Annisul laid to rest with love, tears

Mayor Annisul Huq was laid to rest at the Banani graveyard on Saturday after admirers and well-wishers in their thousands paid tribute to him at the capital's Army Stadium one last time.

A pall of gloom descended upon the people soon after the death news of the celebrated mayor of Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) had spread. By the time the body arrived, the stadium turned into a sea of people from all walks of life including friends, colleagues, political and cultural activists and the media personalities.

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Annisul earned an enviable popularity among the city dwellers within a short span of time -- barely half of his tenure in office.

Fasiur Rahman, a Gulshan resident who went to the stadium to show respect to Annisul, said, “He (Annisul) just started accomplishing some wonders like removing hundreds of illegal billboards from Dhaka's skyline and freeing public roads from illegal occupation. It is our bad luck that we had to lose him so soon.” 

Nearly half a dozen ministers, mayor of Dhaka South City Corporation, political leaders and high-ranking civil and military officials had gathered at the stadium much before the body arrived.

BNP leaders placing a wreath. Photo: Anisur Rahman

After a refrigerator van carrying the body arrived, it was put on a platform. A mournful Chief of Bangladesh Army General Abu Belal Muhammad Shafiul Huq, also younger brother of Annisul, was present beside the coffin. 

Military secretaries of president and prime minister first paid tribute to the deceased mayor on their behalf. The Sergeant-at-Arms also paid homage on behalf of the Speaker of the national parliament. After that, various organisations placed floral wreaths on the coffin.

Homage being paid on behalf of the prime minister. Photo: Anisur Rahman

After Asr prayers, Annisul' son Naveedul Huq said his father was a wonderful person and sought forgiveness from all for his father if Annisul had offended any one. His namaz-e-janaza followed soon after.

A wreath placed on the coffin of the mayor on behalf of the president. Photo: Anisur Rahman

The coffin wrapped in national flag was then moved in a convoy towards the Banani graveyard, where the mayor was laid to eternal rest around 5:00pm beside the graves of his mother and son.

Dhaka South City Corporation Mayor Sayeed Khokon paying floral tribute. Photo: Anisur Rahman

Earlier, a flight of Biman Bangladesh Airlines carrying Annisul's body arrived at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka at around 12:30pm. General Belal received the body at the airport. The body was then taken to Annisul's Banani residence.    Awami League leaders including Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader, Joint General Secretary Mahbubul Alam Hanif, Prime Minister's Principal Secretary Dr Kamal Abdul Naser Chowdhury and senior officials of the city corporation were present at the airport.

BNP leaders placing a wreath. Photo: Anisur Rahman

Around 2:30pm, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina accompanied by senior Awami League leaders went to the mayor's residence to pay her last respect to the deceased mayor.

At the age of 65, Annisul Huq lost the battle for life in a London hospital on Thursday after nearly three months' treatment there for neurological problems. Annisul left behind his wife, two daughters and a son to mourn his death.   

Awami League leaders stand in solemn silence in front of the coffin. Photo: Anisur Rahman