The journey to launch a graduate forum started on 21^st September 2022. It was a brainchild of a few people including graduates and respected community elders at a meeting held at the Britannia International Hotel, Docklands, London. At this 7-member steering committee meeting, it was unanimously agreed for such a need of a collective forum of graduates and elders under one umbrella to champion Patli Union heritage, share and celebrate the success of these graduates with the wider community, as well as facilitate multidisciplinary debates and discourses.

The initial 7-member steering committee was made up of the following people:

Shamsher Qureshi, LLB Hons (Chairperson)

A Kashem Ripon, Bsc Hons (Secretary)

Miraz Miah, BA Hons (Treasurer)

Kahar Chowdhury, LLB Hons

Abul Monsur (Rumell, BA Hons

Mahmudul Majid Jeblu, BSc Hons

Fakhrul Miah, BA Hons

The committee collectively agreed two criteria of membership of the forum:

1. Must hold a bachelor’s degree eg.BA, BSc, BEng, LLB, MBBS etc, with or with honours from an UK university.
2. The graduate must be a descendant of Patli Union, Sunamgonj, Bangladesh.

Furthermore, they brazenly agreed to call the forthcoming organisation,  the “Patlian” Graduate Forum (“PGF”).

Furthermore, on 9^th October, at the Micro Business Centre, Greatorex Street, London, they launched the Patlian Graduate Forum to the wider community and held their Inaugural General Meeting and adopted their constitution in the presence of the Chief Guest; Shirajul Hoque (Ex-Chairman of Patli Union). Other respected guests, community leaders and speakers were Abdul Mussabbir (Dulu), Fazlul Hoque, Dobir Miah, Afu Miah, Foysol Ahmed.

The Election Commissioner was Hazrath Maulana Shaykh Asgar Hussain (founder of Patli Darool Uloom Madrasa). The PGF’s committee will consist of 21 members. So far, the following 11 executive positions have been elected and the remaining 10 will be filled by the Executive Council in due course:

1) Shamsheer Qureshi – President

2) Kahar Chowdhury – Vice President

3) Abul Monsur (Rumel) – Vice President

4) Abdul Kashem Ripon – General Secretary

5) Miraz Miah – Treasurer

6) Mahmudul Majid Jeblu – EC Member

7) Fakhrul Miah – EC Member

8) Khaled Miah – EC Member

9) Helal Miah – EC Member

10) Milad Miah – EC Member

11) Rahad Miah –  EC Member

Since inception, PGF has many aims and objectives, including to encourage and empower Patlian graduates to take active role(s) in the community. Such multifaceted activities included political, social, economical, charitable and recreational.

PGF is open to working in partnership with other organisations/forums to accomplish similar aims and objectives and share best practices. They stress that the success of the forum is dependent on attracting talented Patlian graduates under one umbrella and active participation in furthering the PGF’s aims and objectives.

“We would not be passive anymore, we must actively engage in all aspects of this civil society, including participation in politics” were the strong closing remarks of the newly elected President, Mr Shamsheer Qureshi.

“Don’t forget your roots and heritage and keep your attachment to Bangladesh” was the plea of the Chief Guest; Mr Shirajul Hoque.

Finally, the Executive Council and the respected elders present have humbly requested everyone’s thoughts and prayers for a successful beginning and a prosperous future of the PGF, in order that that they fulfil their ambitions in a dignified way.