Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) Mayor Annisul Huq, who has been undergoing treatment at a London hospital for neurological problem, passed away there on Thursday. He was 66. Doctors at the Wellington Hospital declared him dead around 4:23pm local time after removing the life support, said his personal assistant Mizanur Rahman.
Huq was put on life support on Monday as his condition deteriorated. Later, doctors found infection in his lungs.
Huq was diagnosed with cerebral vasculitis at a London neurology hospital after he was admitted to it on August 13. Later, he was taken to the intensive care unit of the hospital. The DNCC mayor was shifted from the ICU to another hospital on October 31 for physiotherapy after his
condition improved.
Born in his mother’s ancestral village of Sonapur at Sonagazi in Feni on October 27, 1952, Huq graduated in economics from Chittagong University.
Huq, an elder brother of army chief General Abu Belal Muhammad Shafiul Huq, was elected mayor with ruling Awami League ticket in April 2015.
He founded Mohammadi Group in 1986 after a stint in television as an anchor in the
1980s and 90s.
BTV programmes Anandamela and Antarale became popular with Huq anchoring them. He also worked in the live programme on the state-run television announcing the results of the 1991 general elections.
Huq hosted many interviews with politically significant personalities, including Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on national television.
He served as the president of Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) for two consecutive terms in
2005 and 2006.
He was the president of the Federation of the Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the apex trade body of the country, from 2008 to 2010.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina expressed profound shock at the death of Huq. In a condolence message, Hasina said, “Huq has made his place in the hearts of the common people through his public-welfare and service-
oriented work.”
BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia also expressed deep shock at the death. “Huq was very popular for his hard work and modesty. He proved his competence to fulfil the responsibilities given on him.”