A man of integrity, a moral compass, a principled businessman, a champion of free media, a family man -- these are just a few of the ways that late chairman of Transcom Group and renowned businessman Latifur Rahman was described by speakers at a virtual memorial session organised on Tuesday by Prothom Alo and The Daily Star.
“To him, newspapers were to be fair and independent, no matter what the consequences,” said Simeen Hossain, managing director and CEO of Eskayef Pharmaceuticals, and daughter of the late Latifur Rahman. “He was proud of Prothom Alo and The Daily Star. I find strength in his integrity, his commitment to freedom of speech. May he inspire Prothom Alo and The Daily Star to continue to serve the nation.”
Rokia Afzal Rahman, chairman of Media World and board member of Media Star, said, “I was fortunate to be on the same board as Latifur Rahman. After any board meeting, most of us would rush off, but he would linger on, talking to everyone. He would know everyone’s name, which department they worked in, and so on. He would somehow always emerge as the centre of attention in any gathering.”
“He was very sharp and any time when we would be faced with a difficult problem, Shameem [Latifur Rahman] would be there to save the day. One of the qualities I admired in him was that he was never a fence sitter. Having chosen a side, he would vigorously support the view, all with his suave sophistication. He was the light of all boards,” Rokia Afzal said. She highlighted two messages he always would deliver: ethical business and what could be done to benefit Bangladesh to the maximum.
BRAC chairperson Hossain Zillur Rahman said Latifur Rahman was a trusted friend of BRAC. Sir Fazle Hasan Abed placed high value on him and he contributed hugely to BRAC for which BRAC is grateful. “He is a role model for today’s youth. He had given us important lessons of being successful in Bangladesh while adhering to principles. His life was an example. Youth can be inspired to be successful with principles.”
Asaduzzaman Nur, lawmaker and trustee, Muktijuddho Jadughar, referred to Latifur Rahman as a very respected and dear man. He recalled his generous contributions to the Muktijuddho Jadughar. “He normally would never discuss politics,” recalled Nur, “but I was surprised one day when he firmly made two statements. One was that the Liberation War is a great asset of Bangladesh. And the other was that those who killed people and committed rape during the Liberation War, those who killed Bangabandhu, must be punished or we will have to answer to the nation. I was amazed at the depth of his thoughts.”
Mahfuz Anam, editor of The Daily Star, highlighted Latifur Rahman’s three beliefs -- integrity, independent media and patriotism. He never compromised. About his commitment to independent media, Mahfuz Anam said, “As a journalist my love for media is natural for me, but where did he get this love? In our board meetings, he would never interfere in editorial matters, only looked into the business side. He would ask me, ‘how is your newspaper doing?’ He would never say ‘my newspaper’ or even ‘our newspaper’."
"His insistence of free media put a lot of pressure on his business. Mati Bhai and I are lucky and so is Bangladesh for Latifur Rahman establishing these two newspapers. Mati Bhai and I are committed to carry on this legacy. He was always committed to take Bangladesh ahead. It was not just a matter of emotion, he firmly believed in this conviction.”
M Anis Ud Dowla, chairman, ACI, said that Latifur Rahman always carried himself with dignity and good manners. ”When I heard of his death , I turned to my son and said I have lost one of my dearest friends.” He said, “Latifur Rahman is a role model to the youth. I pray to Allah to grant him the highest place in heaven and for his family the strength to bear the loss.”
Sheikh Fazle Fahim, president of FBCCI, said , “Latifur Rahman has left a foundation for us to build upon. We will try to follow in his footsteps. I consider it a privilege to have crossed paths with him.”
Tapan Chowdhury, managing director of Square Pharmaceuticals, said Latifur Rahman was a close friend of his father. He described his as a “head to toe gentleman, very polished and well dressed, but so down to earth.” He said that press freedom and the media were very risky, but he took the risk. He was firm about this, even if his business suffered. “Let there be more people like him born in this country,” said Tapan Chowdhury.
Syed Nasim Manzur, managing director of Apex Footwear, recalled the good times of trips abroad with Latifur Rahman, saying, “We would call ourselves the MCCI gang. He taught us younger one the ropes at MCCI. He was an exceptional businessman, placing principles above all. He didn’t believe in shortcuts to success and he never compromised.”
He went on to say that Latifur Rahman had no arrogance, was well-mannered, polite, professional and sincere. “He was a moral compass,” said Nasim Manzur.
Kutubuddin, chairman of the Envoy Group, described the late chairman of Transcom as a bright star in the business world. He said that though Latifur Rahman faced so many obstacles, never was he disheartened. “He created an international standard in business and may his next generation carry on his ethical values,” he said, recalling how he avoided micromanagement even in Prothom Alo and The Daily Star.
Tareq Karim, a cousin of Latifur Rahman, said they were more like brothers. “I grieve in the passing away of the kind hearted soul,” he said.
AK Azad, president of the Newspapers Owners Association of Bangladesh, said he marveled how Mati Bhai with is communist ideals and Latifur Rahman a capitalist got along so well. He praised Latifur Rahman’s strength in never compromising under pressure.
Eminent economist Rehman Sobhan said, “I share the deep sense of loss. He himself experienced irreparable loss but bore it with dignity and fortitude. I admire him and his sense of purpose and humanity and his contribution to the media.” He said, “Obviously, had Latfiur Rahman left himself open to the innumerable pressures, I do not think the Daily Star and Prothom would have lasted as long as they did and survived over successive governments and earned their hostility and still still continued to remain in business.
“He never entered any business seeking government patronage,” said Rehman Sobhan, “because that would make him vulnerable. At huge opportunity costs, he attached extraordinary value to independent media. He set standards for all media owners, for the business community. He carried his remarkable achievements with a degree of anonymity and modesty in a world of arrogance where people flaunt their wealth. He was very special human being. He left an extremely challenging legacy to his heirs, a legacy of integrity. The newspapers are also a part of his legacy.”
Mahbubur Rahman, CEO of HSBC, said that Latifur Rahman “left us physically, but his work ethics and behaviour live on with us. “
Rajiv Saha, managing director of Kumudini, recalled how Latifur Rahman would also encourage him and other young business leaders to talk at board meetings. He said, “He gave everyone an opportunity. He was such a great man, but so humble. There is so much to learn from him. I offer my love and respects to his family.”
Monjurul Ahsan Bulbul, editor-in-chief, Ekushey TV, said Latifur Rahman had set an example of independent media. “Media’s first death is often at the hands of the owners, willingly or unwillingly. But he had no vested interests in his investment. He is a role model for the younger generation, even for business leaders," Monjurul Ahsan said.
Rabindra sangeet exponent Rezwana Chowdhury Bonnya said she was grateful he included her on the jury board for the Faraaz Courage Award. She expressed her sadness at his departure.
Speaking about his grandfather, Zaraif Ayaat Hossain said, “Nana Bhai had incredible pride in Prothom Alo and The Daily Star. He saw immense potential in Bangladesh. He was a champion of freedom of speech. Prothom Alo and The Daily Star are symbols of Nana bhai’s values. He worked for the people of Bangladesh. His vision for independent newspapers of Bangladesh became a reality. His legacy was doing what is right for Bangladesh. This legacy will continue. May his spirit live on.”
Editor of Prothom Alo, Matiur Rahman, thanked all for joining the memorial meeting and expressed his gratitude. He said Latifur Rahman’s dream of a free media was manifest in Prothom Alo and The Daily Star. He highlighted Latifur Rahman’s unwavering commitment to independent media. “We remember him with pride,” he said, adding. “We are committed to take his initiatives ahead.”