As chairman of the Ispahani group of companies/industries he played a pioneering role in giving the enterprise a new sense of direction. Undoubtedly, Bangladesh has lost a father figure in the realm of trade and industry.

I had the proud privilege of knowing him well. When I joined the Ispahani Group in 1969 he was my boss as Chairman and in Chittagong during my three years service I had the occasion to call on him several times.

Sadri Saheb, a popular figure was a colossus, fully abreast of local, regional and global politico-economic developments. I was amazed to hear facts and figures so ac-curately stored in his memory.

In course of my professional career I came across two great icons in the domain of trade, industry and philanthrophy. One was the founder of the Ispahani Group late Re-vered Mirza Ahmad Ispahani (father of Sadri Saheb) and the other, Sadri Saheb him-self.

A peace loving and loveable personality Sadri Saheb was a genius of extraordinary calibre. An unforgettable personality indeed.

The last I called on him was at his Motijheel chamber in the first week of Septem-ber, 2003. It was around 11.30 am and spent about an hour with him. He exchanged views with me on a variety of subjects where I found touches of realities, criticisms and also practical suggestions. I never for a moment realised that he would be leaving this world so soon.

I found in him a savant, a guide and a philosopher. A man of sterling qualities of head and heart he was very affectionate towards me and of course in numerable oth-ers. I learnt a lot from him, which I will remember as long as I live. It is true that " har dil aziz hota hai momin qaza ke baad (a momin is loved by all after his death). I have no words to console his bereaved family members and near and dear ones. Benevolent and humble as he was, he realised the pains and pangs of poverty stricken people, their deprivation and helped them a lot.

Let his Hussainia Trust keep on expanding so as to encompass more education and health care for the neglected poor in rural Bangladesh.

I pay my homage and humble tribute to the great humanist who died full of years and full of honours in the following immortal couplet:

Hazaron saal nargis apni be noori pe roti hai

Bari mushkil say hota hai chaman mein deeda-e-war paida

(For thousands of years, lily cries for her sightlessness. It is with great difficulty that a visionary is born in the garden)