Tel: 020 7377 9595
Email: info@gscuk.org

GSC Central

Chairperson - Barrister Ataur Rahman

Tel: - 079 3084 5796

Through hard work, selfless devotion and true democratic principle, we can maintain our progress to improve the welfare of our community. We have a variable role to play in raising awareness, engaging in dialogue and ensuring views are represented.

kuti
General Secretary - Mirza Ashab Baig

Tel: - 079 5653 8164

We should all be proud of our heritage as it is our roots, our culture and our relationships that make us the people we are today. We are the largest voluntary organisation for the Sylheti Community in UK and we can lead by example and be an inspiration.

Noor
Treasurer - Md Firuj Khan

Tel: - 079 5644 5105

Download Report

The current Central Committee was formed on 27th February 2011 at Biennial General Meeting held in Birmingham. Barrister Ataur Rahman was appointed the new Chairman, Mirza Ashab Baig retained his position as General Secretary and Md Firuj Khan was appointed as the new Treasurer. Many other members were also selected to form the new committee.

Chairman - Br Ataur Rahman
General Secretary - Mirza Ashab Baig
Treasurer - Md Firuj Khan
Chief Charity Coordinator - Mohammed Monchab Ali

Vice Chair - Meah Monirul Alam
Vice Chair - K A Musabbir MBE
Vice Chair - Syed A Q Kaiser
Vice Chair - Nurul Islam Mahbub
Vice Chair - Mohammed Chunu Miah
Vice Chair - H M Ashraf Ahmed
Vice Chair - Surabur Rahman

Joint Secretary - Monsur Ahmed Mokis
Joint Secretary - Khusru Khan
Joint Secretary - Dr Mujibur Rahman
Joint Secretary - Syed Mujibur Rahman

Joint Treasurer - Md Isbah Uddin
Joint Treasurer - Alhaj Manik Miah

Women's Affair's Secretary - Dr Zaki Rezwana Anwar
Press & Publicity Secretary - Fazlul Karim Choudhury
Assist. Press & Publicity Secretary Mohammed Kholilur Rahman
International Affair's Secretary Syedur Rahman Renu
Immigration & Welfare Secretary Br Masud Choudhury
Organising Secretary Abdul Mazid Taher
Joint Organising Secretary Emran Khan
Membership Secretary Fakhar Uddin
Joint Membership Secretary Abdos Salam
Education Secretary Monzur Reza Choudhury
Religious Secretary Sheikh Md Anwar
Youth & Sports Secretary Helal Ahmed Thafader

NEC Member Sheikh Shajahan Ahmed Tarafder
NEC Member Montaz Ali Azad
NEC Member Nesar Ali
NEC Member Iqbal Ahmed Choudhury
NEC Member A T M Lukman
NEC Member Hazi Foyzur Rahman Choudhury
NEC Member Tomimul Islam Choudhury

Co-opted Member M A Mannan
Co-opted Member Dr. Ruab Uddin
Co-opted Member Foyzur Rahman
Co-opted Member Surab Ali Soyod
Co-opted Member Mirza Askir Baig
Co-opted Member Abdur Rokib Sikder
Co-opted Member Kamrul Hasan Chunu
Co-opted Member Abdul Malik Kuti
Co-opted Member M A Ghofur
Co-opted Member Thoufique Ali Minar
Co-opted Member Masud Ahmed
Co-opted Member M Abdus Shahid

PRC Meetings

Occasional

We arranged around 10 PRC (Policy Review Committee) meetings over the year since the last BGM on 27 February 2011. PRC is always plays an active role to run the organization in day to day business. The PRC members are Central Chair Barrister Ataur Rahman, General Secretary Mirza Ashab Baig, Treasurer Md. Firuj Khan, Syed A. Q. Kaisar, Nurul Islam Mahbub, Khusru Khan, Dr. Mujibur Rahman, Dr. Zaki Rezwana Anwar, Fazlul Karim Chowdhury, M A Mannan and Dr. Ruab Uddin.

1st NEC Meeting

10th April 2011
Jagonary Centre in London E1

The first NEC was held in London and office bearers were elected and also taken whole year plan for the activities. The newly elected Chairperson greeted everyone to the first meeting and presented his plans to the new NEC. The patrons Dr Hasanat M Hussain, K M Abu Taher Choudhury, Alhaj Nasir Ahmed and founder Ex-Treasurer Mr Mahidur Rahman were all present and they congratulated the newly elected committee.

They expressed that the GSC should create an atmosphere of brotherhood, continue to reach out to the community in different parts of the UK, take initiative to work in projects in social welfare education and stand for justice. Finance report was also read out by the new Treasurer to notify the new NEC of the current financial status of the GSC.

View Exchange Meeting with Election Commissioner Mr Sohul Hussain

07th March 2011
London Muslim Centre, London, E1

A view exchange meeting was arranged with the Election Commissioner Mr Sohul Hussain of Bangladesh. GSC and other community leaders and distinguished professionals attended the meeting.

Mr Sohul Hossain informed expatriates the latest situation of their voting rights, explained the amended law and what will now be the expatriates role for final achievement. He also said that there is a big obstacle to get the voting rights, law has been done, but there is still a conspiracy that might come, so everyone has to move carefully and tactfully.

The meeting was presided by the Central Chairperson Barrister Ataur Rahman and conducted by myself. A large number community leaders and professionals participated on the discussion in a nice homely environment. Mr Sohul Hussain said when he became the Election Commissioner he had taken the expatriates voting right movement as one of his prior agenda and now he has taken it to the edge with direct co-operation with Prime Minister of Bangladesh Sheikh Hasina MP and other election commissioners.

18th Anniversary Gathering

21st April 2011
Wodeham Community Centre, London, E1

A gathering was held to discuss and celebrate the 18 years of Greater Sylhet Development and Welfare Council in UK. We conversed about the foundations and praised its founders. We then prayed for the members of GSC who have passed away. Members also talked about the current position of the organisation and how the organisation can go further.

Meeting with Executive Mayor of Tower Hamlets

28th April 2011
Mulberry Place, London, E14

Meeting was held to facilitate the GSC Head Office in London Borough of Tower Hamlets as a Heritage Centre. We led a delegation to discuss this matter with the Executive Mayor of Tower Hamlets Mr Luthfur Rahman. The mayor expressed that GSC has always a good relation with the Tower Hamlets Council, was convinced with the plans, and proudly declared that he is the part of this great organisation. Therefore he expressed his support for the office to be facilitated as soon as possible.

View Exchange Meeting with Professor Dr. Ahmed Abdul Quader

8th June 2011
Wodeham Community Centre, London, E1

A view exchange meeting was held with Chief Guest Professor Dr. Ahmed Abdul Quader who is a distinguished academic, writer and politician widely acknowledged as one of Bangladesh's most promising intellectuals. GSC leaders talked about different issues people from Bangladesh especially from the Sylhet Region are encountering in Bangladesh as well as in UK. Issues raised included troubles in Sylhet and Dhaka Airport, NRB’s land disputes etc.

View Exchange Meeting with Sheikh Sujat Miah MP

9th June 2011
Clifton Restaurant, Brick Lane, London, E1

This meeting was held with newly elected Member of Parliament in Bangladesh Mr Sheikh Sujat Miah MP, former GSC leader. GSC and other community leaders attended the meeting and congratulated him. GSC leaders remembered his contribution and great hospitality during the formation of this organisation and soon after. Issues raised included voting rights and its process of implementation, International Airport in Sylhet and its refuelling station, troubles in Dhaka/Sylhet Airports and the development of his own constituency. Sheikh Sujat Miah MP expressed that he will do all he can to get the necessary parties involved and take action.

Supplementary School Staff Meeting

13th June 2011
Wodeham Community Centre, London, E1

Annual staff meeting with the supplementary and mother tongue school staff, the Chairman uttered that because of low funding we need to reduce costs and reduce the number of staff. Also now there are a number of rival supplementary schools which have led to a number of children dropping out. The General Secretary expressed that we need to take new initiative and approach to local people by making home visit to send their children. They also discussed the fund ending from BBC Children in Need and how to continue the project.

Meeting with his Excellency Dr M Syedur Rahman Khan

15th June 2011
Bangladesh High Commission in London

The GSC took a delegation to the Bangladesh High Commission in London, to raise the burning community issues which included:

• No Visa Problem and dual citizenship
• Cancellation of direct flights
• Troubles in airport
• Tipaimukh Dam

The GSC leaders provided a memorandum raising those issues to the relevant department through the High Commissioner and requested that he accumulates these issues to the relevant parties and take necessary steps to resolve the matters immediately. The High Commissioner assured that he will do that entire he can in his power to support the issues.

Meeting with Property Department of Tower Hamlets Council

28th June 2011
Mulberry Place, London, E14

The Chairman and myself led a delegation team to meet the Property Department at Tower Hamlets Council to finalise the terms and condition of the property which is for the use of GSC central office. The department where very impressed and immediately accepted to allocate an office for the GSC. A further meeting was held in October 2011 to sign the contract.

2nd NEC Meeting

3rd July 2011
Six Ways Business Centre in Birmingham

The second NEC meeting was held at the Six Ways Centre in Birmingham. Regional Chair Khusru Khan welcomed the guests attending the meeting and addressed the importance of teamwork. The Chairmen expressed that for the future projects and activities all NEC members must take an active role, and they must encourage and engage the new generation.

Mr Khusru Khan and Iqbal Ahmed Chowdhury proposed the start of the GSC Trust Fund. A financial report was presented by the Treasurer Md Firuj Khan. The NEC also decided that GSC Bangladesh Committees need to be reshuffle especially in Sylhet and Sunamgonj Committee and increase more liaisons with the administration of Bangladesh to ensure NRB Rights are safeguarded.

View Exchange Meeting with Mr Hafiz Ahmed Mojumder MP

8th July 2011
Wodeham Community Centre, London, E1

GSC organized a view exchange meeting with Mr Hafiz Ahmed Mojumder MP who is a renowned and successful business personality and fellow educationist. GSC and other community leaders attended at the meeting and congratulated him for his enormous contribution to develop the educational base in Sylhet as well as other parts of Bangladesh.

Mr Mojumder explained how to develop educational level by developing the Primary School and urged every NRB’s should be a friend of a Primary School in his or her local area in Bangladesh. He also said that if any NRB could do and let him know then he will visit that school himself and support that school from his own heart. Lots of other issues were raised by the speakers including voting rights, refuelling stations in Sylhet Airport, downfall of educational level in Sylhet and the development of his own constituency. Mr Hafiz Mojumder MP expressed his link with Jalalabad Association in Dhaka and is hoping to work together from both countries.

Iftar and Dua Mahfil

18th August 2011
Sonargaon Restaurant, Brick Lane, London, E1

Arranged like every year, iftar and dua mahfil in partnership with South East Region. Iftar follows a day of fasting and Allah (SWT) promises great rewards for those who fast in this month. Sharing Iftar in a communal gathering is a very important Sunnah. Attending discussions on the essence and significance of the holy month is also of great spiritual benefit to all Muslims. The members of GSC gathered together on this day to discuss the importance of this day, later they broke their fasts together, had a meal, prayed and made dua. Executive Mayor of Tower Hamlets Mr Lutfur Rahman and other community leaders were present on the Mahfil.

View Exchange Meeting with Mr M A Muhaimen Saleh

9th August 2011
Wodeham Community Centre, London, E1

M A Muhaimen Saleh is the president of ATAB, is a consumer protection organisation, which is committed to obtaining a fair deal for air travellers. The GSC leaders expressed the problems which NRB’s are facing such as the cancellation of Biman Bangladesh direct flights from London to Sylhet and the rise of the fare. Mr M A Muhaimen Saleh assured that he will do what he can in his power to help NRB’s get a fair deal.

Protest Meeting – Biman’s Direct Flight Cancellations

5th October 2011
Wodeham Community Centre, London, E1

A protest meeting was organised by the GSC. The meeting was presided by Barrister Ataur Rahman and conducted by the General secretary Mirza Ashab Baig. Also present Chief Editor of Bangla Post and GSC Patron K M Abu Taher Choudhury, community leaders and travel business persons were spoken on the meeting and demanded to reinstate the direct flight schedule immediately.

3rd NEC Meeting

9th October 2011
Amar Ghor, Rochdale

The third NEC Meeting was held at Aamar Ghor, Rochdale, North West Region. All attendees where welcomed by regional chair Syed Mujibur Rahman. The Central Chair greeted everyone and thanked North West region for their great hospitality.

He delivered that the whole NEC should continue to work hard and successfully do the course of action; he also reminded that all NEC members must make themselves available for NEC Meetings.

The Ex-Chairman Mohammed Monchab Ali, expressed that there are parallel organisations trying to replicate the work of GSC, however the GSC with its 20 years of experience must continue to work hard to keep up the high-quality work that it’s doing. As usual a financial report was provided by treasurer Md Firuj Khan.

All present regional secretaries gave their reports on the activities they have done. The NEC decided to raise funds for the daughter of Dhaka Post Editor Professor Omar Faruq who has leukaemia. The Chairman also took the opportunity to announce that the GSC will get its new office very soon, which is based in Tower Hamlets, London. All regions where reminded they should campaign for Vote Sundarban and reinstate the London – Sylhet direct flight of Biman. NEC revised the proposal for the GSC Trust Fund and recommended changes for the next NEC.

View Exchange Meeting with Advocate Abdul Majid Khan MP

13th October 2011
Wodeham Community Centre, London, E1

This meeting was held with Advocate Abdul Majid Khan MP. GSC and other community leaders were attended at the meeting and congratulate him to elect as a Member of Parliament in Bangladesh as being Vice-Chair of Hobigonj District Committee of GSC. Issues raised include voting rights, troubles in Dhaka and Sylhet airport and the development of his own constituency. Adv. Majid Khan MP proudly declared his involvement with GSC and expressed his interest to work with this great organisation.

Protest Meeting against 'Tipaimukh Dam'

24th November 2011
Wodeham Community Centre, London, E1

Members of the GSC gathered to discuss possible actions that can be taken to stop India from building the 'Tipaimukh Dam'. This included the starting a signature campaign along with an online petition and a conference with the Members of the British Parliament at the House of Commons. The Chairmen and General Secretary expressed that every members support will be needed.

40th Victory Day Anniversary

20th December 2011
Sonargaon Restaurant, Brick Lane, London, E1

On the 16th of December 2011 Bangladeshis around the world, including the large community living in the United Kingdom, celebrate the anniversary of victory in the Bangladesh Liberation War. This year the GSC held a dinner party and talked about the events of this day on 20th December 2011. The executive Mayor of Tower Hamlets was present as Chief Guest.

Seminar on “Stop Tipaimukh Dam”

25th December 2011
Lounge, National Press Club, Dhaka, Bangladesh

The Seminar was organised by the GSC at the VIP Lounge of National Press Club, in Dhaka. The GSC called for building up a united national movement to build pressure on India to stop it from construction of Tipaimukh dam on the Barak River. The discussants also suggested developing mass awareness campaigns to make people aware of the impact of the dam on the environment to stop its construction, which they described as harmful for the country. India plans to build the dam near Sylhet border with north eastern Indian state of Manipur.

Brushing aside what they described as propaganda by the government, the participants said despite being aware that building of Tipaimukh dam would be harmful for the country, the government high ups were telling the nation that it would not cause any harm to Bangladesh. General Secretary Mirza Ashab Baig presided the meeting and in his address of welcome said that the decision to build Tipaimukh Dam would wreak havoc for the country and its people. Introducing the GSC he said that it is a non political organisation, involved in various social works such as providing aid to the people affected by Sidr and Aila in south-western Bangladesh.

Justice Mohammad Abdur Rouf, former chief election commissioner, who was the chief guest at the seminar, said that since 1964 India had been planning to build the Tipaimukh dam. The dam would not only affect some part of India but also affect Bangladesh, which, he noted, would be the main victim. He urged the people from all walks of life to raise their voice against the construction of the dam. Professor Dr. Mohammed Abdur Rab of Geography department presented the keynote paper, titled Indian Tipamukh Dam: it's likely impact and ecological disaster. He said that the Dam would not only hurt the people of Sylhet but would also affect the greater Comilla and Dhaka districts.

Citing many impacts of the Tipaimukh project, Professor Rab further said that the flow of the river will be reduced, wiping out the animals, birds, insects. It will pose a great threat when an earthquake with the magnitude of 8 on the Richter scale takes place. Other speakers on the seminar where former chairperson of privatisation board and BNP adviser Mr Enam Ahmed Chowdhury, Presidium Member of Jatiya Party Adv. Sheikh Sirajul Islam, Professor Dr. Motiur Rahman, Professor Dr. Ahmed Abdul Quader, Adv. Abed Raja, Mr Tapan Nath and Mr Fazlul Haque.

Delegation to Election Commission in Bangladesh

26th December 2011
Election Commission Office in Dhaka

We led a delegation to meet with Election Commissioner Mr Sohul Hussain to discuss the progress of voting right for expatriates. South Wales Regional General Secretary Sheikh Md. Anwar, Community leader Mr M A Khalique from Manchester and Dhaka Post editor Prop. Omar Faruque was in the delegation team.

The BGM of GSC Sylhet Branch

28th December 2011
Star Pacific Hotel in Sylhet

The BGM of Sylhet branch was presided by the Chairperson Brig. Jubayer Siddiqui and conducted by the General Secretary Adv. Nasir Uddin Suja. As the Central General Secretary, myself attended the meeting as a Chief Guest and new committee was elected for next term 2011-13, headed by Principal Muhibur Rahman as Chair, Associate Professor Mr Saleh Ahmed Ranu as General Secretary and Associate Professor Mr Kabir Ahmed as Treasurer along with other 32 members. Sylhet Divisional Coordinator Mr Mohmmed Foyzur Rahman, Mr Sheikh Md. Anwar, Secretary of South Wales Region, M A Gofur, Chair of East London Branch and Community leader Mr M A Khalique was attended as Special Guest.

Protest Meeting against the Cancellation of Direct Flights

11th February 2012
Montifiorre Centre, London, E1

The sudden cancelation of direct flights from London to Sylhet was not accepted by the British NRB’s. The GSC arranged another protest meeting as part of their campaign meeting in partnership with Voice for Justice to make plans and take initiative to demand the reinstatement of the flights without delay. Other issues were discussed; provide memorandum through High Commission, arrange protest meeting in every region, and at last arrange a public meeting jointly with all other community organisation. The NRB's feels that they are being treated unfairly.

International Mother Language Day 2012

21st February 2012
Montifiorre Centre, London, E1

The GSC celebrates this event every year, on this occasion we arranged an event to discuss topics, sing songs and recite poetry. Different members of the GSC contributed with different topics, some members sang songs and recited poetry. The topics were as follows:

• Ekusher Prakkapot: M A Mannan
• Bangla as a Modern Foreign Language: Dr Hasanat M Hussain
• Bangla in the UN: K M Abu Taher Chowdhury
• 1952 to 1971; Role of Ekush: Dr Ruab Uddin
• 21 Feb’52; Our Achievements: Prop. Abdul Quadir Saleh

Child Artist Arian Mirza, Abu Maher, Monira and Maria delightfully recited poetry and the daughter of Dr Zaki Rezwana Anwar, Propa Anwar sang numerous songs. All the children were applauded and praised by the GSC members and wished the every success for the future. In the end all members sanged “Amar Bhaiyer Rokter Rongano Ekhusey February” which translates “My brothers red blood poured on the 21st of February”. GSC Chair Barrister Ataur Rahman, General Secretary Mirza Ashab Baig, Syed A Q Kaiser, Meah Monirul Alam, BTA’s General Secretary Sirajul Basith Chowdhury Kamran, Dr Zaki Rezwana Anwar also spoken at the meeting.

4th NEC Meeting

26th February 2012
Six Ways Business Centre, Birmingham, B19

Regional Chair Khusru Khan greeted the guests attending the meeting. The Chairman apologised in his welcome speech for the delay of 4th NEC due to severe weather conditions. Treasurer Md Firuj Khan provided the financial report. Patron Alhaj Nasir Ahmed requested all regional chair and secretaries to keep people up to date by direct calls rather than text messages as some of the older generation have difficulties with them.

The final proposal for the GSC Trust Fund was drafted and approved by the NEC. This will be a trust fund to assist the needy, neglected and disadvantaged family members of the Greater Sylhet Area in Bangladesh. The Chairman uttered that we all must do more to reach our target of 100k for the signature Campaign. The NEC decided that as this year is the 19th Anniversary of the GSC the AGM will be a two day event. In the first day will be a cultural heritage programme and the second day to be the AGM Meeting.

Press Conference

12th March 2012
Gram Bangla Restaurant, Brick Lane, London, E1

GSC held a press conference regarding the issues of Tipaimukh Dam and its environmental impact on Bangladesh. All the printing and electronic media were present at the conference and the press conference was supported by the London Bangla Press Club. GSC central leaders expressed the issue that we are facing and what the GSC is doing to protest against this. The leaders also raised concerns on the level of support that is being received from the public, and requested the help of the press to elevate and promote the issue.

Seminar at the house of Commons

20th March 2012

House of Commons

GSC held a seminar at the House of Commons, on the issues of Tipaimukh Dam and its environmental effect on Bangladesh. The seminar was hosted by Rt Hon Mr Mark Tami MP (Alyn and Deeside), presided by the central chair and conducted by the General Secretary. Many GSC leaders from all over UK attended.

Guests at the seminar included Rt Hon Gerald Kaufman MP (Manchester Gorton), Rt Hon Angela Eagle MP (Wallasey), Rt Hon Nicky Morgan MP (Loughborough), Rt Hon John Hemming MP (Birmingham, Yardley) and Rt Hon Jim Fitzpatrick MP (Poplar and Limehouse). It was a very successful seminar and present MP's vowed to support GSC to bring a motion in the parliament. GSC patron Dr. Hasanath M Hussain was a keynote speaker and Promit Anwar did a presentation to show the impact and consequence of Tipaimukh Dam. Patron K M Abu Taher Chowdhury, Alhaj Nasir Ahmed, Ex-Chair Mohammad Monchab Ali and BNP’s Acting Chair Miah Monirul Alam and others also spoken on the seminar.

View Exchange Meeting with Mahmudus Samad Choudhury MP

10th April 2012

Montifiorre Centre, London, E1

This meeting was held with the member for Expatriate Welfare, Parliamentary Standing Committee of Bangladesh Mr Mahmud –us- Samad Chowdhury MP, who is also an expatriate and a successful businessman in Bangladesh. GSC and other community leaders were attended at the meeting and congratulate him to elect as a Member of Parliament in Bangladesh as being an NRB.

GSC leaders remembered his brother's during the formation of this organisation and soon after. Lots of issues was raised the speakers including voting right and its process of implementation, international airport in Sylhet and its refuelling station, troubles in Dhaka/Sylhet airport, development of his own constituency etc. Mr Chowdhury MP described in detail his series of development work and asking expatriates to invest in Bangladesh.

Parents Evening for the Mother Tongue School

11th May 2012

Wodeham Community Centre, London, E1

GSC organized a view exchange meeting with the parents on 11 May 2012 and discussed the children‘s progress. They are also asking the suggestion from parents and thanked them for their continuous support. Central Chairman Barrister Ataur Rahman, General Secretary Mirza Ashab Baig, Press & Publicity Secretary Fazlul Chowdhury, Education Secretary Monzur Raza Chowdhury and EC Member Mr M A Mannan were present on the meeting.

5th NEC Meeting

13th May 2012

Wodeham Community Centre, London, E1

The meeting was held for basically reviewing the preparation of anniversary and AGM. All the Convenor of Sub-Committees was presented their progress report and discussed the further arrangement. Patron K M Abu Taher Chowdhury, Special Guest from Bangladesh Professor Abdul Ahad, Azizur Rahman and Abdur Razzaq were present at the meeting.