Chief Advisor Yunus mourns the death of industrialist Syed Manzur Elahi

In his condolence message, Yunus called Elahi a “patriotic businessman” for his contribution to the country’s leather industry

Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus has expressed immense grief over the demise of notable industrialist and former caretaker government advisor Syed Manzur Elahi. In a condolence letter, he referred to Elahi as a unique figure in Bangladesh's entrepreneurial sector.

Yunus said, “He was a patriotic businessman. He made significant contributions to the development of the nation's leather sector. His tireless efforts led Apex Footwear to become the nation's top shoe exporter.”

The condolence message further said that in 1996, Elahi served as the caretaker government's advisor for the ministries of communications, shipping, civil aviation and tourism, posts and telecommunications, and housing and public works. After that, he served as the advisor for the ministries of agriculture, shipping, and fisheries and livestock in 2001.

The chief advisor lauded his skills and leadership, noting, “He also excelled as an organiser. He served as the president of the Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce and Industry Dhaka and a member of the board of trustees of the private research organisation CPD.”

Yunus said, "I deeply mourn the passing of Syed Manzur Elahi, a revered and patriotic industrialist in Bangladesh’s entrepreneurial sphere. I pray for the eternal peace of his soul and extend my heartfelt condolences to his grieving family."

Elahi passed away on Wednesday at the age of 83. He was the founding chairman of Apex Group, one of Bangladesh’s largest industrial conglomerates. He also served as the chairman of Mutual Trust Bank.

He had been battling multiple age-related complications for some time. His son, Apex Group managing director Syed Nasim Manzur, was by his side during his final moments.

Elahi was born on Sept 26, 1942, in Kolkata. His father, Sir Syed Nasim Ali, was a judge in the Calcutta High Court. Elahi and his family moved to Dhaka after graduating from the University of Calcutta with a Bachelor’s in economics.

After earning a Master's degree in economics from Dhaka University, he began his career as a senior executive with the Pakistan Tobacco Company. In 1966, he married Niloufer Chowdhury.

Post-independence, Elahi left his job and began working as a representative at a multinational company. When the Orion Tannery in Dhaka’s Hazaribag went up for auction in 1975, he purchased it and founded “Apex Tannery”.

Currently, Apex Group comprises of 11 companies, including Apex Tannery, Apex Footwear, Apex Pharma, Blue Ocean Footwear, Apex Enterprises, Apex Investment, Grey Advertising Bangladesh, Quantum Consumer Solutions, Sunbeams School Limited, and Mega Ocean Footwear.

Additionally, Apex Group holds a sizable stake in Mutual Trust Bank (MTB). Elahi was the bank's founding chairman. He was also chairman of East West University's board of trustees.