Entrepreneur Bashir Ahmed Honoured by King Charles with British Empire Medal

Bangladeshi-born entrepreneur and businessman Bashir Ahmed has been awarded the prestigious British Empire Medal by King Charles III in recognition of his significant contributions to the development of the Bangladeshi community in the United Kingdom.

Mr. Ahmed, a long-standing leader in the economic, social, and organizational advancement of the Bangladeshi diaspora in Britain, was celebrated for his remarkable achievement at a reception organized by the British Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BBCCI).

The event, moderated by BBCCI Senior Vice President Abul Hayat Nuruzzaman, commenced with a welcome address by international development expert and researcher Dr. Sin Curry. Notable attendees included the Commercial Counsellor of Bangladesh in the UK, Tanvir Ahmed Azim; former director of Canary Wharf Group, Dr. Zakir Khan; former presidents of BBCCI, Shahgir Bakht Faruk and Saidur Rahman Renu; directors of BBCCI, Ahmed Us Samad Chowdhury, Professor Sanawar Chowdhury, Mahatab Mia, Nur Mia, Shafiqul Islam; Councillor Jahangir Haq; Finance Director Helal Uddin Khan; East London Region President of BBCCI, Dr. Shahnur Khan; London Region President and Chairman of JMG Group, Monir Ahmed; former Speaker of Tower Hamlets Council, Councillor Ahbab Hossain; former Mayor of Brent, Parvez Ahmed; prominent businessman from Newcastle Upon Tyne, Nadir Aziz Daraz; President of Dutch Bangla Chamber of Commerce, GR Chowdhury Faruk; and Dr. Zaki Rezwana, along with numerous other distinguished members of the expatriate community.

In his address, Bashir Ahmed stated, "This honour is not just for me alone; it is for every expatriate Bangladeshi. Our identity and respect have now reached the British Royal Family—this is a collective achievement of our community."

Speakers at the event emphasized their pride in Bashir Ahmed's honour, recognizing it as an international acknowledgment of the positive contributions of the Bangladeshi diaspora on the global stage. They expressed hope that this honour would serve as an inspiration for future generations.

This year, ten foreign-born UK citizens have been awarded the British Empire Medal, with Bashir Ahmed being the sole expatriate Bangladeshi among them.