Syed Manzur Elahi, former adviser to the caretaker government, business leader, and philanthropist, passed away on Wednesday morning at a hospital in Singapore at the age of 83.
His first Namaz-e-Janaza will be held on Thursday at 10:30 am at East West University Premises, Dhaka, and the second one after Zohr prayers at Azad Masjid, Gulshan-2, Dhaka.
Elahi, born in 1942, was a titan of Bangladeshi industry, leaving an indelible mark on the nation’s economic landscape.
He was the chairperson of the Board of Trustees at East West University, the founding chairman of Mutual Trust Bank PLC, and the chairman of Apex Group, a leading conglomerate he established from scratch.
Educated at St Xavier's College, Kolkata, and the University of Dhaka, where he earned a Master's degree in Economics, Elahi began his career at British American Tobacco.
However, his innate entrepreneurial drive led him to establish Apex Group, which became a vital contributor to Bangladesh’s economic growth.
Beyond his business acumen, Syed Manzur Elahi was a dedicated public servant. He served as an advisor to the Caretaker Government of Bangladesh in 1996 and 2001, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to national development.
He also held prominent leadership positions in organizations such as the Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Dhaka University Alumni Association, further solidifying his dedication to public service.
Elahi has left behind a son, a daughter, and grandchildren. His Janaja prayer will be held on Thursday at EWU Premises at 10.30am and Gulshan Azad Masque after the Zohr prayer.
He will buried at the Banani graveyard.
The East West University community mourns the loss of their esteemed chairperson.
Prof Dr Mohammed Farashuddin, chief adviser of the University and a close friend of Elahi, expressed his deep sorrow, stating: "Manzur was a visionary and compassionate individual, always dedicated to the progress of our country and its people. Losing a person of his caliber is an immeasurable loss for the East West University family. We pray for the eternal peace of the departed soul."