A Lordly welcome for Oldham business champion Muzahid’s biography
Date published: 11 July 2022
Pictured (left to right) are: Dr Sanawar Choudhury, Muzahid Khan DL, Tahmena Khan and Nasima Choudhury
Britain’s peers heard how the tale of a life begun in war-torn Bangladesh, but now enjoyed in Oldham, has moved readers to tears.
Muzahid Khan DL’s tome, “The Gift of Giving”, tells the tale of how humble but loving beginnings five thousand miles away have eventually led to an appointment as Deputy Lieutenant in Greater Manchester, a plethora of charity work, and now an appearance at the House of Lords.
And the critically acclaimed biography had one reader commenting: “My partner was was moved to tears as it was something she could relate to especially that every person has their own battles to fight and how to overcome the fear that resides within us.
"Thank you for the wisdom you have shared to another generation that hopes to follow on in your footsteps.”
As the title suggests, Muzahid wrote the biography to acknowledge the fortunate footsteps he has followed to end up being a father and the Deputy Lieutenant of our region.
But it also calls on all of us to give back something to those less well off – something Muzahid has done for people in both Bangladesh and Oldham.
“When I first came to London in the 1970s, being from Bangladesh was unusual and family and friends were of vital importance to us in the process of settling-in,” he said.
"The headlines around subsequent riots in Oldham will tell you something about the tensions that followed, but I now believe it is one of the most unified places to live, where qualities such as community not only exist, but thrive.”
His appearance at a special tea was hosted by Naz Islam and Lord Rami Ranger CBE, who himself was born in South Asia (the pre-partitioned India) and who moved onto a career as a successful businessman.
Aside from his charitable and deputy lieutenant duties, Muz has been a champion of Oldham business through the Asian Business Leaders, Pathfinder and Upturn social enterprise.
The House of Lords event gave him a unique opportunity to put Oldham on the national and international platform.
He added: “There is so much effervescent talent in our region and its connection with South Asia opens-up a world of possibilities.
"I make it my mission to ensure decision-makers are aware of what it truly happening here, rather than what they might have supposed about a town like ours.
"And there is no better way of illustrating that than by relaying my own story of what Oldham has given me.”
“The Gift of Giving”, by Muzahid Khan, is available in paperback from Amazon, priced £12.99.
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