Founder, Apex Group

Syed Manzur Elahi (26th September 1942 – 12th March 2025)

Syed Manzur Elahi, was the Founding Chairman of Apex Footwear Ltd. He was also Founding Chairman of Apex Tannery Ltd., Pioneer Insurance Co. Ltd. and Mutual Trust Bank PLC., which are all listed as “A” category companies on the Main Board of the Stock Exchanges. He was the Founding Chairman of Apex Enterprises Ltd., Grey Advertising Bangladesh Ltd., Blue Ocean Footwear Ltd. and Quantum Consumer Solutions Ltd. He also served as chairs of Apex Pharma Ltd., Apex Investments Ltd., Sunbeams School Ltd., East West University Foundation (EWUF), Manusher Jonno Foundation, International Publications Ltd. that publishes the Financial Express, Credit Rating Agency of Bangladesh Ltd., Board of Trustees of Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD), Bangladesh Freedom Foundation and Diabetic Association of Bangladesh. He previously served as the Chairman of the Bangladesh Association of Banks (BAB), Central Depository Bangladesh Ltd., Vice Chairman of the Bangladesh Association of Publicly Listed Companies (BAPLC) and Director of Bangladesh Bank, Sonali Bank, Bangladesh Krishi Bank, Export Promotion Bureau (EPB), Bangladesh, President of the Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI), Member, Regulatory Reforms Commission, Member, Public Administration Reforms Commission, Chair of Bangladesh Freedom Foundation, President, Bangladesh Employers’ Association (BEA), President of the Dhaka University Alumni Association (DUAA), and Honorary Consul for Belgium in Bangladesh. He has won numerous awards for his contribution to trade and industry, which include Business Executive Award and Business Person of the Year. He was also awarded with "Life Time Achievement Award" by 21st DHL-Daily Star Bangladesh Business Awards in 2023. Besides being an eminent and well recognized industrialist and business leader, he has served twice in the Cabinet of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, as Adviser to the Caretaker Governments in 1996 and 2001. Mr. Elahi's education took place at St. Xavier's College, Kolkata. He completed his Bachelor of Arts with distinction in 1962. Soon after, he moved to Dhaka and pursued a Master's in Economics at the University of Dhaka, graduating in 1964. He has earned international recognition and respect for his leadership and professional qualities. He was also a well-known philanthropist. Mr. Syed Manzur Elahi passed away on 12th March 2025 at the age of 83 after a short illness.