The man of vision remembered
Eminent personalities yesterday recalled Dhaka North City Corporation mayor Annisul Huq as a visionary social worker, who dreamt of transforming the city into a modern one.
Unlike many others, Annisul did not just dream and not follow through. He acted courageously to implement his visions, they told a commemorative programme at Bangla Academy in the capital.
Shilpir Pashe Foundation (SPF), an organisation founded by the late mayor to help ailing artists, arranged the programme in Abdul Karim Shahitya Bisharad Auditorium of the academy.
While serving as the DNCC mayor, Annisul, who was suffering from a neurological ailment, lost his battle for life in a London hospital on November 30 last year, after nearly three months' treatment there. He was 65.
Prof Emeritus Anisuzzaman said Annisul combined hard work with determination to orchestrate a plan for a modern Dhaka city.
He removed an illegal truck stand in Tejgaon area, a move many would not have dared to accomplish. To achieve something like that, not just determination courage is also essential, said Prof Anisuzzaman.
Bishwo Shahitto Kendro founder Prof Abdullah Abu Sayeed said Annisul aspired to build a Dhaka the way its dwellers want to see it.
Prof Syed Manzoorul Islam said Annisul wanted to change the country's political practices. “The kind of politics he practiced should be followed by others,” he said.
Litterateur Selina Hossain said it is hard to accept the demise of Annisul. He was such a mayor who thought that development is required not only in terms of constructing structures but through enriching literature, arts and culture, she said.
Businessperson Anjan Choudhury said Annisul was a successful businessman as well as a good father and a family person.
Cultural Affairs Minister Asaduzzaman Noor said the country's political arena needs more people like Annisul.
Bengal Foundation Chairman Abul Khair said people will remember Annisul for what he accomplished. Others will have to come forward to complete his unfinished works, he added.
Annisul's widow Rubana Huq said as a public servant, he has set an example. All his life he pursued the aesthetics of art, she added.
DNCC mayoral aspirant Atiqul Islam, magician Jewel Aich, singer Syed Abdul Hadi, media personality Nawazish Ali Khan, and SPF Secretary General Omar Sadat, also spoke.
Comments