Launch of foundation is Mabaswir’s legacy
Reporter: KAREN DOHERTY
Date published: 26 April 2011
ACTRESS Shobna Gulati (centre) at the launch of the Amana Foundation, with Mr Khan’s widow, Somirun (left), and daughter, Tahera
THE memory of community activist Mabaswir Khan will live on for future generations.
The Amana Foundation has been launched to honour the father-of-five, who died in November, aged 74.
It aims to tackle poverty at home and in Bangladesh with health, training and employment projects.
Mr Khan, who is remembered as a man for all the people, was born in East Pakistan, now Bangladesh, in 1935 and first came to the UK in 1962.
He worked at Talbot Knitting Company in Oldham before returning to Bangladesh, where he founded two secondary schools.
After moving back to Oldham he was one of the founders of Oldham Bangladeshi Association, serving as president for more than 30 years, and Oldham Jamia Mosque in Middleton Road.
He proposed and campaigned for a central mosque in Oldham, laying the first brick in April, 2010, and helped to launch the £3.5 million Millennium Centre.
A translator and interpreter, he was instrumental in opening the Westwood and Coldhurst Advice Centre and also raised money after numerous disasters in Bangladesh over five decades.
The Amana Foundation was launched at the Grand Venue, in Featherstall Road North, Westwood, with special guest actress Shobna Gulati, a family friend, and a programme of poetry and readings.
It included a short videos about Mr Khan’s life, speeches by friends, family and colleagues, and fun family activities.
His daughter Shamsun Khatun said: “We want this foundation to help those who cannot help themselves. We also want to introduce volunteering opportunities for children and young people, and convey the message of doing good in the community, so they understand the purpose of giving back at an early age, just like my dad did with us.
“It is an ambitious programme, but I sincerely believe we have the talent, knowledge, skills and passion to take forward the values of Amana Foundation and implement the projects.
“Currently, over 43 local businesses and organisation’s have signed up and pledged their support towards the foundation and that list is growing — this is a very positive sign.”
“Recently, Michael Meacher MP visited our house. He was very keen to support the foundation and met and congratulated the volunteers. He was full of admiration and was hugely impressed with the young volunteers and their vision of continuing my father’s legacy.”
