Prof. Shahagir Bakth Faruk MSc, FRSPH, has dedicated over four decades to making significant contributions to the community in the UK, with his work spanning across business, charity, community development, and politics. His commitment to serving the public has left an indelible mark, particularly within the Bangladeshi community in the UK.
In 1983, Mr. Shahagir Bakth Faruk established the Shahnan Employment and Training Bureau on Brick Lane, the first of its kind within the Bangladeshi community. This initiative focused on training and providing skilled staff for the catering sector, ultimately benefiting businesses across the country. His efforts in this field grew further in 1996, when he collaborated with City Side Regeneration under the “City Challenge Bid” to launch the highly successful “Restaurant Training Programme,” which had a profound impact on East End restaurants.
Mr. Shahagir Bakth is an accredited trainer with CIEH, RSPH, and Highfield Qualifications, and he has authored a Bengali book on food hygiene, which was launched at the prestigious Ekushey Book Fair in Dhaka. His expertise in the culinary industry is widely recognized, having served as a judge for the British Curry Awards, often referred to as the “Curry Oscars,” by former Prime Minister David Cameron. He is also a judge for the Asian Curry Awards. Furthermore, he is a Fellow of the Royal Society for Public Health (FRSPH) and serves as the Chief Advisor of the Bangladesh Probashi Kollyan Porishod and NRB World Council.
Prof. Shahagir Bakth Faruk’s leadership extended to the British-Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce & Industry (BBCCI), where he served as President and Chief Advisor. He played a pivotal role in organizing two trade missions to Bangladesh and another to the UN, strengthening trade and investment ties between the UK and Bangladesh. His involvement in various projects, such as the London Bangladeshi Business Network (LBBN), helped create local jobs and fostered business development. Under his guidance, the BBCCI expanded across Europe, establishing chapters in Holland, France, Greece, and Italy.
As a founder member of the London Millennium Bridge Club, Mr. Faruk’s name is engraved on the bridge, symbolizing his lasting legacy. He also founded Suprobash in 1983, an organization representing people from Sunamganj in the UK.
Mr. Shahagir Bakth’s academic credentials include an MSc in Physics from Dhaka University, where he also served as a lecturer. In the political arena, he contested parliamentary elections in Bethnal Green and Bow in 2001 and 2005. He was instrumental in founding the Conservative Friends of Bangladesh and served as Chairman and Honorary President of the Bethnal Green and Bow Conservative Association.
Recognized for his extensive community work, Prof. Shahagir Bakth Faruk has received numerous accolades, including the “Community Champion” award from the Canary Wharf Group and a lifetime achievement award from BPKP. He is a life member of both the London Bangla Press Club and Sunamganj Press Club and holds the prestigious title of “Freeman of the City of London.”