In the vibrant tapestry of the British-Bangladeshi community, few figures shine as brightly as Mr. Ahmed Us Samad Chowdhury. Arriving in Britain in 1972 to pursue his education, Mr. Chowdhury quickly established himself as a trailblazer and a respected leader, becoming the first Asian Origin Student President at Bristol. His journey since then has been marked by a profound commitment to media, charity, and business, earning him the affection and admiration of many.
As the founder of “Potrika,” one of Britain’s leading Bengali newspapers, Mr. Chowdhury has played an instrumental role in amplifying the voices of the Bangladeshi community in the UK. Additionally, as the Chairman of Channel S Television, the most-watched Bengali channel in Europe, he has further solidified his status as a key figure in the media landscape.
A Fellow of the Institute of Sales Marketing Management, the Chartered Institute of Management, and the Institute of Hospitality, Mr. Chowdhury is also known for his extensive experience as a restaurateur. His entrepreneurial spirit extends to the property sector, with ventures both in the UK and Bangladesh. Notably, he is the co-owner and chairman of Kushiara Composite Knit Industries, a 100% export-oriented enterprise that plays a vital role in earning foreign currency for Bangladesh.
Mr. Chowdhury’s commitment to community development is evident in his founding of several organizations aimed at supporting the Bangladeshi diaspora. In 1988, he became the Head of the Bangladesh Association (Bristol, Bath & West), and soon after, he established the Bangladesh Women’s Group in Bristol. In 1990, he founded the Bangladesh House, a drop-in center providing essential advice and information on housing and welfare. His efforts continued with the establishment of the Bangladesh Centre in Bristol in 1993, aimed at supporting women and youth.
A champion for religious and cultural initiatives, Mr. Chowdhury was pivotal in establishing the South West’s only purpose-built mosque in 1998. He serves as a Trustee for the Bangladesh House, Bangladesh Centre, and the Shahjalal Jame Mosque Trust, demonstrating his enduring dedication to community service.
Mr Chowdhury was an Advisor to the then British Prime Minister Tony Blair’s NEW DEAL TASK FORCE on Ethnic Minority. His philanthropic efforts extend to healthcare, having raised funds for the Royal United Hospital and supported numerous charities. As a Justice of Peace since 1991, Mr. Chowdhury’s influence reaches into education as well, serving as a Governor at City of Bath College and a National Steering Committee Member for the Hospitality Training Foundation under the Ministry of Education.
Throughout his career, Mr. Chowdhury has held numerous prestigious positions, including as a founder and director of the Bangladesh British Chamber of Commerce, Founder Chairman of the Britain Bangladesh Friendship Society, and Senior Vice President of the National Heart Foundation in Sylhet. His advisory roles with various national and international organizations further highlight his commitment to fostering collaboration and support for the Bangladeshi community.
In 2000, Mr. Chowdhury was instrumental in establishing the Immigration Advisory Service (IAS) office in Sylhet, the only such office outside Britain. His contributions to Bangladesh include the foundation of a Children’s Hospital, Cyclone Shelter, Orphanage, and a Hospital for the Disabled and Paralysed, along with numerous educational institutions.
Recognized for his work, Mr. Chowdhury’s biography was published by The International Biographic Society in 2013, and he received the prestigious Freedom of the City of London in 2021. In 2022, he became Chief Advisor to the British-Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BBCCI) and was named among the 200 Most Influential Global Business Icons by Business America.
Most recently, Mr. Chowdhury was honored in “The 101 British Bangladeshis: Recognition for Voluntary Contributions” and received accolades at the Bengal British Icon Awards held at the House of Lords in 2024.
Mr. Ahmed Us Samad Chowdhury’s life and career exemplify the power of dedication, leadership, and community service. As he continues to inspire future generations, his legacy as a beacon of hope and progress remains firmly established in both the British and Bangladeshi communities.
