Salute to Latifur Rahman: from Bhaiya to sir

Akku Chowdhury
Published : 5 July 2020, 04:53 PM
Updated : 5 July 2020, 04:53 PM

What do you write about a man whom you have known for over 52 years? It's not only painful but difficult to comprehend that he is no more. With the monsoon at its peak, the dark clouds, floating mist and incessant rain out here in my remote village seem to be comforting me to accept the reality. Last evening before the sunset, the snow-peaked Annapurna mountain emerged as if to tell me: "Your Bhaiya is in a better world but don't forget the tools he gave you to be a better human." Every time I sit down with my pen and paper to write about him, it's hard to go further than half a page. So much to talk about, so much to write, so much to explain about the man par excellence known globally as Latifur Rahman Shameem. A patriot, a humanitarian, a true gentleman, a great leader, an ethical businessman, an incredible mentor, an intellectual, a scholar, lover, fighter, great father, awesome grandfather and a loving husband. It's endless and will take volumes. His pride was his motherland but his vision was that of a global citizen of conscience.

In my late teens during the 1960s, when the world as a whole was experiencing the changes that were 'blowing in the wind', I had the good fortune to meet him and Bhabi. And both of them made an impact on my young mind and our relationship was sealed forever. He was the older brother of my very close friend Saif. Since 1969, the world around us has changed and we have changed, but to me, Bhaiya and Bhabi were not always my icons but my two favourite family members. And he was my one and only 'mentor'.

After the coronavirus pandemic began, he called me from his retreat at Chiora in Cumilla's Chauddagram. Luckily, the network was perfect in my remote village in Deumadi and we chatted like old times. At one point, he asked if guests were coming to our Retreat for Conscience and how we were handling it. I informed him about the strict lockdown and natural isolation of the community here. After listening with interest, he gave me a guideline of operational safety for our guests and staff. What to do and not to do because "you have to open for business soon".

Once a leader always a leader – and his constant reminders of "paying attention to the small details", which would then take care of the bigger picture again reflected in that conversation. I flash back to 2002, when I was visiting the Transcom Tower to chat with my friends Saif and Masum. They were talking about their new project of becoming the franchise of Pizza Hut. Masum asked me if I would be interested to join it and take charge of getting it off the ground. It was challenging but I love challenges. Besides I was free as I had just quit from the Liberation War Museum, so I agreed to consider if they made an offer. That ended there and I was enjoying my free time. After a month, Bhaiya called and as always asked me if I am free. (This was his uniqueness no matter how important a call may be, he made sure the listener had the time). He told me to come and see him next time I visit Saif. A week later I met him and he came to the point directly. He was always a straight shooter and told me that his two directors have recommended my name for Pizza Hut project implementation, but he was hesitant. He was frank and very correct to tell me: "You are a free spirit, a fighter with a mind of your own. You have always been independent and now it would be impossible to mould yourself in corporate life." What he said was the truth as he had known me since I was 18. There was not much to tell him as he was right. So I agreed and confessed that he knows me better than I know myself. I had already finished my coffee but he offered another cup. I thought perhaps he wants to talk politics so I agreed. Then he continued by talking about hierarchy in organisations etcetera before coming back to the point of Pizza Hut. He was trying to prepare me to expect the harsh reality of the corporate world. He then said, "Your Bhabi asked me yesterday if Transcom found anyone to take care of the Pizza Hut project. I told your Joyu Bhabi that your name came up so she immediately asked if I accepted." When Bhaiya said that I was not offered the job yet, she was surprised that he was waiting so long as she thought I was the best find and he should offer me the job without thinking twice. I was overwhelmed by the confidence of Joyu Bhabi and agreed to join without any negotiations or terms and conditions. From that day he became 'Sir' to me, not Bhaiya. That was way back in 2002 and as a foot soldier, I was determined to build the brands of highest standards with his guidance. Setting up Pizza Hut was not just building any restaurant but creating a system with a global brand standard from designs, to service, to food, to attitude at par with any Pizza Hut anywhere under YUM! in the 150 countries they operate.

Latifur Rahman wanted no cutting corner and no compromise. He wanted to see his Pizza Hut in Bangladesh equally or better than the ones in the US or anywhere the brand has a presence. That was my term of reference and I accepted with a smile like an operator. His constant guidance and attention to small details made it possible for Transcom Foods Limited to own some of the finest KFC and Pizza Hut stores. Within a short span of 14 years, TFL has built and operated flawlessly 19 KFC and 16 Pizza Hut restaurants, which was only possible due to the constant interest and encouragement from the one and only LRN. His hand holdings taught me to be a leader, not just a follower!

I was with TFL until 2017, and saw the force behind this incredible leader was his life partner the adorable Joyu Bhabi! Not only had he taught me and given me tools to reach for the sky but also showed me how important it is to have the family be part of your everyday life. How important it is to be grounded! Bhabi was not just a life partner at home but a pillar, conscience and adviser. After knowing about her, my respect and love for the two increased. It can be a lesson for all – the life partner plays the most important role in one's success.

I hope those who have come in close contact with Bhaiya will retain and follow some of his teachings and philosophy. His business style of being ethical and transparent was his force and his humility makes him unique. Through his guidelines, if used in everyday interactions, we can become better humans and create a better world for our grandchildren. He lives amongst all of us whom he mentored and guided constantly.

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Joi Manush