Bake Off’s Nadiya rises to the top once more
On Tuesday, in the heart of the capital at London’s City Hall, Great British Bake Off champion, Nadiya Hussain was crowned the most influential British Bangladeshi.
Celebrating its fifth year of success, the British Bangaldeshi Power and Inspiration (BBPI) list held a prestigious awards ceremony for a wide spectrum of the British Bangladeshi community – including leading entrepreneurs, social activists and global philanthropists.
Nadiya, who rose to fame on the BBC’s hit baking show, scooped up the ‘Person of the Year’ 2016 award.
The previous winner of this award was The Honourable Judge Khatun Sapnara, the first British Bangladeshi promoted to a senior judicial position at the Crown Court.
Speaking before the event, Nadiya said: “I would like to thank the BBPI for naming me the ‘Person of Year’ 2016. To be part of such a unique celebration of the Bangladeshi community is a fitting culmination of what has been an incredible year for my family and me.”
The list recognises and celebrates the hard work, contribution and efforts of the pioneers, leaders and role models who reinforce positive perceptions of the community. It is thanks to these peoples’ ideas, example, talent and success that Britain can be shaped for the better.
To mark the fifth anniversary of the publication of the BBPI list, the organisers announced the launch of the BBPI Foundation, which will provide both financial and mentoring support to disadvantaged young British Bangladeshi students. More information about the Foundation will be announced in the coming weeks.
Abdal Ullah, Founder of the British Bangladeshi Power & Inspiration Award said: “I am delighted with the success the BBPI has achieved over the last five years. From humble beginnings, the list has become an incredible testament to the exceptional contributions made by the British Bangladeshi community. Every year it becomes harder to put forward just 100 outstanding individuals.
“I am also excited to announce the launch of the BBPI Foundation. This will allow us to support the next generation of British Bangladeshis, to ensure our community continues to thrive and inspire.”
The full BBPI 2016 list can be found here: www.bbpower-inspiration.com.
