Mr Shofi Ahmed - BB Who's Who · 2014-06-21 · British Bangladeshi Who’s Who 2008 30 Mr Shofi...

British Bangladeshi Who’s Who 2008

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Mr Shofi AhmedPlace of Residence: LondonSector: Media and Literacy

Mr Shofi Ahmed a nationalaward wining writer, and one

of the most talented writers tocome out of the Bangladeshi com-munity here in the UK. Mr Ahmedwas the founder editor of BanglaMirror, the first weekly Englishnewspaper for the BritishBangladeshis. Currently he is free-lancing with English newsagencies.

While studying for a degree in I.T,Mr Ahmed won a bursary to studyat Oxford University. The sameyear his first article on natural sci-ence also won him a nationalaward. In 1995, the science wizkid’s work was getting acknowl-edgement from the mainstreampress as he won the DailyTelegraph’s National YoungScience Writers Competition. Thisaward gave the writer an opportu-nity to meet the nation’s leadingscience writers, journalists andpersonalities.

In 1995, Mr Shofi Ahmed’s profilerose after the release of his firstpoetry book, ‘Reason and TheOrigin – the Relativity of Scienceand Poetry’ which was publishedby New Millennium Publishers.The book was praised by leadingacademics and scholars at adistinguished Daily Telegraphevent. The Royal Society ofScience’s SCAN magazinedescribed the book in a review as

“A collection of modern poetrycombining the arts of literature withthe discipline of science, poemscompare themes such as thephysics involved in the creation ofthe material world and thoughtprocesses”.

Mr Ahmed was involved in a proj-ect enabling blind, deaf and dis-abled people in London how to usethe Internet in their own homes ata cost they can afford in 2001. Heworked with a range of profession-als from different backgroundswho were all committed to open upthe Internet for people with disabil-ities. U Can DO I.T scheme was

major success and was even fea-tured in Paddington People maga-zine.

Mr Ahmed’s efforts have beenwidely recognised by the commu-nity as he received an award fromChannel S in 2006. The eldest ofseven sibling’s lives in NorthLondon, Mr Ahmed is married toAyesha Ahmed and has beenblessed with three children whoare Zohura Ahmed, Ali Ahmed andZubeda Ahmed. Mr Shofi Ahmed issoon to release another bookfocussing on his motherland calledSylhet: ‘The Land of the Centre ofthe Earth’.

Mr Meah Monirul AlamPlace of Residence: KentSector: Community Relations


Mr Meah Monirul Alam can bedescribed as an individual

who works tirelessly and continu-ously for the community, and muchof his efforts are in the best inter-ests of British Bangladeshis, whichis the reason why many communi-ty members regard him as an out-standing Community leader.

Mr Alam was born in the village ofEkatuna, Moulvibazar and hasbeen residing in the UnitedKingdom since 1960. MeahMonirul Alam’s father is late AlhajAbdul Qader and his mother lateRabeya Khatun.

Monirul Alam completed his inter-mediate education in Bangladeshafter which he arrived here in theUK where he completed a course

in Business catering management.He established the first Indianrestaurant in Southeast Kent. Hecurrently owns the KashmirTandoori in Canterbury, Kent aswell as the Chertion BaltiTakeaway.

Mr Alam is the former Chairman ofBangladesh Caterers Association.He is currently the Chairman ofEuro Bangla Newsweekly based inLondon. He is also Senior VicePresident of the BangladeshNationalist Party. Furthermore heis the Chairman of the BritishBangladesh Business forum UKLtd and President of the SouthEast Kent Islamic Cultural Centreas well as General Secretary ofSouth East Kent WelfareAssociation. He is also director of

British Bangladesh InvestmentCompany. Mr Meah Monirul Alam is alsoinvolved with various charityinitiatives. He is the Chairman ofHope for the Needy Foundation,and also a Member of theBangladesh Flood PreventionInternational Committee UK.Moreover, he is a life member ofJalalabad Rotary OrthopaedicsHospital and Rehabilitation Centre.Mr Alam has contributed gener-ously to charities and has helpeddevelop educational and religiousinstitutions in Bangladesh.

Mr Alam is married to RowshanAra Alam and they are parents totwo sons and two daughters whoare all married. They have sixgrandchildren in total.

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Mr Shukur AliPlace of Residence: OxfordshireSector: Catering

Mr Shukur Ali was born invillage of Bargupi in the

Sylhet region of Bangladesh. He isthe son of Mr Rashid Ali.

Mr Ali moved to London in 1970and immediately found work in theKings Cross area of the city. Withinfive years of his arrival in London,Mr Ali opened a restaurant calledHomeria.

In the mid-1980’s, he moved out ofLondon to Oxfordshire. There, MrAli opened another restaurantcalled Jaflong. This business iswhere Mr Ali works to this day.However, having establishedhimself in the catering industry, thephilanthropic Mr Ali decided toconcentrate on helping his com-munity, both in England and in hisnative Bangladesh. He set up andis the chairman of an organisationcalled Shukur Ali Education Trust,the aim of which is to help developlevels of education in the area ofDulabazar where he grew up.

Mr Shukur Ali also helped aMadrasa in Chatak called theDulabazar Islamia DhakilMadrasa. In addition to this, hedonates money to schools, col-

leges and other Madrasas in hishometown region in Bangladesh.He has also donated clothing andswings to the students of a femaleMadrasa.

Future projects for Mr Ali includethe building of a mosque and amaternity clinic, both of which arein great demand by the people ofDulabazar and Chatak.

Mr Ali is a man who appreciatesthe support that his family has

given him. He is especially thank-ful to his wife – Rukeya Ali.Together, Shukur and Rukeya Alihave three sons and two daugh-ters. Their first, Dilwar Ali, complet-ed a Business Studies degree atthe University of Cardiff. He is nowgreatly involved in the familybusiness. Their second son,Shahin Ali, is an OpticianEngineer; and their third son is cur-rently studying Performing Arts atcollege.

Mr. Amin AliPlace of Residence: LondonSector: Catering


Mr Amin Ali is the founder ofRed Fort. As a restaurant The

Red Fort has always been atrailblazer and voted best restau-rant in London. It has been winningrapturous praise for almost 25years and many politicians andcelebrities have crossed its thresh-old.

Mr Amin Ali was born into a tradi-tional Muslim family from Jalalpur -Nabigonj, which is a part ofHabigonj District in Bangladesh.He first arrived to the UK forsettlement in 1972. Since hisarrival to the UK in 1972, he hasbeen active in the communityscene.

After completing his study he gotinvolved with setting up communi-ty organisation such as BengaliWorkers Action Group in Camden(London), which he was a foundingGeneral Secretary. He was alsomember of Camden’s CommunityRelations Council (CRC). Duringthat time he worked along withSalman Rushdie, Diane Abbottand many other famous faces ofAnti-racist Movement at CamdenCRC. In the 80’s he was activelyinvolved with the InternationalCharity Organisation ‘War onWant.’ He was the Vice – Chair fornumber of years, while GlenysKinnock (now MEP) was the Chairof ‘War on Want.’

In the late 70’s he founded a pio-

neering co-operative restaurantproject ‘The Last Days of the Raj.’Later he set up many successfulrestaurants such as Jamdani, RedFort and Soho Spice. Although, hemoved on from other restaurantsand at present decided to just holdon to the ‘Red Fort.’

When The Red Fort opened 25years ago on Dean Street inLondon’s Soho, it was the firstrestaurant that contradicted thestereotypical view of Asian eater-ies. And it was the first to offer thereal cooking of India. In 1985 BBCtelevision made a special pro-gramme on Amin Ali for hisachievements in the Indian restau-rant business.Indian restaurants have moved onsince then and so has The RedFort. Mr Ali has completelyredesigned the restaurant and itsmenu to bring it much closer to itsnamesake, Lal Quila, The RedFort in Delhi.

The Red Fort was probably one ofthe first real Indian restaurants toshake of the stereotypical flockwallpaper and sitar music image.And it hasn’t looked back sincethat glorious day. It has nowbecome a firm favourite in centralLondon among night owls, partyanimals and locals.

Throughout his life in the UK, AminAli has been in the forefront to pro-mote Bengali foods and culture in

Britain. In 1987, he organised firstever exhibition of Jamdani, thehand-woven rugs and textiledesigns. The weavers fromBangladesh were flown in to show-case their craftsmanship at theLondon’s Whitechapel Art Gallery.

He was also instrumental fororganising the first ‘LondonFestival of Bangladesh’ in 1994. Itwas a huge success and very wellreceived by all communities. ‘TheBangladesh Food Festival’ at theRed Fort was another successfulevent he was responsible for.

Mr Ali is one of the most respectedrestaurateurs in Britain and hasbeen a lifelong champion of CurryIndustry in Britain. He has takenthe British Curry Business to a newheight.

Mr Ali is convinced that there islikely to be an even more dramaticsuccess for British Curry in thecoming years, because chefs arenow bringing in new sophistication,which will appeal to the affluent.

In personal life he is married to MrsJobeda Choudhury and togetherthey have four daughters who aregoing through UniversityEducation.

Away from his businesses andfamily, Amin Ali is a keen travellerand enjoys playing and watchingsquash and football.

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Dr Anwara AliPlace of Residence: LondonSector: Health and Politics

Dr Anwara Ali daughter of Late Alhaj Jobed Ali andMrs Solima Khatun, of Sunampur Village, (District

Golapgong, Sylhet) came to the UK as a young childand was educated in the UK. Her elder brother MrSiraj Uddin and sister Shanara Begum also reside inthe UK.

In 1997 Dr Anwara Ali graduated from the worldrenowned, prestigious St. Bartholomew’s and RoyalLondon Medical School. She is a GP Principal andPartner at Spitalfields Practice in London. Dr Ali alsowork’s for Tower Hamlets Primary Trust as the LeadGP for Screening and has led various campaigns e.g.Breast and Cervical Cancer screening which hasattracted Media attention both Nationally and Locally.

Although Dr Ali is a well recognised and accomplisheddoctor; she is perhaps better known in the publicsphere as a successful local government Councillorand lead member for Adult Health and Wellbeing(LBTH). She initially entered politics as a Labour partycandidate in the 2006 local elections. Against allodds, Dr Ali won the Bow West seat despite onlyentering the election race 8 weeks before the pollingdate. What makes her victory more impressive is thatduring the election, she defeated Janet Ludlow, theLiberal Democrat opposition leader in Tower Hamlets,in a seat that had been under the control of the LiberalDemocrats for thirty years. Even more astonishing isthat Dr Ali and her colleagues achieved the biggestswing (15.6%) to Labour in the whole of London.Dr Ali is also proud of the fact that she campaigned

for Harriet Harman to become deputy leader of theLabour Party in 2007, and Harriet won. Dr Ali is serving on the Governments `WomanCouncillors Task Force` which was recently launchedin Admiralty House at Whitehall.

Away from her life as a politician and doctor, Dr Ali canoften be found helping her community. She is a patronof the Bow Community Association, as well as afounding member of the award winning Social Actionfor Health. She also helped to establish the NisaAssociation.

Dr Ali also does a considerable amount of mediawork. She is a presenter on Channel S’s celebratedHealth is Wealth programme. This show discussestopical health issues and how to reduce healthinequalities, especially in the Bangladeshi community.In light of her progressive, insightful programmes, DrAli was asked by Tower Hamlets Health Authority topresent a series of programme’s entitled Communitiesin Action.Aside from television appearances, Dr Ali is also a

columnist for both The Bangla Mirror and the EastLondon Advertiser. Dr Ali is married to Reza Ahmed Faisol Choudhuryand they have a little boy called Obaid Reza JaamiAl-Choudhury.

Cllr. Ayub Korom AliPlace of Residence: LondonSector: Politics


Ayub has several years experi-ence of working in local

government both in UK and inBangladesh. He began his careerin the voluntary sector in TowerHamlets, London moving to socialservices where he worked as asocial worker and team manager.For the last 10 years he hasworked as a senior manager ineducation and regeneration andserved as a non-executive directoron a community health servicesNHS trust. In these roles Ayub hasmanaged and monitored largebudgets and staff teams, devel-oped and delivered a wide rangeof public services andprogrammes. Ayub is also anelected Councillor in the LondonBorough of Newham.

In 2001, Ayub was appointed as

Project Director for an ECAsia-Urbs funded project in Sylhet.This was a partnership projectsupported by the London Boroughof Tower Hamlets in UK, HorsensMunicipality in Denmark andSylhet City Corporation inBangladesh promoting internation-al co-operation in urban environ-mental management. The partner-ship designed, developed anddelivered pilot projects focusing onsolid waste management, enter-prise development and health. Theproject also undertook a skillsaudit and delivered staff develop-ment programme for seniormangers in the City Corporation.The Sylhet Partnership projectwas a huge success and withintwo years became fully sustain-able.

Presently Ayub is working as theExtended Schools Adviser for theLondon Borough of TowerHamlets, Education Departmentwhere he is responsible for strate-gic planning and co-ordination ofthe extended schools programme.He works closely with headteach-ers offering advice and support indeveloping new learning opportu-nities and connecting schoolsmore closely with the localcommunity. As an elected memberin Newham, Ayub has lead respon-sibility for community forum andhas a special interest in communi-ty cohesion and education.

Ayub has a Diploma in AppliedSocial Studies from RuskinCollege, Oxford and an MA inPublic and Social Administrationfrom Brunel University, UK.

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Mr Enam Ali FIH FRSAPlace of Residence: SurreySector: Catering and Community Relations

Enam Ali is one of the most prominent Asian per-sonalities in the United Kingdom. Known for his

leadership and passionate concern for the interests ofthe Hospitality industry and British Asian, he isfrequently to be seen and heard in the UK's print andTV media acting as a spokesman for the Asian busi-ness sector and as an unofficial ambassador for thecountry of his birth.

He has been in the business of public relations pro-tecting and promoting the Spice industry for overtwenty years. He has become a celebrity figure. Hisviews and comments in this sector are sought on aregular basis and he appears on TV and radio tocomment on different business issues.He serves on the UK Home Office Hospitality adviso-ry panel and he has been lobbying at the House ofLords to ensure fairness in the UK government's treat-ment of legitimate migrant workers. His CorporateMembership of the Portcullis Club also gives himsocial contact with many of the Members ofParliament who initiate and shape the laws of theland.

He has been involved in the property and restaurantbusiness since 1979. He also owns a very famousand highly reputable restaurant, Le Raj, in EpsomSurrey, one of the finest restaurants in the country forsophisticated cuisine holding Michelin rated for thelast 19 years. His restaurant has been the winner ofnumerous awards and is the only Asian restaurant inthe country to get an award from La Confrérie de laChaine des Rotisseurs (international gastronomicsociety dedicated to bringing together professionalmembers from around the world who appreciate wine,cuisine and fine dining).

Taking a step further in this direction seemed logicalto Enam and, in 1999 he launched 'Spice Business'magazine featuring articles in English, combininginformation on the restaurant sector and communitynews. Today it boasts readership of over 100,000 and,as Enam points out, "Spice Business magazine hassucceeded in opening new channels of communica-

tion for the Asian community to give our needs theauthority they deserve."

In 2005, his creative marketing ability was applied tothe launch of the British Curry Awards with the inten-tion of generating positive image for UK south Asianrestaurant throughout the world. Undisputedly themost spectacular Awards Ceremony on the Britishrestaurants calendar and gives the opportunity tonetworking with suppliers and distributors. Much hardwork was finally rewarded at the world renown 'GreatRoom' Grosvenor House Hotel in Central London andthe winners were announced Oscars style. Its gainedmuch publicity and the event helped raise the profileof everyone of this sector on a national, and interna-tional scale.

Despite the heavy demands on his time, Enam man-ages to balance work, community and family life. Heis married, with two sons and a daughter, and they area constant source of support and pleasure. The manyparticipants in the business he leads are also treatedlike family members, and this extended family appre-ciates and benefits from the leadership he gives them.As an exemplary leader in his field, Enam Ali has beeninstrumental in giving British Bangladeshis a muchstronger identity and far greater respect within theUnited Kingdom.

Haji Md Kalamder AliPlace of Residence: Milton KeynesSector: Community Relations


Mr Kalamder Ali was born inBishwanath, Sylhet in

Bangladesh, Mr Ali was educatedin Bangladesh before coming tothe UK in 1973.

Mr Ali completed his primary edu-cation in Bangladesh before com-pleting his A Levels in the UnitedKingdom. He later embarked on asuccessful career in the cateringIndustry. However, Mr Ali isrenowned for his work in thePhilanthropy department as heannually donates thousands ofpounds to at least 25 differentmadrasha’s and schools whichinclude the Shahjalal SunniyaHafizia Madrasha in Sunumgonjand the Singer Kach High School.Mr Ali is very considerate towardsthe rehabilitation of the paralyzedto which he also donates kindly.One of the proudest moments inlife was meeting the formerBangladeshi Prime Minister

Begum Khaleda Zia and thePresdient in 2004 after which heparticipated in a historic proces-sion.

Whilst running his cateringbusiness, Mr Ali is also involvedwith various social and religiousactivities. Currently Mr Ali holdsthe position of advisor for theCommunity Centre forIndependence and is a member ofMillennium Planning Committeeand Commission for RacialEquality.

Mr Ali is also the Vice Chairman ofBletchley Bangladeshi CommunityHouse as well as a board memberof Spotlight BletchleyRegeneration. The PoliceIndependent Advisory Group inMilton Keynes for Ethnic minoritiesregularly consults with MrKalamder Ali on numerous issues. Mr Ali has also raised eight Lac

Taka for the victims of CycloneSidr and has visited the effectedareas recently.

Mr Ali is also the current Secretaryof Milton Keynes Jame Masjid andone of the Trustees of theBishwanath Education Trust UK.Mr Kalamder Ali is married toRahima Begum and have beenblessed with three children. Theiroldest son Junayed Ali completedhis LL.B (Hons), their second sonJahed Ali is studying at CanterburyUniversity and their only daughterKhodeja Begum has completedher GCSE’s.

Mr Ali plans to publish his ownnewspaper in Bangla and Englishfrom Sylhet, Bangladesh.Throughout his life Mr Ali hasalways shown a commitment tocharity and creating an opportunityfor young people in Bangladesh tohave access educational facilities.

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Mr Kamru AliPlace of Residence: LondonSector: Property & Finance

Mr Kamru Ali is an accountant boasting a BAHonours degree in Accountancy & Law as well as

the C.A.T and Certificate in Mortgage Advice andPractice (CeMAP) qualifications. Kamru who residesin Wanstead, initially trained in Central London in oneof the top 6 Accountancy Firms in the city AuditCommission where he was an Auditor for some threeyears.

Having gained valuable experience Mr Ali then wentonto set up his own accountancy service aptly named‘Kam Accountancy Services’. At the same time healso established numerous property investment com-panies.

Kamru Ali can be descried as a full time propertyinvestor. His numerous property investmentcompanies include; District One Estates Ltd, BlackSeed Investments Ltd, Premier Properties (Stratford)Ltd. Other companies owned by Mr Ali comprise ofK&K Developments, Arjee Bhajee Ltd, Apex PropertyServices (UK) Ltd.

Kamru is a family orientated individual and is marriedwith three children. He is occupied with a profusion ofcharitable initiatives and community organisations. Heis presently the Treasurer of the Newham WelfareTrust as well as an active member of the NewhamYouth Link. Furthermore Kamru is the BusinessAdvisor of Newham Business Forum.

In recent years since the inception of Channel S,Kamru has appeared regularly on the television as aProperty Expert for the channel. Additionally Kamruorganises and delivers Property Investment seminars,

which has resulted in his clients and investors makingsubstantial profits to date on their investment

Kamru has also featured in other mainstream Who’sWho publication, including being highlighted as aYoung Business Leader in the ‘Who’s Who of Britain’sBusiness Elite’.

Kamru Ali is clearly a safe pair of hands when itcomes to investing in property here in Britain. He isamong a batch of young British Bangladeshis whohave taken huge strides in the fields of propertyinvestment and finance.

Mr Mohammed Afiz AliPlace of Residence: NorthamptonSector: Catering


Mohammed Afiz Ali, fourth sonof Alhaz Mann Ullah and Al

Haz Jorina Khatun, was born inBangladesh in 1960. His arrival tothe UK took place in the year of1970, where he and part of hisfamily, including his mother, hadleft Bangladesh to come and livewith his father. Soon after, duringthat same year, Mr. Ali attendedAlexandra High School in TiptonWest Midlands, and was the firstever Bangladeshi student to haveentered the school. At the age of13, not only was Mohammed AfizAli attending school, but he wasalso working part time. Due to hisability to talk both English andBengali, he helped Bangladeshipeople with Inland Revenue, taxoffice, social security and translat-ing for patients in a doctorssurgery. He then went on to carryout a Business Studies and Lawdegree. However, he later decidedto take on the job of a full timewaiter.

In the year of 1978, Mr. Ali weddedwife Amina Begum Ali, daughter ofAl Haz Azzizur RahmanChoudhury. Close to the age of 20,

Md. Afiz Ali, along with his wife’ssupport, decide to open his firstrestaurant in Wantage,Oxfordshire, which he namedBikash. Subsequently, a familydecision was made to move per-manently to Northampton. There,Mr. Ali opened the Bilash Empire,the first open kitchen take-awayand 90 seated restaurant in 1983.With the help of his children andbrother Al Haz Jamir Ali, the BilashEmpire has been a tremendousaccomplishment. Through thisrestaurant, he has been able tocater for many weddingceremonies. In the year of 2005,Mohammed Afiz Ali, with wifeAmina, was blessed enough toperform the Hajj.

With many businesses to run, Mr.Ali still makes time to help out inthe community. He has beenplayed a part in the BangladeshiCommunity in Northampton sinceas early as 1976 and, in 1992,became the chairman. Al-JamatJame Masjid is an additionalexample of what Mr. Ali has beeninvolved with, and he was alsoelected chairman of it. With such a

role to fulfill, he has made manyimprovements to the facilitiesavailable in the mosque, such asintroducing the dead body washingfacility, resulting in the first mosquein Northamptonshire to have sucha thing. Moreover, he is one of thetrustees of the NorthamptonBangladeshi association. What ismore, he has helped in thefundraising process for AbingtonMasjid and Makktubb, whichallows 100 youngsters to studyIslam.His Bilash Empire also helps insponsoring and supporting varioussports teams.

Mr. Ali’s present aspiration is tohelp the younger generation oftoday to have a greater, influentialunderstanding of Islam. He hopesto fulfill this aim by building aMasjid and Madrasah inNorthampton. With a largecompassionate family of wifeAmina Begum, four sons, twodaughters, as well as three welladored grandchildren and adaughter In-law, Mr. Ali currentlylives happily with them all inNorthampton.

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Mr. Mohammed Monchab Ali JPMech. Engineering (Diploma) RIPHH (Diploma)

Place of Residence: Chester, ChesihreSector: Catering

Mr Mohammed Monchab Ali isthe current Chairman of

Greater Sylhet Development andWelfare Council in UK (GSC). In2002, Mr Ali was appointed Justiceof Peace (Honorary Magistrate) atthe Chester & Ellesmere PortBench. Born in 1953 in ShorishaPara, Chattak, Sunamganj inBangladesh, Mr Ali was educatedand employed in Bangladeshbefore coming to the UK in 1982.

Mr. Ali studied at Madan MohanCollege in Sylhet for two years inIntermediate Commerce beforecompleting his Diploma inMechanical Engineering fromSylhet Polytechnic Institute in1980. Whilst waiting for his examresult, Mr Ali started and served asHead teacher at a school namely“Shomota Junior High School”.

After completing his studies Mr Alijoined Karim Pipe Mills inChittagong as an apprentice engi-neer in late 1980. During this timehe was also associated withjournalism in Bangladesh andserved as a Sub Editor of the“Purbanchal”, a Khulna baseddaily until 1982.

Since his arrival in the UK, Mr. Aliworked in numerous restaurantacross London before opening hisown in 1985 which later closed

down. Mr Ali later opened anotherRestaurant called the “BengalDynasty Restaurant” this time inLlandudno, North Wales whichproved to be very popular. In 1991Mr. Ali opened another BengalDynasty in Deeside, North Wales.His restaurant was honoured asthe “Best Indian BangladeshiRestaurant” in the region of Walesby Patak Spices in 1993, and wasnamed as the “Best Restaurant inWales by Good Curry Guide 1995-97, 1998-1999 & 2000. The realcurry restaurant guide named theBengal Dynasty Restaurant as theone of the Top-30 Restaurant inUK from 1994 until 2005. TheBritish Curry Awards namedBengal Dynasty Restaurant as aone of the Top-30 Restaurant inUK and Top-10 Finalist for 2005 &2006 and it won British CurryAwards Best Restaurant in Wales2007. Mr Ali runs all hisBusinesses with his long-timeBusiness partners Mr. ManikurAhmed and Mr. Raja Miah. It is avery classic example of longstand-ing business partnership inBangladeshi community in UK.

In addition to Mr Ali’s businessventures he is also very active innumerous socio-cultural projectshaving set up the Alhaj Mazhar AliWelfare Trust as well as chairingChester & North Wales

Bangladeshi Youth Association.On the business front, Mr Ali is amember of Restaurant AssociationGreat Britain, Federation of SmallBusiness in UK and the EllesmerePort & North Wales Chamber ofCommerce.

Mr. Ali was previously involvedwith Bangladesh CaterersAssociation as a Regionalco-ordinator and Senior VicePresident, he served as a GeneralSecretary of Chester BangladeshWelfare Association and theChester Shahjalal Mosque com-mittee.

Moreover, Mr Ali is also anExecutive Member of both theNorth Wales Racial Equality andthe Chester Asian Council. Mr Alimarried Sophia Ali in 1982 and isblessed with five children and agranddaughter.

Throughout his life Mr Ali hasalways tried to provide opportuni-ties for people from allbackgrounds to educational oppor-tunities. He also feels that if thegovernment in Bangladesh ensurean investment friendly environ-ment in the country, manyBangladeshi tycoons will comewith their huge investment in thecountry of their origin.

Cllr Mohammed Shahid AliPlace of Residence: LondonSector: Politics


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Cllr Mohammed Shahid Ali isthe current Deputy Mayor of

the London Borough of TowerHamlets. He was first elected asCouncillor in May 2006. Born in1956 in Chhattak, Sunamganj inBangladesh, Cllr Ali was educatedin Bangladesh before coming tothe UK in 1991.

Cllr Shahid Ali studied at theMadan Mohan College in Sylhetbefore completing his Bachelor ofCommerce degree between 1977and 1979 at Chittagong University.Once in the UK, Cllr Shahidobtained the City and GuildsCommunications qualification fromTower Hamlets College in 1995.

Whilst carrying out his education,Cllr Ali was also employed in vari-ous vocations. He has worked innumerous Restaurants here in theUK in different capacities oftenmanaging those around him.Moreover he has acquired a vastexperience of employment, havingworked for Travel Agents, anInsurance company as well beinga yellow taxi driver in the UnitedStates of America.

Cllr Shahid Ali is presentlyself-employed, in addition to beingCouncillor for Limehouse andDeputy Mayor, he is also commit-ted to community work. Cllr Ali isthe Chair of the Millennium GreenTrust, as well as CommunityTrustee of the Isle of Dogs founda-tion. Likewise he is a parent gover-nor at Woolmore Primary School

and Stepney Green Maths &Computing College in EastLondon.

In addition Cllr Ali has workedrelentlessly within the Bangladeshicommunity here in the UK. He is aMember of the CollectiveBangladeshi School Governorsand Vice Chair of South Poplarand Limehouse Secure HousingAction Group.

Cllr Mohammed Shahid Ali is mar-ried to Fatema Nargis and theyhave three children. Shahriar theeldest boy is studying for hisGCSE’s at Stepney Green School;he is one of only a handful to beattempting his Mathematics GCSEone year in advance. Their secondson Abir is also at Stepney Green,

whilst their youngest child Omecurrently attends Cubitt TownJunior School, in the Isle of Dogswhere they reside.

Cllr Ali’s interest include reading,participating in sport includingbadminton and swimming as wellas cooking. He is fluent in Bengali,Hindi, Urdu and Arabic. CllrMohammed Shahid Ali can be bestdescribed as an indivdual usingpolitics to bring great change to thecommunity and to improve thelives of the residents of TowerHamlets. He is very closely con-nected with his family and placesthe utmost importance on theeducation of his children, andmore generally education itself.


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Mr Mohammed Siraj AliPlace of Residence: EssexSector: Catering

Siraj Ali is a pioneering forcebehind the introduction of

Indian Cuisine in the Essex region,which was regarded as very diffi-cult to break into due to the lack ofother nationalities in the area. MrAli also introduced the corporatesocial responsibility element toIndian restaurants in the county,and as a result has raised close toa million pounds over more than adecade for numerous charitablecauses including the British HeartFoundation and Cancer Research.Starting his career in the cateringindustry in 1970, as a waiter at theCurry Centre in North London,Siraj Ali harnessed his skills andknowledge of the industry duringhis nine year sting before openinghis own establishment. The restau-rant was named the New CurryCentre and focused on bothauthentic cuisine and a friendlyservice. The restaurant's food,atmosphere and charismaticowner soon caught the imagina-tion of the local residents andslowly established itself as one ofthe counties most renownedrestaurants. Concurrently, Mr Aliopened four other Indianrestaurants in the region beforeopening the Maharaja Restaurant,which can be described as theshiniest jewel in his crown. Mr Alitransformed the failing business

into one of the most successful inthe country with innovative cuisine,a unique atmosphere and dynamicservice, receiving recognition byIndustry experts including PatChapman, Chair of the Curry Club.The restaurant is recognised asthe first to develop the element ofcorporate social responsibility inEssex, as it involves itself innumerous community initiativesand charities.Siraj Ali's Maharaja was even cho-sen to cater for the launch of thefirst nationwide BangladeshFestival of Food and Culture at theHouse of Commons. In 2007, theMaharaja was chosen by MPs torepresent the South East in theTiffin Cup Curry Awards, winningsecond runner up position.In Bangladesh, Mr Ali is one of theDirectors of the Metro Centre, acommercial and residential hotelcomplex comprising of 300 shopunits, as well as the Chairman andowner of Al Siraj Plaza, a twelvestorey multipuropse building inGoalabazaar, Sylhet, whichprovides a service to the needywho cannot afford medical aid.Through his chain of successfulrestaurants, Mr Ali , over the lasttwenty years, has donated cloe toa million pounds to over a hundreddifferent charities including theBritish Red Cross, Cancer

Research and the NSPCC. Mr Ali is also very active within theBangladeshi Community in theEssex region . Siraj is the founderChairman of both the ThurrockBangladesh Welfare Associationand Thurrock Islamic EducationalCultural Centre. He has also beenthe General Secretary of theEssex Jamme Masjid in Southend-on-Sea for over four terms.In Benfleet, Mr Ali is also theGeneral Secretary of theCastlepoint BangladeshiEducation and Cultural Centre aswell as Governor of the Haji SoyedPrimary School.Mr Ali is also the Chairman of theBangladesh government party forthre region of Essex and the ViceChair of the Advisory Committee ofthe Essex Bangladesh WelfareAssociation.Mr Muhammed Siraj Ali is marriedto Begum Momtaj Khanom andhave been blessed with one sonand three daughters, who have allgraduated from University, apartfrom his younger daughterJasmine, who is currently still ineducation.Mr Ali enjoys travelling the world,ancient history, world cuisine,running, socialising and spendingtime with his family

Mr Monojir AliPlace of Residence: LondonSector: Property


Born in Bangladesh, in 1945,Mr. Monojir Ali is the youngest

of three sons of Mr. Mosoddar AliSarang. His family is eminent inthe area of Sarangbari, were theyhelped local villagers by providingthem with a local school, mosque,post office, and Moktab, resultingin jobs being provided for many. InDecember, 1965 after he hadfinished his secondary education,Mr. Ali arrived to England. Afterworking hard previously in otherjobs he entered the catering busi-ness in 1983, which he sustainedtill 2000, during which he was alsooccupied with property business.Soon after in 2001, he created hisown property managing anddeveloping business namedAmmar Property Service and eversince, has been flourishing in thisline of business.

At the time of the freedom move-ment in Bangladesh, which tookplace in 1971, Monojir Ali was inBangladesh. He contributed bytaking on the role to take manyyoungsters to Karimgunj, in India,where they were trained to fight forfreedom. He provided many of thefreedom fighters with food andaccommodation.

Mr. Ali has always been concernedwith charity work and realized theimportance of helping the commu-nity since a young age, due to theinspirations of his family. He hasprovided funds for BeanibazarCollege and Beanibazar women’sCollege, as well as donating toMullapur Union High School, andmany other schools, colleges,

madrasa’s, clubs and sportsorganizations. In particular, he pro-vided a local Madrasah with agenerator, and funded them tobuild another room. He helpedBeanibazar High School financial-ly, by paying for the cost of twostorey buildings to be built, one ofwhich has productively beenconstructed. In 2005, he foundedthe Nidonpur Suppatala Girl’s HighSchool. He is the Founder of theName and Advisor of ‘BeanibazarPouro Unnoyon Songstha UK’.

Working alongside manycommunity schemes as a volun-teer is also something whichMonojir Ali is familiar to. He hasorganized flood relief programs in2004 and was the founder trusteeof Beanibazar Education Trust. Inaddition, he was the founder andchairman of the BengaliCommunity Education centre inNorthwest London and is thetrustee of the Bangladesh Centrein London. Not only this, but hewas the treasurer of Beanibazar

Jonokola Samithi and now takeson the role of vice president. Mr. Aliis the general secretary an advisorof Nidonpur Suppatala WelfareOrganization. These are tomention just a few of the organiza-tions which he partakes in.

Such work has not gone unrecog-nized, as in 2006; Mr. Ali wasnominated for a Channel S awardin recognition of his contributionsto the Bengali community. He alsoreceived a guard of Honour fromControlment Army Sector 2nd andScouts Association, the localcommunity and the managementof PHG High School Beanibazarduring the opening ceremony of anew building he had funded.

During his spare time, Mr. Alienjoys traveling and realizes theimportance of maintaining a goodlifestyle. He is also a big fan ofsports, having been involved formall sorts of sports from cycling tobadminton.

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Mr Ragib AliPlace of Residence: LondonSector: Media and Business

Mr Ragib Ali is a leadingindustrialist, tea-planter, and

is also associated with bank, Stockexchange, insurance companies,and many other business houses.He has endlessly contributioned inestablishing many schools,colleges, masjids, madrashas andmedical colleges, and universitiesthroughout the country. Born in1938 in Bishawanath, Sylhet inBangladesh, Mr Ali was educatedthere before moving to the UK in1956.Mr Ali a direct descendent ofAfghan military chief SyedMohammad Yakub studied at theRaza G.C High School andCollege of Sylhet before moving tothe UK at the age of 18 to furtherhis education. However, once inthe UK through hard work and per-severance, Mr Ali transformedhimself from an ordinary waiter toa leading entrepreneur. He built upa successful restaurant business,acquired a huge wealth throughshare market and real estate busi-ness. Mr Ali’s foresight, exception-al business acumen and strategic

vision, honesty, talents and energywere the key factors for achieve-ment of these wonderful feats. Hesoon returned to his native countrywith all his funds to contribute innational development. As anastute entrepreneur he became,within a short period of time, aleading industrialist, a renownedbusinessman, a foremost teaplanter and a famous banker of thecountry. Mr Ali is the currentChairman of Sylhet Tea CompanyLtd and several other tea estatesin Sylhet and Chittagong. He isalso the Managing Director ofKohinoor Industries Ltd. and TLRAHoldings Ltd (owner of KohinoorDetergent Factory) and has servedas Chairman of South-East BankLimited.Mr Ragib Ali has an endless contri-bution in social development. Hisendeavour in this field is diverseand manifold, in promoting educa-tion, healthcare, sports, culture,literary works, journalism, commu-nication etc. He has contributedtowards the development of manyschools, colleges, universities and

madrashas. One of these isJalalabad Ragib-Rabeya MedicalCollege and Hospital, which hasbecome an excellent centre formedical education and healthcarein the country. Millions, poor andrich alike are being benefited fromthese. A great philanthropist and adefinitive patron of the poor,throughout his life Mr Ali hasdevoted himself for their wellbeing. His philanthropy extends toevery aspect of their lives. He hasmade many roads, bridge, cul-verts. Tubule etc. In his namethere are more than 220 philan-thropic projects, which are directlycontributing in changing life ofmillions.Mr Ali prefers a simple living andmaintains absolute simplicity. He isvery polite in his dealings andmixes freely with people of everywalk of life. Happily married toBegum Rebeya KhatunChowdhury who has been aninspiring force for her husbandalso inhibits a big philanthropicpersonality. The couple areblessed with a son and daughter.

Miss Rushanara AliPlace of Residence: LondonSector: Politics


Rushanara Ali is the prospectiveparliamentary candidate for

Bethnal Green and Bow. Born inBangladesh, Ali came to the UK atthe age of seven with her family.Rushanara grew up in TowerHamlets, studying locally atMulberry School and TowerHamlets College. She completed adegree in Politics, Philosophy andEconomics from Oxford University.Currently, she lives and works inthe East End as an Associate

Director of the Young Foundation.

Previously, she worked at theCommunities Directorate of theHome Office, leading a workprogramme in response to the2001 disturbances in the north ofEngland. She has also worked onhuman rights issues at the Foreignand Commonwealth Office; as aResearch Fellow at the Institute forPublic Policy Research and asParliamentary Assistant for the

former MP for Bethnal Green &Bow.

She is currently Commissioner forthe London Child PovertyCommission; Chair of TowerHamlets Summer University andSummer University of London;Board Member of Tower HamletsCollege; Trustee of the PaulHamlyn Foundation and anadvisor to the Spitalfields Festival.

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Mr S I Azad AliPlace of Residence: DartfordSector: Catering

Mr Ali moved to the UK in April1969, and studied at the

London Hampstead College ofBusiness Management.

After working in a Bangladeshirestaurant for almost eight years,Mr Ali felt that he had gainedenough experience to open hisfirst restaurant. This restaurant,called the Shapla Tandoori, wasbased in Canvey Island, Essex,and was soon to become the firstof many restaurants that fell underthe ownership of S I Azad Ali.The Milaad Tandoori in Hullbridge(Essex) as well as Deal Kent, andSnodland Kent, the ShalimaTandoori in West Drayton(Middlesex), and Bengal DinersWalmer and Paprika both in Dover(Kent) soon followed, and Mr Aliquickly gained a reputation as asuccessful restaurateur.

He is now the owner of three verysuccessful restaurants: La Cantina

in Orpington, and the Colyer Armsand Spice Garden, both of whichare based in Southfleet.

Mr Ali has not always beeninvolved solely in the cateringindustry however. He is the soleproprietor of the Whitecliff group ofcompanies and also Sami Grilleand he is the Director of the BritishBangladesh Chambers ofCommerce.This latter position is something

Mr Ali has gained experience forover an extended number of years.In the past, he was the Director atFront Air Service Ltd, HomelandLife Insurance Company and alsothe Bondon Housing DevelopmentCompany. In addition to this, heheld the position of Secretary forPublic Relations for the BCA fortwo terms and was also a boardmember for the Dover Chamber ofCommerce and Industries. He wasthe founder and former treasurerof Jagannath Pur British – Bangla

Education Trust and was also thefounder and co-ordinator ofJagannath Pur Probashi KollayanTrust UK. Furthermore, he is theTreasurer of the advisorycommittee in the UK for theNational Heart Foundation Sylhet.

Mr Ali is happily married to LilufaBegum Ali, and they have four chil-dren – three daughters and oneson. Their eldest daughter –Shalimar Aktar Ali – graduatedfrom the University of Westminsterhaving completed a degree inBusiness, Accountancy andInformation. Their next daughter –Shamima Aktar Ali – completed anLLB from the London Law Collegeafter having graduated from theUniversity of Greenwich. Theiryoungest daughter is still at sixthform college studying her A Levels.Their son – Miladun Islam Ali –graduated from the London Schoolof Economics.

Cllr Shahed AliPlace of Residence: LondonSector: Politics and Cultural Activities


Shahed Ali was born in the east end of London in1970. He went to Sir John Cass Foundation

school in Stepney in the London borough of TowerHamlets. After completing his schooling, Cllr Ali stud-ied a BSc in Social Policy and Management at LondonGuildhall University.

He has one older brother and one younger sister. Hisfather is Late Haji Wahab Ullah, and his mother isSomirtha Khanom. They originate from village: BarkatPur, P.O: Gohor Pur, P.S: Balagonj, Dist: Sylhet,Bangladesh.

The area of Tower Hamlets is one that Cllr Ali has agreat affinity for. He was born in the borough, andsince May 2006, he has been a member of TowerHamlets council for the ward of Whitechapel.

Away from politics, Cllr Ali is well known throughoutthe Bangladeshi community for his event organising.His reputation for staging shows with amazing visualand aural effects, otherwise known as ‘Ekti Shahed AliUpohaar’, have enabled him to hold unique events atprestigious venues such as the London Arena,Wembley Arena and the Royal Festival Hall. Hefounded the annual Bangladesh International MediaAwards (BIMA), an event to give recognition to thefilm, television and music industry, which is broadcastlive around the world via several television networks.He has also produced several Television Dramas andhas become a household name and very muchrespected by all celebrity artists of Bangladesh.Cllr Ali also holds the honour of being the first Asian

person to organise an event at Historic Royal Palaces– The Tower of London. That event, held in July 2007,

proved to be extremely popular as Cllr Ali, ever theshrewd entrepreneur, brought over the 2006 finalistsof NTV Close Up such as Salma, Nishita, Ronti andMuhin.

Previous to being a councillor, Cllr Ali was a youthworker, an ethnic arts adviser and a social workeramongst other things. By having such a varied profes-sional background, it is easy to see why Cllr Ali hasbeen such a success in the field of local politics,although even this does not present the full picture, ashe has been a strong vocal point on issues that affectthe British Bangladeshi community. He believes he isnot an opportunist or career politician, but a challeng-ing voice from the community, for the community.

Away from his life as a councillor and events organis-er, Cllr Ali has a number of business interests includ-ing the popular Brick Lane music and book shopSangeeta Ltd, a restaurant in Frinton-on-Sea and aproperty portfolio.

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Mr Alhaz Sukur AliPlace of Residence: Carlisle, CumbriaSector: Catering

Mr Alhaz Sukur Ali is the firstelected president of

Bangladesh Caterer andCommunity Welfare Associationbased in Carlisle. Since 1996, MrAli has not missed a single gamefor Carlisle United Football Cluband has even been named as oneof clubs patrons as he regularlysponsors the club to attract inter-national standard players. Born in1955 in Bishwanath, Sylhet inBangladesh, Mr Ali received hisprimary education in his local vil-lage school before leaving for UKin 1969.

Mr Ali started his career by workingat Dilkush Indian Restaurant.However, it was not until 1973before Mr Ali opened his firstrestaurant in Manchester. By the1981, Mr Ali opened a firstBangladeshi restaurant in Stanwixbank Cumbria which was namedStanwix Tandoori. He achievedrapid progress through his busi-ness which resulted in opening amultitude of high quality restau-rants and take-a-ways in theregion. His successful venture wasViceroy Restaurant in Carlislestarted in 1991. He came acrossmany troubles such as fire bombattack by racist on his restaurant‘Viceroy’ but he did not stop

working.

Mr Ali’s significant contribution waspromoting Bangladeshi cuisine inCumbria. Bangladeshi cuisine cat-egorised in a separate group in thelocal food guide in the area.

Mr Ali has organised a number ofcommunity events in Carlisle incollaboration with Bangladeshicommunity association to promotetheir culture and highlightingissues relating to the cateringindustry. He was the founder of theBangladeshi Mosque in Carlisle.

He has given so much to the localcommunity and his hard work war-rants recognition. In his work, heis consistent, dedicated and pas-sionate, enthusiastic, cheerful anda pleasure to work with.

His outstanding efforts makeimpact on ethnic harmony inCumbria region and involved withthe local community in many ways,such as - Supporting CarlisleUnited football club, Fund raisingfor Carlisle air ambulance,Introducing Bangladeshi cuisine tolocal School children andSupporting elderly people in manyways such as providing freemeals.

Mr Ali works hard with the homecommunity to capitalising on theopportunities available for thedisadvantaged people. He is thefounder of Jamia Islamia AtasanMollapara Education project in theBalagonj where hundreds ofpoorer children getting free resi-dential education. BBCC memberMr Ali is a trustee of DoshgorProbashi education trust andBishwanath education trust basedin UK

In recognition of his outstandingcontribution to the community hehas nominated for the prestigiouschannel S community award in2008.

Married to Minara Begum, thecouple have been blessed withfour sons who are all currentlystudying and share their father’spassion for football and remark-ably all of them engaged with theirfamily run ethnic industry. MrSukur Ali believes through hardwork and perseverance anythingcan be achieved and is a firmbeliever in giving back to the com-munity for which the restaurateuris widely recognised for hisgenerosity and hospitality.

Mr. Ali AkbarPlace of Residence: CardiffSector: Business and Community Relations


Mr Ali Akbar came to the UnitedKingdom with his parents, Mr

Al-Haj Alauddin Ahmed and MrsShafia Khanom, in 1975. Hisgrandfather was Moulana JohirUddin Ahmed who is a esteemedindividual in their home village inBangladesh.

Mr Akbar completed both hisGCSE education and furtherstudies in Scunthorpe. The familythen moved to Cardiff, where MrAkbar began his first business withhis family in the catering industry inthe early 1980’s, whilst alsostudying part time.

Currently Mr Akbar is involved inboth the restaurant trade and alsothe property development busi-ness. He possesses an impressiveportfolio of properties. Moreover,Ali Akbar is Director and ExecutiveCommittee member of DreamlandAmusement Park in Sylhet andalso Director of the Al HamraShopping City also situated inSylhet.

Aside from his business involve-ment, Mr Akbar is very stronglyconcerned with community organi-sations and charity projects. He isa Magistrate (On the Bench) andalso the Managing Director ofAlauddin Ahmed Primary SchoolScholarship in Sylhet, and educa-tional charity. Furthermore, he isthe Managing Director of PK JohirUddin Ahmed Health Clinic inSylhet.

In the UK, Mr Akbar is on theExecutive Committee of Cardiff

City Council Citizen Forum andalso Vice President of PenylanWard Cardiff Labour Party as wellas being and Executive Committeemember of Cardiff Labour Party.Additionally, he is an ExecutiveCommittee member of Cardiff andVale Magistrate as well as beingan EC Member of Cardiff CouncilCommunity Department and alsothe South Wales Race andEquality First committee.

Ali Akbar is an Adviser for theImmigration Advice Service(Cardiff Branch) and also CardiffPolice Community Group. In addi-tion, he is an EC member of Cardiffneighbourhood watch. He is the Ex

Treasurer of both ShahjalalMosque and Cultural Centre aswell as Shahjalal Bangla School.He is also a Member ofBangladesh Association

As a result of Mr Akbar’s dedica-tion to community activities andcontribution to Cardiff he wasawarded a certificate recognisinghis hard work, by Her Majesty theQueen in 1992.

Mr Ali Akbar is married with fourchildren, namely Shahana KhatunAkbar, Shabana Khatun Akbar,Javed Akbar and RedwanahAkbar.

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