‘Bush had ability to make people feel important’
Party campaign director Paul Manafort first introduced Bangladeshi Prince Dr Moosa bin Shamsher to former United States president George H.W. Bush in San Diego on Aug 15, 1996.
Moosa remembers it vividly. “Much to my embarrassment, Paul said: ‘Mr President, permit me to introduce to you Dr Moosa bin Shamsher, the only business tycoon and multibillionaire from Bangladesh’.
“As he gave me a warm, steady handshake, the president looked into my eyes and said: ‘It’s always good to meet a success from Sheikh Mujib’s land. I wish there were more from there’, and smiled.
“Then, he told Paul, ‘I know something you don’t. This is the flamboyant business tycoon who’s been dominating the world’s weapon industry since long ago’.”
Manafort told him that Moosa was an emissary of then Saudi king Fahd bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, who had vital issues to discuss relating to Muslims in Europe.
“President Bush then put his arm on my shoulder and escorted me from a group of VIPs that had encircled him to chairs nearby for a chat in private.
“We spoke at length about the problems Muslims were facing in Europe and I concluded the mission on which I had been sent. At his initiation, we then spoke about Bangabandhu and the development problems that plagued Bangladesh. To my surprise, he knew a lot about Bangabandhu and Bangladesh, which was something I hadn’t expected.
“That was the first of many encounters I had with him and as time went on, each one became friendlier than the previous,” Moosa said.
Over the years, their friendship grew. The pair went on to make a formidable team and engaged in projects and contributed to the wellbeing of a number of countries, including Bangladesh.
The tycoon said he admired Bush’s statesmanship above everything else.
“His demeanour was of the highest order. He spoke in a soft, but authoritative voice, and had the ability to make you feel comfortable and important in his presence. Among his many aptitudes, he was a great listener and listened to everything you said without interruption.
“There are many leaders around the world who fail to make this vital connection with people, but president Bush, a gentleman and natural statesman, had the ability to make people feel important.
“Over the years, we exchanged seasonal greetings and chatted by phone fairly regularly, but when he fell ill, I put a stop to the phone calls in consideration of ailing health.
“Much has been said and will be said about president Bush — some good, some bad — but I will always cherish the time we shared together.
“I think he was one of the most remarkable presidents of the US and many leaders could learn much from him.
“I had hoped to meet with him again next year, but it’s not to be. May almighty God comfort his family at this time and shower his love and blessings upon him,” Moosa said.