A local community leader has been named a finalist in the BBC Radio Manchester’s Make a Difference Awards . . . becoming what is believed to be the first Bangladeshi finalist in the Environment Award category.
Saleh Uddin Talukdar Sumon, who arrived in the UK from Bangladesh in 2009, has spent the past 15 years helping to improve communities across Greater Manchester through volunteering, environmental projects and community action.
From litter-picking and transforming neglected spaces to promoting sustainability and organising community clean-ups, Saleh has dedicated countless hours to making local neighbourhoods cleaner, greener and better places to live.
His work has supported a wide range of initiatives, including Keep Britain Tidy campaigns as a Litter Hero Ambassador, Shafla parent group member in a local primary school, MyColdhurst, The Great Get Together, Oldham Boishakhi Mela, Catering cup badminton tournament ect and The Good Deed Circles, where he currently serves as chairman.
His place among the finalists is a proud moment for his family, friends and the wider British Bangladeshi community.
Saleh said: “There are 32 finalists across eight categories, and I was selected after receiving hundreds of nominations. From a young age I wanted to do volunteering not for recognition or anything.
"I felt that I should contribute to the community, society and the country but recognition like this has always been appreciated for the positive contributions within our communities.
"I am genuinely grateful and happy because lots of people, friends, community leaders and businesses have supported me. I am looking forward to the award's ceremony at Leigh Sports Village in September."
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