Generous man honoured with top award after raising thousands for charities

A kind-hearted man who has fundraised tens of thousands of pounds for local charities and given an entire community a voice in Oldham has been recognised as one of Britain’s most compassionate citizens.

Amin Babor Chowdhury is one of just 26 people in the entire United Kingdom to receive a British Citizen Award (BCA) medal from One Show host Matt Allwright - at what has become known as the Peoples Honours. 

And in typically humble Amin style, the media mogul immediately dedicated this House of Lords prestigious salutation to the people of Oldham. 

In less than 20 years since coming to Greater Manchester, Amin has won renown as one of Oldham’s most prolific fundraisers – once walking 100 miles a month for cancer concerns and women’s refuges.  

The organiser of the One Community UK scheme and the British Education Awards, he became an ambassador and board member at Oldham Academy North School. He is also active in The King’s Trust, supporting disadvantaged young people to achieve. 

Aside from helping to launch many local businesses in the Northwest – which have created employment – Amin pioneered Probash Bangla - one of the UK’s few English Bengali publications - which represents this cherished community and is a platform to connect younger and older generations.

Paul Thompson, Finance Director of BCA Partners, One Stop, said: "I am delighted to present this Medal of Honour to Amin in recognition of his outstanding dedication of supporting vulnerable people, both locally and internationally.  

“Amin has made a real difference to so many lives, whilst championing inclusion and education. Many congratulations.” 

The BCAs are presented in several categories including youth and corporate – and Amin’s name will proudly adorn a Roll of Honour to be published shortly. 

He said: “I know it can be a bit of a cliché to say that an award is not about you but instead about others, but that is genuinely the way I view it. Oldham is a community where everybody matters and I had to help that ethos by giving back.” 

Whether it be by organising cricket competitions or holding Ramadan Appeal presentation ceremonies, Amin said that doing good is thoroughly rewarding – and also fun! 

“I enjoy meeting people and hearing their stories and during the last Holy Month was astonished at the lengths to which people would go to aid those less fortunate. Compassion is part of the DNA in Oldham, and I was just delighted to highlight my beloved borough during the BCAs.” 

Amin’s medal was followed by an open-top bus tour of Westminster and its environs.