LONDON, October 12 : Around 400 trustees attended the final election meeting of the Guljar–Kuddus–Monir panel contesting the election of Bishwanath Probashi Education Trust UK, where candidates outlined plans to expand educational scholarships in Bishwanath, improve transparency and accountability, modernise the trust’s operations and encourage greater participation from younger generations.
The meeting was held on Monday evening, October 12, at Maida Grill Hall in East London. Trustees travelled from various towns and cities across the United Kingdom, turning the event into a large gathering of members ahead of the trust’s election scheduled for October 18.
The meeting was chaired by founder trustee Haji Abdul Majid and jointly conducted by general secretary candidates Mohammed Abdul Kuddus, Mohammed Sirajul Islam and Mohammed Shariful Islam. Hafiz Zakir Hossain recited verses from the Holy Quran at the beginning of the programme.
Founder trustee Haji Mohammed Rois Ali delivered the welcome address, while the trust’s current chairperson, Mafiz Khan, introduced the panel’s 17 candidates. Presidential candidate Guljar Khan presented the panel’s manifesto and outlined its priorities for the organisation.
Education and scholarships a key priority
Addressing the meeting, presidential candidate Guljar Khan said expanding educational opportunities in Bishwanath would be one of the panel’s principal objectives. He placed particular emphasis on supporting students from disadvantaged and underserved areas and expanding scholarship opportunities according to need.
“We do not want to make promises that cannot be fulfilled. We have put forward plans that are realistic and achievable, and we want to implement them gradually with the cooperation of the trustees,” he said.
Guljar Khan also stressed the importance of involving members in the trust’s decision-making process. He called for greater participation from the younger generation while ensuring that the experience and contributions of senior members continued to receive due recognition.
Digital modernisation and transparency
General secretary candidate Abdul Kuddus highlighted the need to modernise the trust’s organisational activities through digital systems.
He said online-based management could make communication with members easier, improve the preservation of organisational records and ensure that trustees remained regularly informed about the trust’s activities and decisions.
According to Kuddus, greater use of technology would help strengthen transparency and accountability while encouraging more active participation among members.
Financial discipline and accountability
Treasurer candidate Monir Ahmed said maintaining transparency and financial discipline would be essential to the trust’s future development.
He stressed the importance of using funds strategically for educational and public welfare initiatives while strengthening the organisation’s financial capacity to support future projects.
“The important thing is to ensure that the trust’s funds are used effectively for the welfare of people. Planned financial management is particularly important if we are to support students in areas where educational opportunities are limited,” he said.
Other speakers also emphasised expanding the trust’s activities across different UK cities, strengthening communication among trustees and encouraging wider participation in educational and social development initiatives.
They said combining the experience of senior members with the skills, energy and fresh ideas of younger generations would help build a stronger organisation and develop future leadership.
Candidates and guests address the meeting
Speaking on behalf of the panel were treasurer candidate Monir Ahmed; vice-chairperson candidates Professor Farid Ahmed and Kabir Mia; assistant treasurer candidate Tofazzal Alam; press and publicity secretary candidate Khaled Masud Roni; cultural secretary candidate Modris Ali Mofazzal; and executive committee candidates Azizur Rahman Khan Raju, Mohammed G. A. Faisal, Mohi Uddin Palash, Shah Tajul Islam, Azizur Rahman Rumel, Ruhel Islam and Shamim Noor.
Among the guests who addressed the gathering were founder trustee Abul Kalam Azad; former chairpersons Mirza Ashhab Beg, Monir Uddin Bashir and Abdul Manaf; Barrister Nazir Ahmed; Alhaj Taimus Ali; Afsar Mia Chhoto Mia; Ala Uddin Babul; former secretary Nazrul Islam; Afaz Mia; Monir Uddin Sufi; Abdul Wahid; Makhddus Ali; Mohammed Makram Ali DL; Abdul Khalik; Afroz; media personality Farhan Masud Khan; Afzal Hossain; Abdul Basit Badsha; Abdul Wadud Sayel; former cultural secretary Kadar Uddin; Akhlus Mia; executive committee member Khaled Khan; and Sebul Mia, among others.
A large number of trustees and community members also attended, including professionals, community organisers and representatives of the Bangladeshi diaspora in the UK.
The meeting highlighted the importance of maintaining the continuity of the trust’s educational and welfare programmes, strengthening its organisational structure and developing sustainable initiatives for future generations.
Several younger members who grew up in Britain also attended, with discussions focusing on how their skills, experience and ideas could contribute to the trust’s future activities.
The panel’s candidates expressed their commitment to advancing the organisation through educational development, modern management, financial transparency and cooperation between generations.
The election of Bishwanath Probashi Education Trust UK is scheduled to take place on October 18, 2026.