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TALENT . SUCCESS . LEADERSHIP

2014 wwwbbpower-inspiration.com TALENT | SUCCESS | LEADERSHIP

Welcome to the 2014 edition of the British Bangladeshi Power & Inspiration

Here you will find 100 bright, ambitious and successful British Bangladeshi names across 19 categories demonstrating the dynamic, entrepreneurial, philanthropic, pioneering and innovative nature of this community. The 20th category of the 2014 list is the “People’s Choice” where for the first time the general public were invited to nominate their most inspirational British Bangladeshi. The judges are delighted to announce the 5 unsung heroes of this category who serve to remind us of the strength and courage of individuals and the potential for the future.

We are often asked why we produce this list and the answer lies with the word “inspiration”. The next generation is rising fast and we aim to be at the forefront of this revolution. Recent studies have shown that in GCSE exams taken at the age of 16, Bangladeshi girls now outperform their peers. On its own this is an amazing sound bite of achievement, but imagine what more could be achieved by providing strong, powerful role models and mentors for young girls (and boys!) from across all industries and categories that the BB Power & Inspiration represents. That is why following the success of our recent lawyers networking event, we will be hosting a series of “inspirational events” under the BB Power & Inspiration banner throughout 2014 for sectors such business and enterprise, medicine, public service and the arts. Please keep checking the website for further details.

As if that wasn’t enough, it has become tradition that we do a little extra and so this year, please take a look at the 10 inspirational Bangladeshi figures who live away from our shores but who demonstrate our values of talent, success, leadership and are exceptional role models for all.

Thanks as always to the brilliant team that support and guide us in this mammoth task: the members of our judging panel, our dedicated advisers, volunteers and researchers and our sponsors and supporters. And congratulations to the 100 members of the 2014 British Bangladeshi Power & Inspiration, this is your list and your time to shine. wwwbbpower-inspiration.com Abdal Ullah & Ayesha Qureshi MBE New entry Founder & Editor

02 British Bangladeshi Power & Inspiration 2014 TALENT | SUCCESS | LEADERSHIP Business & Enterprise Politics

Iqbal Ahmed OBE Lutfur Rahman Chairman and Chief Executive Executive Mayor of The Seamark Group Borough of Tower Hamlets

Iqbal leads the multinational Seamark Group The first directly elected Mayor of the of companies, which has a group turnover of London Borough of Tower Hamlets, having $250m and is the UK’s leading importer and been leader of the council for the previous processor of seafood. One of a few British two years, Lutfur climbed 15 places to 53rd Bangladeshis on Rich List, on 's list of the Top 100 Iqbal has also set up the Non-Resident most influential Left-wingers. Bangladeshi Bank (NRB), a new bank for His Borough’s budget is the second largest in expats to invest in their homeland. the UK.

Naufal Zaman MP Managing Director Shadow Education Minister Zamir Telecom Limited The Labour Member of Parliament for Zamir Telecom has soared to new heights from and Bow and the first selling low-cost international calls to offering a British Bangladeshi elected to the House range of communication services. Naufal‘s of Commons, Rushanara is the Shadow company has seen incredible international Minister for Education. She is leading the growth, particularly in the Middle East. The Save Remittance Giving Campaign company has announced a new MBA calling on Barclays to reverse its decision scholarship programme with the Saïd Business on closing the accounts of money- School at the University of Oxford. transfer companies.

Aref Karim Tulip Siddiq Hedge Fund Manager Prospective Parliamentary Candidate Prior to setting up Quality Capital Management, Aref worked at the world’s Tulip is Labour’s Prospective Parliamentary largest sovereign wealth fund, the Abu Dhabi Candidate for Hampstead and Kilburn. Investment Authority where he designed and Recognised for her strong stance against managed a multi-billion dollar portfolio of government cuts to the NHS, Tulip is a rising alternative investments. His Weybridge-based star of the Labour Party. hedge fund has been a huge success with She has also been campaigning recently on assets in the region of £150m according to the the impact of the proposed underground Sunday Times Rich List. ticket office closures.

Ruby Hammer MBE Baroness Pola Uddin Makeup Artist and Entrepreneur Life Peer House of Lords Ruby has established a number of leading brands in the UK. Her ranges have become The first British Bangladeshi woman to some of the most innovative makeup brands enter the House of Lords, she continues to be established in thirty years. Ruby has to champion a range of initiatives and worked for publications such as Vogue and Elle during 2013 remained focused on magazine. Department store Debenhams organisations which promote women’s exclusively stock a "Ruby recommends" range participation in civil society and human of makeup in recognition of her status as a rights. house hold name.

Shelim Hussain MBE Murad Qureshi AM Founder and Managing Director Euro Foods Group Member

Founder of Euro Foods Limited, a thriving In his third term as a GLA member, Murad business which has rapidly grown to has increased his responsibilities to cover employ over 200 staff, with food the Transport Committee and Heathrow processing units in Newport, Barking and Airport Consultative Committee. Sunderland. He also put forth a motion urging the The company also operates in Mayor of London to fully fund the London and New York and has an annual turnover Fire Brigade to stop the closure local fire of around £40 million. stations.

British Bangladeshi Power & Inspiration 2014 03 TALENT | SUCCESS | LEADERSHIP Civil and Public Service Innovators

Asif Anwar Ahmad Sharif Banna MBE Diplomat, British Foreign & Co-Founder and CEO, Awakening Commonwealth Office (FCO) Worldwide Asif is currently serving as Ambassador to the Sharif’s international media conglomerate is a Philippines, having previously been British by-word for innovation in faith inspired and Ambassador to and Laos. After a value driven media. In recognition of this, career in Banking, Asif joined the FCO where Awakening recently was awarded the he first worked in the Resources Directorate prestigious Islamic Economy Award by the Emir and then moved into foreign policy work on of Dubai. In addition, Sharif is also a board commonwealth issues. His previous roles also member of the international Qatar Foundation include Director Asia for UK Trade and based Centre for Islamic Ethics and Legislation, Investment. a leading centre for innovation in ethics.

Mockbul Ali OBE Dr Miratul Muqit Diplomat, British Foreign & Wellcome Trust Senior Research Commonwealth Office (FCO) Fellowship in Clinical Science and Programme Leader A leading young diplomat, Mockbul has served as a policy advisor to three former Foreign Based at the University of Dundee, Miratul Secretaries. His recent diplomatic posting was has been awarded almost £1.9 million in Cairo during the Arab Spring. Previously from the Wellcome Trust to investigate the listed amongst the 500 most influential causes of Parkinson’s disease. This is Muslims globally, Mockbul is currently allowing Miratul to undertake completing a prestigious leadership programme groundbreaking research over the next 5 in international strategy before his next years that may lead to new breakthroughs posting. on how to diagnose and treat the disorder.

Nahid Majid OBE Shakir Ahmed Chief Operating Officer Co-inventor of Skycopter Regeneration Investment Organisation at UK Trade and Investment Shakir designed and built the world’s Nahid is recognised as one of the top eminent first multicopter powered solely on Town Planners in the country. In her role at solar power, achieving the highest RIO, the government’s new high profile inward investment body, Nahid aims to raise billions thesis mark awarded in the history of of pounds from overseas to fund urban his University. regeneration projects in the UK and helped to The Project featured on the Discovery orchestrate the Prime Ministers recent trade Channel. He is in the process of filing mission to China. for a Patent.

Anwar Choudhury Syed Ahmed Diplomat, British Foreign & Co-founder and CEO Commonwealth Office (FCO) Savortex Having found a gap in the market for low Currently a Director of corporate affairs in energy dryers, Syed developed the innovative the FCO, Anwar was the British High Vortex EcoSmart hand dryer. He has been Commissioner for Bangladesh in 2004, the shortlisted for the prestigious BusinessGreen first British Bangladeshi to hold the role. Leaders Awards and has won a string of He then served as Director international multinational clients. The Vortex is also the institutions in the FCO. He remains a world’s first hand dryer to achieve a Guinness popular personality with many British World Record title for drying the most pairs of Bangladeshis. hand’s using just 30 KJ of energy.

Dr Halima Begum Dilara Khan Director of Education, East Chair and CEO, Pillar Productions Asia, British Council The creator and producer of the first ever British Bangladeshi reality show ‘Forgotten An experienced international development Roots’, Dilara continues her production manager, Halima is responsible for providing portfolio by creating the award winning show intellectual leadership on policy matters to ‘Maa Amar Maa’ celebrating motherhood and drive forward the British Council's education women’s contribution to their children, family, offer in 14 countries in East Asia. She has and society. Dilara has secured the Bangladesh extensive experience of working with license for the TV show ‘The Apprentice’ and international partners including the EU, UN, also is the President of the British Bangladesh World Bank and Asian Development Bank. Chamber of Women Entrepreneurs.

04 British Bangladeshi Power & Inspiration 2014 TALENT | SUCCESS | LEADERSHIP Academic / Think Tanker Legal

Ed Husain Sapnara Khatun Senior fellow for Middle Eastern / Judge Studies, The Council for Foreign Relations (New York) A family law specialist, Sapnara has extensive Ed is a leading global expert on international experience in both private and public law affairs, in particular the Middle East. A representing women and children in cases frequent and high profile commentator in involving domestic violence and forced the international media, his latest policy marriage. She is the first person from a paper formed the basis of the US minority background to be elected to the administration's recent announcement of a Committee of the Family Law Bar $200m global CT fund for communities. Ed is Association. Sapnara sits as a recorder also an acclaimed bestselling author. (Judge) in both family and criminal cases. Dr Irene Zubaida Khan Akhlaq Choudhury Chancellor, University of Barrister/ Judge Salford Akhlaq is a leading practitioner in the field of The only Chancellor of British Bangladeshi information law having appeared in several origin, Irene Zubaida Khan was the first female landmark decisions in recent years including and Asian to hold the position of Secretary the MPs’ Expenses case and has been heavily General of Amnesty International. Irene is involved in connection with the employment internationally known for her work on human law aspects of the highly publicised phone rights, social justice and women’s issues. She hacking scandal. He is consistently listed as a continues her work for the UN High leading barrister in Chambers UK and the Legal Commissioner for Refugees. 500 and is a part time Recorder (judge).

Dr M Hasan Shaheed Ajmalul Hossain QC Senior Lecturer in Control and Barrister Robotics, Queen Mary University of London Ajmalul has vast experience of advocacy in Teaching and carrying out his own research in complex and high-value cases in the High the fields of Robotics, Medical Robotics, Court and Court of Appeal in London, the Medical/Surgical devices, Hybrid Energy Supreme Court of Bangladesh and in Systems, Solar Helicopters, UAVs, Water international arbitrations and mediations. He Desalination and Cancer, Dr Shaheed is highly rated by the Chambers Asia Guide supervised the invention of first solar powered multicopter in the world and two techniques and The Asia Pacific Legal 500. Ajmalul is the for Capsule Robot movement inside the GI first and only QC in of British tract for cancer screening. Bangladeshi origin.

Naila Kabeer Shah Qureshi Professor of Gender and Solicitor, Partner Bindmans LLP Development, LSE Naila is Professor of Gender and Development at the Gender Institute of the London School of Shah is a top ranked lawyer in Chambers UK Economics, prior to that, she was Professor of 2013. His pioneering work led him to be Development Studies at SOAS. Her research interest includes gender, poverty, social exclusion, listed in the Lawyer magazine's Hot 100 as a labour markets and livelihoods, social protection leading figure in discrimination law. He has and citizenship and is focused on South and developed a reputation for pursuing South East Asia. She has carried out extensive successful discrimination and whistle- training and advisory work with NGOs and international development agencies (including blowing cases against large corporations and Oxfam, ActionAid, BRAC, and the UN). public bodies.

Andy Miah Wahid-Ur Rahman Chair of Ethics and Emerging Technologies and Director of the Managing Associate, Simmons & Creative Futures Institute, The Simmons LLP University of the West of Scotland Andy holds degrees in Science, Bioethics and Law, Wahid is a senior finance lawyer who acts for and has expertise in fields as diverse as sociology, banks, funds and corporates on a wide range cultural studies, the history of medicine, the philosophy of technology and media theory. His of international transactions. recent work considers pervasive wireless Wahid’s recent work has focused on advising connectivity, the modification of living matter a large number of UK and US hedge funds through nanotechnology, and the role of art and and other creditors in relation to the design in biotechnology. His work is inspired by administration of Lehman Brothers his interest in the implications of technology and science for humanity. International (Europe).

British Bangladeshi Power & Inspiration 2014 05 TALENT | SUCCESS | LEADERSHIP Medical Professional

Prof Tipu Zahed Aziz Sham Ahmed Head of Neurosurgery Managing Director, MathWorks UK

Professor Aziz is the founder and head of Shamim was appointed MD of MathWorks functional neurosurgery at John Radcliffe aged just 29. MathWorks products have Hospital, Oxford. become a de-facto standard in research and His landmark work was central to confirming a development within leading organisations possible surgical target for deep brain worldwide and is used by all the major stimulation in Parkinson’s disease. His centre is Automotive, Aerospace & Defence companies currently one of the busiest for surgery and worldwide. The company generates nearly $50 research in the UK in this area of expertise. Million turnover annually and has over 150 employees.

Dr Shafi Ahmed Nural Choudhury Consultant Surgeon CNN Digital, International Art Director A specialist in general and colorectal surgery, Responsible for all CNN Digital design outside Shafi is Consultant General, Colorectal and of America including CNN.com, CNN Arabic, Laparoscopic Surgeon at Barts and the London CNN Travel, Nural is a highly experienced NHS trust. Shafi is also a Senior Lecturer and digital designer. He has a proven track record Associate Dean at Barts and the London in translating challenging business Medical School. He has set up iHealth which is requirements into innovative design solutions a modern way of managing NHS patients and for consumer facing websites, mobile devices offers an alternative pathway for care. and tablet applications. Nural’s clients include , Telegraph and Disney. Dr Tahseen Chowdhury Dr.A.K. Rahman Consultant Physician Principal Mechanical Analysis (Structural Integrity) Engineer, Tahseen is lead clinician in the department of BAE SYSTEMS diabetes and metabolism at Bart's and The Aminur is the technical lead and responsible for London NHS Trust in the . the structural integrity of military/civil aircraft He deals with diabetes particularly among the Active Inceptor Systems, a fly-by-wire Bangladeshi community of Tower Hamlets. As technology which is state of the art. They are the a clinical researcher, Tahseen's interest in next generation in flight controls, providing the pilot with aircraft feedback through varied diabetes in South Asians has led to more than vibration and resistance of the flight control 100 publications. He is also on the editorial stick. In his current role, Aminur is also board for the prestigious journal of the Royal responsible for the structural integrity of Primary College of Physicians, Clinical Medicine. Flight Control Computers for civil aircrafts.

Dr Rabaiyat Haque Dr Shorful Consultant Physician Head of Data, DDB UK (a WPP Rubaiyat is a leading expert and is one of a very Company) small number of consultants who undertook With clients spanning across a range of sectors specialist training in Allergy at the world including retail, media, petro-chemical, renowned allergy department at Addenbrooke's technology and telecommunications, Shorful Hospital in Cambridge. After completion of has spent the last decade working across the specialist training, he took up his current post as Consultant Allergist at Guy's and St Thomas' public and private sector in the area of data Hospital in London where he is the lead clinician and analytics and helps blue-chip companies in the adult allergy service. He also chairs the use data for marketing activities. Shorful has Allergy Safety Improvement Group on behalf of previously worked at ITV as Head of Business Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust. Information.

Prof Anisur Rahman Nazma Uddin Head of Rheumatology Consultant at Rise Management Consulting Nazma is a Project Manager with 5 years Senior Lecturer on Rheumatology at quality experience with leading UK University College London, Anisur’s research Construction and Management Companies. focuses on chronic pain. He has forged a Providing construction management services successful collaboration with researchers in in both the private and public sectors, Nazma primary care at Barts and the London and projected managed the building of the together he is working on studies of beliefs Serpentine Gallery Pavilion. She is currently and expectations about chronic pain in providing project management services on different ethnic groups. projects in Oman.

06 British Bangladeshi Power & Inspiration 2014 TALENT | SUCCESS | LEADERSHIP The City / Finance Networks and Associations

Prof Moorad Choudhry Bangladesh Caterers Treasurer, RBS Group Treasury Association (BCA) Combining a 24-year career in financial Pasha Khandaker, President markets with an MBA, a PhD, and a parallel An umbrella organisation of approximately career as a leading academic in finance, 12,000 British-Bangladeshi restaurants across Moorad has brought all his experiences the UK employing more than 90,000 people together to focus on Treasury at RBS. He has with an estimated yearly turnover of £4 literally "written the book" on bank treasury, billion, the BCA organises various activities to having published two books on the topic. promote Bangladeshi cuisine in Great Britain Moorad has used his success to set up a as well as in Europe. scholarship at the University of Westminster The BCA is working relentlessly to raise to support undergraduate students. standards in the curry industry. Samad Choudhury London Bangla Global Audit Director, Citibank Press Club Samad is a Chartered Accountant with Mohammed Nobab Uddin, President extensive experience and knowledge of financial services activities and products. He has gained Celebrating 20 years, the London Bangla Press international exposure from living and working Club brings together Bangladeshi led media in the USA as well as key financial centres organisations (print, publishing, electronic, across the globe. He plays a crucial role in and radio). providing objective and independent opinions Working in the London Borough of Tower on the safeguarding controls that address the Hamlets and beyond, the organisation works numerous current and emerging risks in the in partnership with the British Bangladeshi various business activities of the bank. media sector. Sultan Choudhury British Bangladesh Managing Director, Islamic Bank Chamber of Commerce of Britain (BBCC) Sultan is a member of various community and Muquim Ahmed, President Government advisory groups on finance and With a mission to support businesses to grow has contributed to the development of Islamic and prosper and improve commerce between Financial Services in the . Bangladesh, the UK and the EU, the BBCC He has also led the development and provides a forum for debate, acts as voice for implementation of IBB’s full product range and business and works to influence public policy. service delivery channels. Sultan is a Chartered It has established itself as a key lobbying group Member of the Chartered Institute for on behalf of its members as the voice of the Securities & Investment. British-Bangladeshi business community. Iftakharul Islam Emerald Network Asian Tiger Capital Partners Rooful Ali, Founder

Iftakharul established his boutique investment Emerald has grown from strength to strength company Asian Tiger Capital Partners in 2007. and is now established as the oldest and AT Capital is one of the first financial leading Muslim professional network of its institutions in Bangladesh focusing on Asset kind. The organisation’s membership spans Management, Corporate Advisory and Macro- diverse professions and locations. Its key Economic Consulting. areas include the Arts, Businesses and He is regularly quoted in foreign and national Charities under a vision to connect through press as an authority on the Bangladesh stock networking. Emerald hosts an extensive market. programme of annual events.

Raihan Faradhi Wales Bangladesh Strategy Consultant, PwC Chamber of Commerce Raihan’s has extensive experience providing Dilabor A Hussain, Chairman professional services to large banks and insurance companies through his work The WBCC was established to promote, previously at PWC and previously Deloitte. He protect and strengthen bilateral trade and has worked in the office of Ed Balls MP, advising commerce between Bangladesh and the Wales. on Treasury and Corporate Tax policy. He The members combined turnover is estimated delivered a European market entry business plan to be over £20 million annually just in Wales. and strategy for a leading African bank. He also was awarded Honorary Lifetime Membership to The potential membership turnover of Welsh the Student Union of the LSE and currently Bangladeshi businesses is estimated at over £3 serves as an ambassador for the university. billion combined and this figure is growing.

British Bangladeshi Power & Inspiration 2014 07 TALENT | SUCCESS | LEADERSHIP Media Culture

Mihir Bose Zoe Rahman Sports Journalist Jazz Musician

An award winning journalist and author, MOBO award- winning pianist Zoe was Mihir writes a weekly “Big Sports Interview” described in The Observer as “a remarkable for the London Evening Standard. pianist by any standard”. She has firmly He also writes and broadcasts on social and established herself as one of the brightest stars historical issues as well as sport for a range on the contemporary jazz scene. A vibrant and of outlets including the BBC, the FT and the highly individual pianist/composer, her style is Independent. deeply rooted in jazz yet it reflects her classical He was the BBC’s first Sports Editor. background, British Bangladeshi heritage and her very broad musical taste.

Lisa Aziz Tahmima Anam Newsreader Author

Lisa Aziz is a highly-experienced newsreader Tahmima is the author of the Bengal Trilogy, and presents the Morning News on LBC 97.3 which chronicles three generations of the every weekday at 6.30am. Haque family from the Bangladesh war of Lisa is an Ambassador for the charity independence to the present day. Her debut Gingerbread and is also on the Gala novel, A Golden Age, was awarded the Committee of the Young Vic Theatre with The Commonwealth Writers’ Prize for Best First Prince's Trust. Book. It was followed in 2011 by The Good Muslim. The final instalment of the trilogy, Shipbreaker, is due to be published in 2014. Ali Hussain Shapla Salique Finance Journalist Musician A respected journalist, Ali writes for The Sunday Times specialising in finance. His A song writing musician and arranger, Shapla is articles offer readers insights into the money known for combining the Baul tradition in markets, global business and financial Bengali Folk Music with her warm distinctive planning. emotive voice and English vocals. Ali is helping to put consumers back in the She has performed at the Hammersmith Apollo, Royal Ascot, the Barbican and in driving seat by equipping them with insider London’s South Bank as well as at events in financial knowledge. the Houses of Parliament.

Nadia Ali Naz Choudhury Radio and TV Presenter Founder of Flex FX

The voice of the BBC’s Asian Network Bangla show, Nadia began her career on a Children’s Naz is one of the most successful Asian performers in the UK. He is known for bringing TV programme which was beamed into some of the most famous Bollywood names to thousands of Asian homes across the UK & perform in London. His most treasured Europe. moments include playing the O2, dancing with She has also previously worked for a number Bollywood stars on stage, performing at the of Asian Channels, including B4U, Royal Opera house, and opening the & ATN Bangla and is pursuing a parallel Commonwealth Games Handover Ceremony career in the law. in .

Yasmin Khatun Menhaj Huda Journalist and Producer Film, television director and producer A journalist and producer, writing for a number of different publications, Yasmin’s Menhaj Huda made his name as the director work is diverse and touches on a wide range of ground breaking feature film Kidulthood, and has firmly placed himself in the front seat of topics from fashion to politics. She as one of the UKs youngest rising directing produces programmes for the Islam Channel talents. He entered television through creating and is due to launch a new interview focused and directing a series of innovative award programme 'In conversation with' where she winning music/youth programmes for Channel will interview prominent figures from around 4. This was quickly followed by full feature the world. films and dramas for prime time television.

08 British Bangladeshi Power & Inspiration 2014 TALENT | SUCCESS | LEADERSHIP Sport Celebrities

Ruqsana Begum Konnie Huq Kickboxer Presenter Ruqsana is the current British female Muay As one of the longest serving presenters on Thai Champion and captain of the British Blue Peter, Konnie is a name known by almost Team. all children growing up in the late nineties. She was also recently awarded the bronze Konnie also presented on the X Factor. medal at the World Muay Thai Konnie now dedicates her time to various Championships in . Ruqsana won media and journalism related projects on TV, Sports Personality of the Year at the 2013 radio and in print. Konnie is also an Asian Achiever Awards. ambassador for the British Red Cross participating in their global HIV awareness campaign. Mesba Ahmed Akram Khan Chief executive at London Choreographer Tigers One of the most celebrated and respected One of the most successful Asian and dancers today, Akram has created a body of community football projects, including an award work that has contributed significantly to winning football team, in London. the cultural arts. At the helm of the award winning London His reputation has been built on the success Tigers,Mesba is using sports to engage with of imaginative, highly accessible and relevant disadvantaged communities across London, the productions such as DESH with a recent UK and abroad. highlight being the creation of a section of the London 2012 Olympic Games Opening Ceremony. Zubair Hoque Monica Ali Formula 4 Racing Driver Novelist

Zubair is the only in Single-Seat Novelist Monica has appeared recently as one Formula Racing. Zubair has been involved in of the new faces of Marks & Spencer competitive karting since the age of 8. advertising campaigns as one of "Britain's Currently competing at national level in the leading ladies". Super 1 British Championship and Formula Previously named as one of the Best of Young KartStars karting championships, the 17 year British Novelists, her first novel , was old Zubair has rapidly developed a reputation shortlisted for the Man Booker Prize. She is for being highly professional and above all, also the author of two other novels, and a fast. collection of short stories.

Mohammed Nurul Hoque Tasmin Lucia Khan Chairman of Helvecia Futsal Club Presenter and Tower Hamlets Football Club Tasmin has been on our screens for 13 years Nurul has turned Helvecia into one of the working on showbiz to news and current strongest and most ambitious futsal clubs in affairs. She has interviewed Bill Clinton, broken the UK. world news stories and has hosted award With Nurul at the realm Helvecia have won ceremonies and live television events. In 2011 she was asked to be an ambassador for The the FA Futsal Cup and dominated the FA’s Prince’s Asian trust, part of the Prince of National Futsal league winning in successive Wales’s charity. She has done much televised years. Nurul has also secured the support of work for the BBC and ITV along with many the greatest footballer ever the legendary Pele. other terrestrial networks.

Anwar Uddin Coach, West Ham Academy Newsreader

The 31-year-old defender, who signed pro with West Ham at the turn of the Millennium, went A highly respected anchor, Nina is one of on to play in the Football League for Bristol the main presenters of ITV's London Rovers, Dagenham & Redbridge and Barnet. He Tonight. She presents the capital’s main won promotion twice during his time with the stories of the day and conducts exclusive Daggers. He was also part of West Ham's FA interviews with high-profile figures and Youth Cup winning team in 1999 and is now celebrities. teaching the next generation of Hammers as a Nina also presents ITV Lunchtime News part-time coach with the Academy. and regularly co-presents ITV News at Ten.

British Bangladeshi Power & Inspiration 2014 09 TALENT | SUCCESS | LEADERSHIP Activist 30 and Under

Dr Muhammad Abdul Sabirul Islam Bari MBE Entrepreneur Trustee London Muslim Centre A leading educationalist, Dr Bari has served An award winning young entrepreneur, East London's diverse communities in various author and global motivational speaker, capacities for three decades. He has been the Sabirul has spoken at over 778 events in 26 Chairman at the and a countries worldwide worldwide as part of his founding member of The East London “inspire1million” campaign. He has authored Communities Organisation, a coalition of churches, mosques, and other civil society two bestselling books. organisations working together. He was also Sabirul has now secured his own TV series in the first British Bangladeshi Secretary South Africa to promote entrepreneurship General of the MCB. across Africa. Ahmed us Samad Dr Na’eem Ahmed Chowdhury JP Founder of Selfless Chairman of Channel S Television Group Na’eem was recently appointed as a member Ahmed us Samad, is an entrepreneur and of the editorial board for the Royal College of philanthropist who has raised millions of Physicians publication Clinical Medicine. He is pounds for charity and has devoted much of currently a visiting Quality Improvement his time to bridging the gap between different Fellow at Massachusetts General Hospital and communities. His work centres on raising the Honorary Research Fellow at King’s College profile of the British-Bangladesh community London. Na’eem will be working at the NHS and he has widely been recognised for his Commissioning Board helping to create a community work across the country. national strategy to reduce health inequalities. Rahima Begum Farhaz Miah Restless Beings Senior Research Analyst, Preqin Rahima is co-founder and director of Farhaz advises clients on the use of data and ‘Restless Beings’, an international human intelligence for alternative investments. His rights organisation and alternative grassroots recent work includes liaising with executives news agency which aims to support at global financial institutions to grow their marginalised communities that are deprived Real Estate portfolios globally. of media and/or public attention. Alongside His work has been widely cited in the media campaigning for human rights abuses across including Bloomberg, the New York Times the world, Rahima actively champions the and Reuters. Farhaz is also the Director of a arts providing a platform for young emerging UK charity focussing on rural healthcare in musicians across the UK. Bangladesh.

Yasmin Choudhury PC Sakira Suzia Founder of Lovedesh and Metropolitan Police Service Amcariza Foundation Constable On a mission celebrate and champion Third As well as a dedicated police officer, Sakira is World nations and its people, Yasmin is also a trained army officer. The highlights of trying to change how we, the rest of the her career include her role on the Olympic world, see and experience the world's Torch Security Escort Team and being poorest nations. She started Lovedesh.com, a awarded the Metropolitan Commissioners website which focuses on the positives of Award, the highest award for bravery. destinations such as Bangladesh. Her She is an avid marathon runner, community campaign to encourage tourism has been volunteer and charity fundraiser. highlighted in Travel section.

Roushon Siddika Ahmed Saida Khan Founder and Managing Director Engineer, Atkins of Breaking The Cycle UK Ltd Saida is a leading young engineer specialising With a corporate career at Shell in the in electronics and communications at the Netherlands and a top 10 Global American global engineering conglomerate Atkins. Pharmaceutical Company, Roushon was Saida's work includes innovative projects in elected to be the first British Bangladeshi the Rail and transport sector. Saida's projects woman to chair a strategic regional Equality were recently nominated for high profile and Group. Roushon’s contribution was prestigious industry awards. She was one of recognised by the government and she was the youngest nominees nationally. previously appointed to be a member of the Saida has also worked for the global National Muslim Women’s Advisory Group. company Buro Happold.

10 British Bangladeshi Power & Inspiration 2014 TALENT | SUCCESS | LEADERSHIP Restaurateur / Foodies Religious Figure

Enam Ali MBE Sheikh Abdul Qayyum Founder of the British Curry Imam of East London Mosque Awards A true innovator in the British curry industry, Enam’s British Curry Awards has been termed The senior Imam for many years at the East the “Curry Oscars” by Prime Minister London Mosque, which holds the UK’s largest Cameron who attended the event along with Friday congregational prayer service and a host of celebrities. Enam is also a founding hosts weekly attendance exceeding 35,000 member of the UN Millennium@EDU worshippers. initiative which in partnership with Microsoft Shaykh Abdul Qayyum serves the largest aims to deliver computers to 15 million British Bangladeshi Muslim congregation in students in the developing world by 2015. the UK. Amin Ali Founder Red Fort Religious Commentator

Ajmal is a respected public commentator on Muslim affairs, appearing on mainstream Celebrating its 30th Anniversary this year, media and TV networks. The Red Fort is well known for its Mughal Ajmal presents shows on the Islam channel inspired cuisine, combining high-quality fresh and Channel S. He is also a member of the British produce with sub-continental flavours Muslim Council of Britain and the Director of to create refined Indian dishes. It remains a Communities in Action. Ajmal was nominated landmark restaurant favoured by politicians as Religious Advocate of the Year by the and celebrities alike. British Muslim Awards.

Aktar Islam Hafiz Maulana Abdul Lasan Jalil Darul Hadis Latifiah Islamic Lasan has firmly established itself as one of School the finest Indian restaurants in the UK, having won numerous awards and international A pre-eminent Islamic scholar Maulana Abdul recognition. Aktar won Gordon Ramsay’s ‘F Jalil regularly travels across the country and Word – Best Local restaurant’ on ’ internationally as a widely sought after against tough competition. He also featured religious preacher. on the BBC’s ‘Great British Menu’. Lasan has He is also a regular contributor to Islamic also made it into The Sunday Times Top 100 programmes on British Bangladeshi TV UK Restaurants. channels. Atique Choudhury Shaykh Shams Ad-Duha Yum Yum Muhammad Principal of Ebrahim College Shaykh Shams is a leading young Islamic Yum Yum is one of the largest Thai scholar, who is actively involved in restaurants in Europe and was a winner of an developing innovative educational models for award at the prestigious Asian Curry Awards young British Muslims. He is a well-known 2013. Atique is also the proprietor of two speaker on a wide range of topics and makes popular Islington eateries, Oishiii and regular TV appearances. He is a highly Mercado. He is an active member of the respected translator of classical Islamic texts North London community. and is also an author in his own right.

Rigina Sabur-Cross Sheikh Mahmudul Author and Blogger Hassan Imam of Essex Mosque

Regina has established herself as one of the Sheikh Hassan presents the hugely popular best food bloggers in the country, with a Jibon Jiggasha Islamic Q&A show on NTV debut book sharing the name of her blog, Sky 852. Gastrogeek. She has been selected by He studied at Loughborough, Cairo and Al- Sainsbury’s to appear in their new ‘Local Food Azhar universities and is currently studying Heroes’ advertising campaign and her recipes for a PhD at Institute of Education University appear in a many national newspapers. of London.

British Bangladeshi Power & Inspiration 2014 11 TALENT | SUCCESS | LEADERSHIP Emerging Influence People’s Choice

Rupa Huq Hammed Ahmed CEO, Medina Healthcare Products Ltd Prospective Parliamentary and Zack Alexander Developments Ltd Candidate In the face of considerable adversity due to his is a writer and academic. She is disability, Hammed has continued to pursue education and excellence. At the age of 43, he author of Beyond Subculture, shortlisted for enrolled on a degree, during which he had two the 2007 Philips Abrams memorial prize of major life threatening spinal operations. He the British Sociological Association and On still did not miss a class, obtained a first class the Edge: the Contested Cultures of English degree, and won the “Student of the Year”. His Suburbia. As well as being a part time DJ, accolades continued to mount, with Hammed winning the KPMG Prize for Outstanding Rupa is also contesting the parliamentary Achievement in Construction. Hammed is now seat for Ealing Central and Acton. CEO of two successful corporate organisations. Mary Rahman Sofina Aktar Motin Director, MRPR Islam OBE Head Teacher, Stanton Bridge Primary School, Coventry Awarded an OBE in the 2014 new year’s Having established her London based PR honours, Sofina is responsible for turning around agency, Mary has a strong reputation for Stanton Bridge Primary School which was once delivering PR campaigns specifically tailored labelled “under performing” by inspectors. There to the needs of her high profile clients. Her has been a massive change in pupils’ company promotes a wide range of arts and achievements since Sofina took over as head at entertainment events and specialises in the school with pupils achieving grades above the national average. The recent OFSTED report promoting cultural diverse projects, from the credits Sofina’s “determined and resolute Edinburgh Fringe Festival to the Baftas. leadership” and awards her an outstanding mark. Mansur Ali Jelina Berlow-Rahman Film Director Partner JR Rahman Solictors Despite being diagnosed with a chronic and severe auto-immune disease, Jelina was Mansur’s directorial debut film “Shongram” is determined to fulfil her dream of becoming a hotly anticipated. lawyer and set up her own firm, while receiving The film is a romantic drama which is set kidney dialysis. Her firm was named Top 100 against the backdrop of the 1971 Bangladesh Business by Barclays and she has won the Liberation War. Empower Scotland Social Justice and Equality This is the first time a British film is being Award in recognition of her work with asylum simultaneously written, produced and seekers and refugees. After waiting four years for a kidney transplant, Jelina campaigns to raise directed by a British-Bangladeshi. awareness about the organ donor register.” Ruje Yasmin Kawsar Zaman Production Journalist, ITV Fulbright Scholar

Ruje always aspired to break into the field of Bursting with potential, Kawsar is currently television. She did her MA at City University at Harvard Law School as a US-UK Fulbright and won an NUJ scholarship. She has Scholar, he graduated with First Class journalism experience at ITV national news Honours in Law from the London School of and BBC London. She won the coveted ITV Economics and as the Tun Mahathir Scholar News Traineeship seeing off 800 other of the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies. applicants. She now produces programmes He is poised to start a training contract for ITV Meridian and mentors other young with law firm Clifford Chance on his return hopefuls. to the UK.

Sarah Sawar Shabina Begum President, Queen Mary Student Barrister and Acid Attack Union Victim Campaigner The first British Bangladeshi female president Shabina Begum is a 26-year-old barrister with of the QMW Union, Sarah represents 16,000 eight years of experience in combating domestic violence. In 2012 she was awarded a Winston students and oversees the strategic Churchill Travel Fellowship to research acid development of the union. She acts as a violence against women in Sri Lanka, Cambodia student voice on various bodies and boards and India. This inspired her to return to the UK giving the students a platform through which and become a vocal advocate for women's they can develop themselves and their skills rights and the rights of survivors of acid attacks. and get the most out of their student She currently works for Dawson Cornwell, one of experience. the UK’s leading specialist family law firms.

12 British Bangladeshi Power & Inspiration 2014 TALENT | SUCCESS | LEADERSHIP 10 INSPIRATIONAL BANGLADESHIS AROUND THE WORLD 1. Mohammed Yunus Founder of Grameen Bank and Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus is a Nobel Prize-winning economist who pioneered microfinancing in Bangladesh. He founded the Grameen Bank, with which he shared the 2006 Nobel Peace Prize “for their efforts to create economic and social development”. 2. Jawed Karim Founder of YouTube Karim is a co-founder of YouTube. Karim may have taken a back seat from the limelight but when YouTube was acquired by Google in 2007, Karim’s payoff was an estimated $65m.

3. Sir Fazle Hasan Abed Founder & Chairperson Brac Sir Fazle established BRAC with the primary objectives of alleviating poverty and empowering the poor. Under his leadership, in the span of only four decades, BRAC has grown to become one of the largest and most diverse development organisations in the world. 4. Salman Khan Khan Academy Salman, a graduate of MIT and Harvard Business School, has been listed as one of Time Magazine’s 100 most influential people in the world. He is the founder of the Khan Academy, a non-profit educational website which is now the largest virtual ‘school’ in the world with over 10 million students. 5. Korvi Rakshand Founder of Jaago Foundation Korvi was listed in the “Top 99 under 33 Influential Foreign Policy Leaders” by The Diplomatic Courier, in Washington D.C. He has engaged 10,000 volunteers to work with Jaago on tackling issues from illiteracy, malnutrition in children to helping families build better lives. 6. Sara Hossain, Esq High Court Lawyer and Human Rights Activist, the Supreme Court of Bangladesh A practicing barrister in the Supreme Court of Bangladesh, Sara is a vocal campaigner against human rights violations. Sara has represented, amongst others, slum dwellers seeking protection against forced evictions, women in protective custody, and journalists facing contempt of court prosecutions for reporting on judicial corruption. 7. Sakib Al Hassan Bangladesh cricket player Shakib is unarguably the best cricketer in recent Bangladeshi sporting record. Shakib is Bangladesh’s first and the 28th player in the history of test cricket to score a century and pick up 5 wickets in an innings in a test match in 2011 vs Pakistan. 8. Omar Ishrak Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Medtronic Previously president and CEO of GE Healthcare Systems, a $12 billion division of GE Healthcare, Omar now heads Medtronic, the world’s leading medical technology company, with more than $16 billion in annual revenue, and operations reaching more than 120 countries worldwide. 9. Sumaya Kazi CEO Sumazi.com As founder of a web based social networking platform for professionals, Sumaya has been recognized by BusinessWeek as one of America’s “Best Young Entrepreneurs,” CNN heralded her as a “Young Person Who Rocks,” and by Silicon Valley Business Journal as a “Woman of Influence”. 10. Nishat Mazumder Everest climber Nishat, an accountant by profession, hoisted the Bangladeshi flag atop the 8,848-metre-high peak of Mount Everest, becoming the first Bangladeshi woman to make it to the top of the highest mountain in the world. She is a fantastic role model for girls all around the world to reach every height imaginable.

British Bangladeshi Power & Inspiration 2014 13 2014 TEAM BB POWER & INSPIRATION JUDGING PANEL

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Ayesha Qureshi MBE - Editor

Ayesha is a managing associate with international law firm, Simmons & Simmons LLP and has extensive experience of Abdal Ullah - Founder advising both banks and borrowers on a wide variety of banking transactions throughout the UK and abroad. Ayesha plays a key Abdal has held a number of senior executive roles across London. He was the role in promoting corporate social responsibility and acts as a first British Bangladeshi to serve on the Metropolitan Police Authority and the mentor for a number of up and coming lawyers. Ayesha was council of Queen Mary, University of London. Abdal has a broad spectrum of awarded an MBE in the 2006 New Year’s Honours list for services interests, he is the President of the Inner London Football League, hosts pop- to the London Olympic bid and was the only British Bangladeshi ular community TV and Radio shows covering business, current affairs and to present at a medal ceremony at the 2012 Games. sports. He is also Trustee of the Thames Water Trust and the chair of the Labour Faith Network.

Iqbal Wahhab OBE – Judging Panel Syed Nahas Pasha – Judging Panel Nahida Rahman - Judging Panel

Iqbal is a One of the most Nahida was one of the journalist, serial respected British first British entrepreneur, Bangladeshi journal- Bangladeshi women to philanthropist ists in the UK and the enter into a and editor in chief of the management role for restaurateur. He Weekly Janomot, a a Bangladeshi opened the Bangla newspaper Television Channel highly established in 1969. and has successfully successful Syed is also editor in led two popular British chief of restaurant brands NTV and restaurant and magazine Curry Life Channel Nine UK bar Roast, in and UK bureau chief holding the roles of Borough Market of the largest Executive Director and in 2005 having Bangladeshi online news agency, bdnews24.com. CEO. During that time previously He is one of the founding members and former she has introduced innovative new owned the multi award winning Cinnamon general secretary of the London Bangla Press programming, attracted a younger viewing base Club. Iqbal supports a number social and food Club, which acts as a voice for British Bangladeshi and forged stronger relationships with the initiatives, he is patron of Kitchenette and is journalists, and has worked with government mainstream media. She has a finance currently working on mentoring gang leaders to bodies including the Home Office and Foreign background and previously held the post of a start legitimate businesses. He received an OBE and Commonwealth Office. Nahas is also an Senior Business Manager for NatWest. Nahida in the 2010 New Year’s Honours list for public executive committee member of the is also a trustee for the Sir William Beveridge service and services to the hospitality industry. Commonwealth Journalists Association. Foundation, a UK based international charity.

Subhan Muhammad - Design & Layout Consultant Design Team Muhammad Subhan is the Managing Editor of The Muslim Weekly. Muslim Weekly was Britain's Jewel Mahmud | Web Designer Ace3.co.uk first national weekly newspaper dedicated for Moniruzzaman Sami | www.samiphotography.co.uk the Muslim community. He is an accredited Saira Khatun | Photography Graphics Designer and also serves as an Assistant Editor with the Weekly Bangladesh, dedicated for Research Team the Bangladeshi community. Muhammad has over 10 years of experience in publishing, and Fatima Zaman | Daniel Pasha has acquired an in-depth knowledge and Maz Kamali | Masuda Qureshi understanding of the of the publishing sector. Lotifa Begum | Zakiyah Qureshi

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