The ‘Golapganj Social and Cultural Trust UK’ has accorded a civic reception to Abu Taher—a distinguished son of Golapganj and a noted poet, playwright, organizer, and accountant—in recognition of his being awarded the MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) by King Charles III for his outstanding contributions to the British-Bangladeshi community in London.
This reception was held on Monday, July 6, 2026, at 7:00 PM local time at the London Enterprise Academy on Commercial Street. Presided over by the organization’s President, Md. Dilwar Hossain, and jointly moderated by General Secretary Masud Ahmed Jowardar and Board of Trustees member Maruf Ahmed, the event was attended by the Speaker of Tower Hamlets Council, Councillor Barrister Mushtaq Ahmed, as the chief guest.Special guests present included writer and researcher Faruk Ahmed, poet Ataur Rahman Milad, former Chairman of Shahjalal Islami Bank Harun Miah, General Secretary of Golapganj Helping Hands UK Masuk Ahmed, organization advisors Rafiqul Islam Nazrul, Abdus Samad, and Maruf Rashid, as well as Vice-Presidents Helal Uddin, Humayun Kabir Chowdhury, Abdul Kadir, and Fakhrul Islam.
The event commenced with a recitation from the Holy Quran by organization member Hafiz Tamdir Qadir, followed by a welcome address delivered by the organization’s former president, Tamijur Rahman Ranju. Journalist Abdul Munim Jahedi Carol, Sayad Ahmed Saad (Founding President of Golapganj Helping Hands UK), and Aminul Haque Jilu (General Secretary of the UK Jalalabad Association and Joint General Secretary of the London Bangladesh Centre) delivered speeches at the reception ceremony. Music artist Mita Taher, poet Mohammad Iqbal (President of the United Kingdom Combined Literary and Cultural Council), poet-journalist Anwarul Islam Abhi, poet Mosahid Khan, poet Noman Ahmed, and poet Iqbal Hossain Bulbul, Senior journalist Matiar Chowdhury, poet and writer of rhymes Dilu Naser, poet Masuk Ibn Anis, poet and writer Advocate Mujibul Haque Moni, former lecturer of Chandarpur Degree College Zia Uddin, and General Secretary of the UK Online Press Club Azizul Ambia, Siddiqur Rahman, General Secretary of Budhbaribazar Union Welfare Association UK; Shamim Ahmed, Treasurer of Global Jalalabad Association UK; community figure Badrul Alam Babul; Khaled Ahmed, Organizing Secretary of Golapganj Social and Cultural Trust UK; and Kamal Uddin, Membership Secretary; Senior members of the Board of Directors committee include Abdul Aziz Faruk, Iqbal Ahmed Chowdhury, and Zillul Karim Chowdhury, among others.
Speakers at the reception highlighted various aspects of the life of poet and playwright Abu Taher, describing him as a thorough gentleman who shuns the limelight. He works quietly and unobtrusively. This honor belongs not only to the residents of Golapganj but to all expatriates from the greater Sylhet region and to all Bangladeshis. We are proud of his achievement as a British-Bangladeshi. Expressing his feelings, Abu Taher MBE said, “What can I say? I am at a loss for words. I remain forever indebted to all of you for the honor you have bestowed upon me today. Please pray for me so that I may live up to it.”
At the meeting, an eight-minute short documentary on the life and work of Mr. Abu Taher MBE—planned and scripted by founding member Misbah Masum and directed by rhymester Dilu Nasser—was screened via projector. This documentary highlights the literary works, community service, and charitable activities—both at home and abroad—of Accountant Abu Taher MBE. A commemorative crest was presented to Abu Taher MBE on behalf of the organization. The crest was handed to him by Faruk Ahmed—a prominent businessman and member of the organization—along with Treasurer Kawsar Ahmed Jaglu and other distinguished guests present. A dinner was also hosted for the attendees.
