time while the country is inflicted with widespread corruption, political activities devoid of morality, lack of good governance in the middle of which Annisul Huq appeared to be an oasis of ethical fairness and towering honesty.

 Annisul Huq comprehensively enriched the cultural pasture of Bangladesh during the previous decades with lots of entertainment programs which he anchored on Bangladesh Television (BTV). BTV programs hosted by Annisul Huq were exclusively preferred by all viewers.

Annisul Huq's handsome appearance and excellent presentation skills were mind-blowing things to watch on television screen. The cultural legacy of Bangladesh since independence is profoundly indebted to the contributions by Annisul Huq.

Annisul Huq was a symbol of exhilaration and an epitome of vivacity. Today's youths should pick up constructive lessons from his life-sketch. In the same way, people who will be in charge of Dhaka city in his absence should follow his footsteps for the advancement and modernization of lifestyle in the capital of Bangladesh which was Annisul Huq's perennial aim and passion.

While writing about Annisul Huq, a few words by Rabindranath Tagore jingle in my mind "Let the dead have the immortality of fame and the living the immortality of love." Annisul Huq's fame as a phenomenal personality has immortalized him while he acquired people's love through his service when he was alive.

Annisul Huq visited me at my office a number of times. I was personally very intimate with him. Speaking to him was always delightful. His words were all the time packed with his attachment to his duties towards the residents of Dhaka city which were often reflected through his activities.

My little angel Sherish was very close to him too. Following Annisul Huq's death when I recall him in remorseful words, my daughter Sherish says, "Annisul Huq uncle is shining in the sky like a star." I look up at the vast sky above me and look for the star named Annisul Huq. Annisul Huq came to us like a comet and he has left us all suddenly like a meteoric star.

The bequest of Annisul Huq should be sustained by upholding the noble works he carried out in his lifetime for his compatriots. Annisul Huq has been laid to rest in the city of his memories. On the occasion of Annisul Huq's obituary, I would like to request everyone to pray for his eternal peace in the world hereafter.


The writer is a business analyst, diplomat and social activist