BUSINESSMAN and philanthropist Naz Islam has received a British Citizens Award in recognition of his charity work and commitment to the community. He is pictured after collecting the Medal of Honour at a ceremony in the Palace of Westminster in London.
During a 27-year career, Mr Islam – who owns Saffron restaurant in the town – has raised almost £100,000 for local charities and established a school and orphanage in one of the poorest areas of Bangladesh with the help of his family. he is pictured at the ceremony after receiving his award from ceremony host and TV personality Matt Allwright (left) and Greg Reed, chief executive of sponsor Places for People.
“Although my roots are well-established in Bangladesh, Northampton is very much my home town and I care passionately about its fortunes,” he says. “It is where I have made my life, raised my family and grown my business.
“I owe the town a lot and I have always tried to give back, helping those less fortunate than myself and raising money for local charities that are close to my heart.”
Naz has worked tirelessly to support Northampton’s growing Bangladeshi community and encourage community empowerment and cohesion. He is also establishing and maintaining strong links between his homeland and the University of Northampton, where he arranged a flag-raising ceremony to mark the country’s Independence Day and remember the fallen heroes of the liberation war of 1971.
Saffron has been a long-standing charity supporter and this year provided hot meals to the homeless during Christmas and New Year.
Naz is a previous winner of the Heart of Northampton award and was last year given an honorary degree from the University of Northampton in recognition of his services to business and community cohesion.
The British Citizen Award was established in 2015 to recognise individuals who work tirelessly and selflessly to make a positive impact on their communities and society.
The awards programme highlights the positive aspects of multi-cultural communities, workplaces, community groups and charities throughout the UK.
The medal presentation was attended by BCA patrons including Specsavers founder Dame Mary Perkins and Lord Dholakia, deputy leader of the Liberal Democrats in the House of Lords.
“Receiving this honour means the world to me and I am grateful beyond words for this recognition,” says Naz. “It was a very special moment and one I will treasure forever.”