Nuher Latif Khan: A life dedicated to harnessing the sun

Sketch: TBS

Nuher Latif Khan was not only a businessman but also a policy advocate with a vision for a sustainable and stable energy future for Bangladesh. He believed in creating policies that would transcend changes in government, ensuring long-term development in the energy sector. 

Just three days ago, during a roundtable discussion organised by The Business Standard on "Financing Solar Power Projects: Challenges and Opportunities", Nuher shared his insights on building a robust energy policy framework that could weather political shifts and support continuous growth in renewable energy. His expertise and pragmatic approach to policy-making earned him respect across industry and governmental circles.

Today, Bangladesh's energy sector mourns the untimely passing of Nuher Latif Khan, Managing Director of Joules Power Ltd and Teknaf Solartech Energy Limited, who died early last morning in Dubai following a massive heart attack. He was 41 years old.

Born to Rina Latif and Lt Col (Retd) M A Latif Khan, Nuher, affectionately known as Sami, was a pioneer in the country's energy sector, renowned for his entrepreneurial spirit and transformative vision.

Nuher began his illustrious career as the founder and managing director of Desh Energy Ltd, where he spearheaded the development of a 110 MW portfolio of liquid fuel and gas-based power plants, significantly advancing private sector contributions to Bangladesh's energy infrastructure.

"In the last 15 or so years, a lot of opportunities have been created in the energy sector. Those opportunities have given birth to many entrepreneurs. Nuher was the brightest star among them. Always with a smile on his face, he never shied away from challenges; he had the quick wittedness to get out of any trouble," said Imran Karim, Vice President of Confidence Group.

In 2013, Nuher transitioned to renewable energy, founding Joules Power Limited (JPL). Under his leadership, JPL achieved remarkable milestones, including the commissioning of Bangladesh's first 20 MW AC utility-scale, grid-tied solar power plant in Teknaf. 

He also managed the 20 MW AC solar facility in Muktagacha and developed several innovative rooftop solar projects. As Managing Director of Teknaf Solartech Energy Limited, Nuher further solidified his role as a trailblazer in the solar energy sector.

Beyond his corporate achievements, Nuher was a beloved and active member of the Bangladesh Independent Power Producers' Association (BIPPA). He played an instrumental role in fostering collaboration among private power producers and contributed significantly to the smooth functioning of BIPPA at all stages. His dedication and leadership were vital to uniting the country's independent power producers, ensuring collective progress for the sector.

The news of his passing has left family, friends, and colleagues in profound grief. Among those paying tribute is his lifelong friend, Navidul Huq, Managing Director of Mohammadi Group, who shared an emotional message on social media.

"I've known Sami for more than half my life. We are childhood friends; our families are friends, and we were also business partners. He had a brilliant mind and was always after new things to do in the world of business. His drive was extreme. We did many things in life together, fun things, serious things. We have a lifetime of memories.

"I saw him last on the 5th of January. We hugged. I wanted to take a photo with him, but we didn't get a chance to as he had to leave early from our meeting. Little did I know it would be the last time I saw him. Life is so fragile and unpredictable. May Allah grant him peace and heaven. Please keep my friend in your prayers.

"Bhalo thakish dosto, dekha hobe abar tor shathe [Be well, my friend, we shall meet again]," the post reads.

Nuher's visionary contributions to the energy sector and his commitment to renewable energy will forever be remembered. His pioneering efforts have paved the way for sustainable energy solutions in Bangladesh, leaving an indelible legacy.

"His passing at this young age is very unfortunate. He is almost 20 years younger than me. He was extremely knowledgeable. He used to study a lot about policy. We got all the knowledge support we needed from him. He told us things we needed to know, what we needed to look at," said BIPPA President David Hasanat.

"No doubt he was an incredible resource for Bangladesh's power sector. He studied government policy in detail. Many of us do not really know the policies that well. But he did. He studied them to find out the challenges and loopholes in them. We are already missing him and will continue to do so," he added.

Technaf Solartech, under Nuher's leadership, built the first-ever large scale solar power plant in Bangladesh. The power plant in Teknaf's Hnila has the capacity to produce 28 megawatts (MW) and feeds 20 MW to the local substation during sunlight hours.

"Even though he was young, he was a pioneer. When it came to solar power, he was a pioneer in the country. He established the first 20MW IDP solar plant in the country," said Imran Karim.

"He had great leadership instincts. Even though he was quite young, he could unite older people for a cause. He was very friendly. Whatever he did, he did it with integrity. I will remember him fondly. The country has lost a great son," he added.