On 30 December, the Bangladesh Probashi Kallyan Parishad (BPKP) brought together over 600 guests at the prestigious Royal Regency Hall in Ilford to mark the 5th annual Non-Resident Bangladeshi (NRB) Day. The event was attended by UK parliamentarians, local councillors, advisors, and representatives from leading organisations supporting the Bangladeshi diaspora across the UK and Europe.

In 2021, the Government of Bangladesh formally designated 30 December as NRB Day (Probashi Dibosh) to recognise and celebrate the invaluable contributions of expatriates and Non-Resident Bangladeshis worldwide. Since then, BPKP has remained at the forefront of observing this significant national occasion in the UK.

The event was jointly hosted by General Secretary Mustak Ali Babul, Joint Secretary Mawlana Anisur Rahman, Shamima Begum Mita, and Vice Chair Mayen Uddin Ansar. Proceedings began with uplifting nasheeds by Message Cultural Group, followed by a serene Qur’an recitation by Hafiz Abdul Kadir Madani, setting a spiritual and reflective tone for the evening.

In his keynote address, BPKP Chairman Abdul Bari warmly welcomed all distinguished guests and reflected on the significance of celebrating the 5th NRB Day pioneered by BPKP. He paid tribute to the organisation’s predecessors, Md Ashikur Rahman and Jahangir Khan, for laying strong foundations. Chairman Bari also highlighted BPKP’s pivotal role in securing NRB voting rights in upcoming elections, achieved through close collaboration with the Bangladesh High Commission and His Excellency Abida Islam, High Commissioner of Bangladesh to the UK.

The occasion also coincided with the passing of Begum Khaleda Zia, three-time Prime Minister of Bangladesh, the country’s first female Prime Minister, and Chairperson of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). In her honour, Mustak Ali Babul and Abdul Bari led the audience in standing for the National Anthem of Bangladesh, followed by a collective prayer seeking forgiveness and expressing condolences by Moulana Abdul Quadir Saleh.

Addressing the audience, General Secretary Mustak Ali Babul outlined BPKP’s major advocacy successes over the years, including the issuance of National ID cards through the Bangladesh High Commission and progress towards overseas voting rights. He reaffirmed BPKP’s commitment to working with the current interim administration and the future government following the General Elections scheduled for 12 February 2026. Key ongoing demands include reducing Biman Bangladesh Airlines ticket prices and opening Sylhet Airport to international carriers.

Similar sentiments were echoed by Treasurer Dr Syed Mustak Ahmed and Founding Chairman Md Ashikur Rahman, both of whom praised the unity and resilience of the NRB community.

Chief Advisor Shahagir Bakth Faruk emphasised the importance of documenting and celebrating the wide-ranging contributions of NRBs across every sector of UK society, calling for NRB Day to be observed with pride and joy. Supporting remarks were also delivered by advisors Ahmad Us Samad Chowdhury JP, Aziz Chowdhury, Sami Sanaullah, Muhibur Rahman Muhib, and Osman Goni.

A highlight of the evening was the awards ceremony, where two Lifetime Achievement Awards, one Posthumous Honour Award, and one Young Entrepreneur Award were presented in recognition of outstanding contributions to the UK’s Bangladeshi community. Sir Stephen Timms MP, Member of Parliament for East Ham, presented the awards to:

• Dr Hasnath M. Hussain MBE (Academic) – Lifetime Achievement Award for his enduring contributions to the Bangladeshi community in the UK
• Sheikh Mozammel Hossain Kamal (Media) – Lifetime Achievement Award for services to the Bangladeshi community
• Ayub Ali “Master” – Posthumous Honour Award for his pioneering role in establishing the Bangladeshi community in Tower Hamlets
• Anisa Khan (Catering) – Young Entrepreneur Award for founding Bombay Pizza and for being a finalist on The Apprentice

The evening concluded with the much-anticipated launch of the NRB Magazine 2025, unveiled by Vice Chair Mayen Uddin Ansar, who invited the entire executive committee onto the stage. The launch was intentionally kept as a surprise, adding to the excitement of the awards segment.

Closing remarks were delivered by Syed Sadek Ahmed from the North East England Committee and Oli Uddin Shamim from BPKP’s Italian branch. Further nasheeds by Message Cultural Group, alongside a sumptuous dinner, brought an end to a memorable, dignified, and inspiring celebration.

For more information about BPKP or to become a member, please visit www.bpkp.org.

#NRBDay #BPKP #ProbashiDibosh