The British Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce & Industry (BBCCI), the premier business organisation for the Bangladeshi community in the UK, held its annual general meeting and election. The event saw the election of a new leadership committee, committed to enhancing trade relations between the UK and Bangladesh.
Mohammad Belayet Hossain, a British judge, served as the chief election commissioner, with Mohammed Jubair, president of the London Bangla Press Club, and Solicitor Mohammad Khaled Nur acting as assistant election commissioners.
Established in 1991, the BBCCI was founded with a strong commitment to fostering robust commercial relationships between the UK and Bangladesh. Many of the organisation's founding members, including Founder President M A Rahim, Director Mahmadur Rashid, former President Enam Ali MBE, and B R. Chowdhury, have passed away. The current committee of BBCCI paid deep respects to these late pioneers who left behind a legacy.
The newly elected President of BBCCI is Rafique Haider, director of Bangla Town Cash and Carry. Other elected members include Vice Presidents Abul Hayat Mohammad Nuruzzaman and Ataur Rahman, Director General Dewan Mahdi Chowdhury, Deputy Director General Emdad Ahmed, Finance Director Helal Uddin Khan, London Regional President Monir Ahmed, Director of International Affairs Moin Uddin, Director of Membership Md Abdul Mumin, Director of Community Affairs Ahmed Hasan, and Director of Press Publicity Misbah Ahmed.
Following the election, a gala dinner was held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Docklands. Outgoing President Syedur Rahman welcomed everyone, and outgoing Director General Abul Hayat Nuruzzaman hosted the event. High Commissioner of Bangladesh to the UK Saida Muna Tasneem served as the chief guest. She congratulated the new President Rafique Haider and the entire committee.
The high commissioner highlighted the significant achievements and rich history of the Bangladeshi community in the UK, revealing that the Bangladeshi population in the UK has grown from an estimated 500,000 to nearly 700,000, making up approximately 1 per cent of the total UK population.
