Deep respects for Samson

Finance Minister AMA Muhith and leading business organisations and bodies of the country yesterday expressed deep condolence at the demise of noted industrialist and chairman of Square Group Samson H Chowdhury.
Samson was a pioneer in the development of the pharmaceutical industry, Muhith said in a condolence message.
The businessman inherited the industry and established it as one of the leading industries in the country and contributed to the formulation of National Drug Policy in 1983, the minister said. "He was also the top taxpayer."
Muhith said the contribution of Samson in social welfare activities cannot be overestimated.
He provided his assistance and grant to many social welfare organisations, but he was publicity-shy, the minister said.
Muhith hoped Samson's successors will follow his suit and contribute for the development of the society.
The minister prayed for the salvation of the departed soul and expressed sympathy to the members of the bereaved family.
The Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industries said in its condolence that the almighty Allah may grant the strength and courage to his family members to bear this irreparable loss.
Samson led an exemplary life of hard work, dedication and honesty, and built up one of the largest business conglomerates in Bangladesh, said Asif Ibrahim, president of Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
The death of Samson is not only a loss for his family, but also a great loss for the whole nation, said Mohammed A Hafiz, president of Bangladesh Merchant Bankers Association.
"The business community lost a great leader. He was a self-made man and we pray for his departed soul," Hafiz said.
Salman F Rahman, vice chairman of Beximco Group, also condoled the demise and said: "The death of Samson is not only a loss for Square Group but also a loss for the country's business community."
"We lost a fighter against corruption and pathfinder for business," said Iftekharuzzaman, executive director of Transparency International Bangladesh.