Sufi Mohamed Mizanur Rahman – founder chairman of the country’s top conglomerate PHP Family and Ekushey Padak winner for social service – said the purpose of life is not to lead an opulent life, become a big industrialist, or a businessman.
“Working for the welfare of people should be the main purpose of life,” he added.
He made the remarks while addressing a panel introductory meeting held at the Mezba Hall in Radisson Blu Hotel, Chattogram Bay View on Monday night, organised by the Oikko Parishad over the Bangladesh Garments Accessories and Packaging Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGAPMEA) 2024-2026 election.
Adzi Trims Managing Director Al Shahriar is contesting in the election as a panel leader, and presidential candidate. The apex body of the apparel sector backward linkage has 21 director posts - 5 seats are reserved for Chattogram, and 16 for Dhaka.
Quoting the autobiography of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, Sufi Mohamed Mizanur Rahman said, “I cannot bear the suffering of people. So I got involved in politics to serve the people.
“Oikko Parishad has also gotten involved in the BGAPMEA election for the welfare of the organisation . They have come to serve utilising their valuable time.”
Addressing young business leaders, he said, “You have to think about why you came to earth, stand for truth and justice. If you take money from the bank for business purposes, it must be repaid. Returning the money to the bank will never shut a bank’s doors to you.”
Introducing the panel of candidates of Oikko Parishad, Sufi Mohamed Mizanur Rahman said, “I see in front of me a group of lively young people who will be the future leaders. The fulfillment of life cannot be found in speaking good English or wearing fancy clothes.
"Honour, fame does not depend on opulence. It depends on how many people respect and love you. A man of good character and good heart is free from pride even though he possesses wealth. Human qualities are life's greatest assets.”
Oikko Parishad Panel Leader Al Shahriar Ahmed said, "Even though the election process started 33 years ago, there were few candidates. This is the first most contested poll. Election will be held in two separate panels.”
Announcing the election manifesto and making a number of promises, “If the Oikko Parishad panel wins, we will hold a meeting called Members' Day every four months to listen to the problems of the members.
“In the next meeting, I will tell you what problems have been resolved in four months. Chattogram members have been demanding their own office for a long time. Someone promised this previously, but could not do it.”
He added, “I will make sure the panel has an entire building. Above all, I want to be a servant of the organisation’s 1,983 members. I will come and work twice a month to solve the problems of the members of Chattogram.”
Md Fazlul Karim, proprietor of Sufi Dyeing and Accessories Industries, said, "If we win the election, we will work united to take the organisation forward. We have to work to pass on a strong organisation to the next generation.
“Those who work with hands are called labourers, those who work with hands and brains are artisans and those who work with hands, brains and hearts are called extraordinary people.”
