Old soldiers never die

An acclaimed entrepreneur and banking legend is no more. Abdur Rouf Chowdhury, former chairman of Bank Asia and visionary of Rangs Group passed away around midday on February 18, 2023.

He was only three years my senior and several years ahead of me in terms of knowledge, acumen, and composure. We first connected in 2004 when I was advising at the MCB Bank Dhaka, which eventually merged with Bank Asia. This connection was reaffirmed further when I joined the Bank Asia board of directors as an independent director. It was interesting to see Mr Chowdhury being both a discerning entrepreneur and an insightful banker. Generally, bankers are protective and conformist, while an entrepreneur is driven by profit and the interests of his own enterprise. But he had an exceptional skill of balancing both these faculties. 

He excelled in connecting people. He used to spend time understanding people's mindsets and sentiments. Given his sharp emotional intelligence, he could engage in prolonged dialogue with people, carefully assessing their suitability and emotional needs for support. Having this rare aptitude I have seen him resolving many complex issues. He singlehandedly dealt with the Covid-induced challenges of 2020 through compassion and empathy. Not a single employee of Bank Asia was laid off, nor was there any reduction of salary and benefits. There was no impact on the bank's performance either.

On the business front, he faced adversities many times. He had the wisdom to realise that troubles are transitional and trust in oneself is perpetual. When he lost the Rangs Bhaban, he had the courage and composure to build another. 

Mr Choudhury's creativity extended far beyond conventional thoughts. He built a multi-industrial group from scratch. In the industries of construction and deep sea fishing, he introduced new dimensions. His forward-thinking perspective allowed him to set up some of these businesses when not many people were willing to take such risks.  

Mr Chowdhury will remain absent from the Bank Asia board of directors' meeting, but his footsteps will be present and prominent. His legacy and examples will energise others for days to come.

He fought many battles in his life against adversities, and won. The last battle he fought with valour and dignity was against a disease and lost. But, as they say, "Old soldiers never die, they only fade away."

DH Choudhury is a former banker and currently an independent director of Bank Asia Ltd. Email: dilwar1940@gmail.com