In a war-ravaged country following the independence of Bangladesh, very few braved the risk of leaving a well-paid job to become a businessman.

Syed Manzur Elahi, chairman of Apex Footwear Ltd, was one of those visionaries who dedicated their lives to rebuilding the nation with their entrepreneurial skills.

Elahi, a man who would go on to find massive success, started his journey as a humble businessman in the leather sector, which was not a very familiar segment at the time.

But through his dedication, the local tannery, leather and leather goods sectors turned into a multi-billion-dollar sector.

He never made compromises when it came to quality of goods and the fact that Apex products -- including shoes, wallets, sandals, belts, and different types of boots -- are seen at global retail giants such as Fila, Deichmann, Timberland, Aldo, H&M, Marks and Spencer, s.Oliver and Wolverine proves that.

Elahi took "Made in Bangladesh" to new heights with his leather products, although he belonged to a family of legal minds.

The son of Syed Nasim Ali, the Chief Justice of undivided Bengal, Elahi was born on September 26, 1942, in Kolkata. While he could have followed the same path, he chose entrepreneurship and industry.

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A business titan with unshakable ethical values

After completing his education at St. Xavier's College in Kolkata and earning a master's degree in economics from the University of Dhaka, he briefly worked at British American Tobacco before venturing into business.

A French businessman gave him his first break, a chance to trade leather between Dhaka and Paris. From that moment, there was no turning back.

After founding Apex Footwear Ltd, he transformed it into one of Bangladesh's largest footwear exporters.

As Apex Footwear gained prominence, more ventures appeared. Elahi was the mastermind behind Apex Tannery, Mutual Trust Bank, Pioneer Insurance, and Grey Advertising. He also founded charitable institutions such as Manusher Jonno Foundation and educational institutions such as East West University and Sunbeams School.

His wisdom and vision also guided organisations such as the Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD), the Diabetic Association of Bangladesh, and The Financial Express.

Elahi's demise led to an outpouring of grief from the chief of the interim government, finance adviser, different trade bodies, his long-time business colleagues, friends and business partners, who mourned him, some as the lighthouse of ethical trade, others as a source of inspiration, and a lucky few who were left to cherish the memories of their mentor.

In a statement, Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus expressed deep shock and sorrow at the passing of Elahi, also a former adviser to the caretaker government.

In a message of condolence, Yunus said Elahi was a unique personality in the entrepreneurial world of Bangladesh and a patriotic businessman.

Mentioning that Elahi played an important role in advancing the country's leather industry, the chief adviser said his diligent work had turned Apex Footwear into the country's leading shoe exporter.

Finance Adviser Salehuddin Ahmed also expressed deep condolences, saying Elahi was an excellent personality.

"He was not only sincere and honest in his own business but also acted as a mentor for other businessmen. He was a very successful businessman. But he acted as the spokesperson on behalf of other businessmen. Usually, such a trait among businessmen is rare," the former central bank governor said.

Tapan Chowdhury, managing director of Square Pharmaceuticals, said he and Elahi had a familial relationship since Elahi worked with Samson H Chowdhury, founding chairman of Square Group, in different capacities.

"I also worked with him in different capacities, including for banks, insurance and university establishment," Chowdhury told The Daily Star over phone.

Elahi was an idealistic businessman, soft-hearted and non-controversial, Chowdhury said.

He added that many people usually do not have a good image of businessmen in Bangladesh, but Elahi was above any controversy.

"When he used to work with my father, he used to advise me a lot and he also suggested that I involve our third generation in the family business. There were a lot of things to be learnt from him and people will miss his presence," Chowdhury said.

Rubana Huq, former president of Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), said, "The country has lost a stalwart and we have lost a mentor. With unwavering determination, Elahi built an empire that not only contributed to the economy of Bangladesh and provided livelihoods for countless families but also inspired many entrepreneurs to prioritise purpose over profit.

"He was a true embodiment of the phrase, "service to others is the rent you pay for your room on earth". He will be dearly missed, but never forgotten," Huq added.

AK Azad, a former president of the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) and chairman of Ha-Meem Group, said Elahi was a guiding light for businessmen in the country.

"We used to follow his guidance and were proud of him. Elahi was a soft-spoken person and very sharp in leadership and in business," Azad said.

"As his successor as the president of Dhaka University Alumni Association, I followed his footsteps. He never compromised with honesty."

Nihad Kabir, a former president of the Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI), said, "I am deeply saddened at the passing of Syed Manzur Elahi, Uncle Manzur to me, the renowned and distinguished industrialist and business leader.

"His loss will be deeply felt on a personal level not just by me, but by the countless people he has mentored and supported through the decades. At the national level and for the business community, this is a colossal loss."

Elahi served as president of MCCI in 1990 and 1991 and as president of the Bangladesh Employers' Federation in 2005-06 and 2006-07.

Under his exemplary leadership, the MCCI played a pivotal role in shaping the country's trade and commerce landscape, Kabir said, adding "I was fortunate enough to be mentored by him for the role of MCCI president, where his unassuming yet strong presence gave our chamber great strength and depth."

Md Saiful Islam, a former MCCI president, said, "He was an icon in the country's leather sector. He was a lighthouse for ethical business, at home and abroad.

"Elahi was a pioneer, the first person who exported leather from the independent Bangladesh. He was a perfect human being," Saiful added.

Parveen Mahmud, former president of Institute of Chartered Accountants (ICB) and former independent director of Apex Footwear Ltd, said on a Facebook post that she was deeply saddened at Elahi's passing.

"This is a great loss for the nation. He was one of the most gentle and respected persons, the best son of the soil, loved and respected by everyone who knew him," she said.

"I was blessed to know him and work with him on the board of Apex Footwear Ltd, Manusher Jonno Foundation and Centre for Policy Dialogue. Always enlightened and inspired by his humility and depth of knowledge and leadership. Rest in peace. You will be missed."

Rizwan Rahman, a former president of the Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI), said Elahi served as a guardian for the private sector.

"He was not anyone's competitor in business. If he was there, fellow industrialists felt safe and guarded. He was not the best, but he was above the rest," he said.

"I was most privileged to call him my boss, my mentor, my guide, my family. He was the person I would reach out to when I had a tough time convincing my own father."

Expressing deep condolences, Taskeen Ahmed, president of the DCCI, said Elahi was a pioneer in exporting footwear and leather products from Bangladesh.

"His efforts helped the country's leather products gain popularity in the world market and foster a good reputation. That positive branding in the global market later played an immense role in the development and export of our local industry as well," he said.

Anwar-Ul Alam Chowdhury, president of Bangladesh Chamber of Industries, expressed deep condolences in a statement mourning the loss of the Elahi, also founding director of the BCI.

Mominul Islam, chairman of the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE), said Elahi served with honesty when he was an independent director of the stock exchange between 2002 and 2008.

In a statement, the Credit Rating Agency of Bangladesh Limited expressed sadness at the demise of its chairman.

Apex Footwear Limited is a leading developer, manufacturer, and retailer of quality footwear, operating in all major export markets in Europe, North America, and Japan as well as in the domestic market in Bangladesh.

The company was incorporated in Bangladesh on January 4, 1990. It is listed on both stock exchanges of the country. Apex is the largest shoemaker in South Asia, responsible for approximately 15 percent of leather footwear exports from Bangladesh.

Today, Apex exports to more than 50 countries and has a vast retail presence across Bangladesh with 250 stores, setting standards for quality and design in the region's footwear market.

Its revenue stood at Tk 1,497 crore, including Tk 481 crore in export earnings, in the fiscal year 2023-24.

Its closest competitor, the multinational corporation Bata, reported an annual revenue of Tk 987 crore for 2023.