We are British Bangladeshi
British Bangladeshi Power & Inspiration is a celebration of leading British Bangladeshi figures who are helping shape Britain for the better with their ideas, example, talent and success.
The British Bangladeshi Power & Inspiration (“BBPI”) publishes lists of 100 influential British Bangladeshis and celebrates the pioneers, leaders and role models of the community to inspire the next generation.
To compile a shortlist, we scour the news, research movers and makers, consult industry experts and BBPI alumni and invite recommendations from our vast network. The final list is confirmed by a distinguished independent judging panel.
The lists continuously evolve in themes, celebrating people from every walk of life from fashion to finance, technology to food, theatre to philanthropists.
Our mission is to provide young people with the role models. We invite you to “B” inspired by the ideas, example, talent and success of the British Bangladeshi community.
Since 2019, BBPI has refocused our mission and actions towards campaigns of importance for the community, such as the celebrations of 50 years of Bangladeshi independence, preserving heritage, the connection between Commonwealth Nations, recovery from the impact of COVID-19 and addressing climate change and environmental impact on Bangladesh.
Our team and judging panel
Abdal is a renowned activist working both on local and national issues and has held a number of senior executive roles across London. He is a widely recognised personality in the British Bangladeshi community.
He was the first British Bangladeshi to serve on the Metropolitan Police Authority and the governing Council of Queen Mary, University of London.
He is a broadcaster having worked on TV and with a weekly radio show appealing to the Bangladeshi diaspora. In his professional life, Abdal works in public relations.
Ayesha Qureshi MBE
FounderAyesha is a senior finance lawyer working for a range of clients in the City. She was awarded an MBE in the 2006 New Year’s Honours list for her unique role in the successful London Olympic bid.
She was the only British Bangladeshi to present at a medal ceremony at the 2012 Games. Ayesha is also a Magistrate sitting in London. Having developed award winning corporate social responsibility programs, Ayesha is the founding Trustee of the BBPI Foundation.
She delivers inspirational talks to schools and colleges and mentors emerging talent. She is passionate about empowering the next generation of young women.
Iqbal Wahhab OBE
Panel of JudgesIqbal is a journalist, social campaigner and serial entrepreneur. He has just celebrated the 12th anniversary of the highly successful British restaurant and bar Roast, in Borough Market and previously founded the multi award winning Cinnamon Club, he is now planning new restaurant ventures.
Syed Nahas Pasha
Panel of JudgesOne of the most respected British-Bangladeshi journalists in the UK and the editor in chief of the Weekly Janomot, a Bangla newspaper established in 1969. Syed is also editor in chief of restaurant magazine Curry Life and UK bureau chief of the largest Bangladeshi online news agency, bdnews24.com.
Nahida Rahman
Panel of JudgesNahida is a Comms Planning Director for M/Six, a global advertising agency within GroupM. Having a City Finance background, Nahida went on to pursue a career in Media and Advertising spanning over a decade. She was the first British Bangladeshi woman to hold management positions with popular Bangladeshi Channels Ntv and Channel Nine.
John Newbigin
Panel of JudgesJohn is a creative and cultural entrepreneur, writer, freelance journalist and strategic consultant for the cultural industries. He is currently the Chairman of Creative England a national agency and is on the British Council's Advisory Board for Arts and Creative Economy. John serves on a number of boards and was previously the Head of Corporate Relations for Channel 4.
Howard Dawber
Panel of JudgesHoward has been Managing Director of Strategy at Canary Wharf Group PLC since 2015 having been Strategic Advisor at the company since August 2004. He is currently the Chair of the East End Community Foundation, and the Labour Party Friends of Bangladesh, as well as the Business Advisory Board of the University of East London School of Business and Law.
