Various organisations, including the Pabna Press Club leadership, have expressed deep grief and sympathy over the death of Nurul Islam Babul, chairman of Jamuna Group, one of the largest industrial groups in the country and a heroic freedom fighter.
Veteran journalist and columnist Ranesh Maitra, former president of Pabna Press Club Bir Muktijoddha Rabiul Islam Robi, President of Pabna Press Club ABM Fazlur Rahman, General Secretary Saikat Afroz Asad, President of Pabna Newspaper Council Abdul Matin Khan, General Secretary Shahidur Rahman Shahid, President of Pabna Reports Rahman Uni , General Secretary Kazi Babla, Cab Pabna District Branch Vice President Principal Jebunnechcha Babin and General Secretary SM Mahbub Alam, Pabna District Representative of Daily Jugantar Akhtaruzzaman Akhter, Pabna District Representative of Jamuna Television Shifat Rahman Sanam expressed their condolences to Nurul Islam Babul in a separate condolence message.
He breathed his last at Ever Care (formerly Apollo) Hospital in the capital on Monday. He was 74 years old. He is survived by his wife, one son and three daughters.
His death has cast a shadow of mourning over the country's industry. Traders say that Nurul Islam passed away at a difficult time. Entrepreneurs like him were very much needed in overcoming the corona crisis and building the country's economic development and modern Bangladesh.
His departure is an irreparable loss for the country. On June 14, Nurul Islam's corona test came positive. He was admitted to Ever Care Hospital on the same day. His kidneys were damaged due to corona.
A 10-member medical board was formed under the leadership of Dr. Brigadier General (Retd.) Mahbud of Ever Care for the treatment of this eminent industrialist. Apart from this, 4 specialist doctors from China and 2 specialist doctors from Mount Elizabeth Hospital in Singapore gave advice through teleconference.
His wife is Salma Islam, a former state minister for women and children. Son Shamim Islam is the managing director of Jamuna Group, his three daughters- Sonia Islam, Monica Islam and Rosalin Islam are directors of Jamuna Group.
Jamuna Group is the largest industrial group in Bangladesh. In 1974, Nurul Islam Babul founded the Jamuna Group. Through talent, skill, hard work and courage, he built 41 organisations in the industry and service sector.
Nurul Islam is a courageous entrepreneur of modern thought in economic development of the country and creation of employment for the people.
At present more than 50,000 people are working in this Jamuna group. The group holds the top spot in industries and services, including Jamuna Future Park, the largest shopping mall in Asia, and the Marriott Hotel under construction in Jamuna.
The group is at the forefront of business in the electronics, textile, oven garments, chemical, leather, motorcycle, beverage toiletries, construction and housing sectors. Nurul Islam is the founder of popular daily Jugantar and Jamuna Television.