Civic reception honours Ansar Ahmed Ullah

London: The British Bengali community marked a proud and celebratory occasion on Monday, 15 December, as a civic reception was held in honour of Dr Ansar Ahmed Ullah following the completion of his PhD. The event recognised not only his academic achievements but also his long-standing contributions as a leading voice against racism and communalism, a grassroots activist, and a respected media professional.

The reception took place at the West Wing Committee Room of the Guildhall, City of London, and brought together community leaders, activists, academics, colleagues and well-wishers. Speakers described Dr Ullah’s doctoral achievement as more than a personal milestone, highlighting it as a reflection of the British Bengali community’s commitment to intellectual engagement, social responsibility and progressive values.

Several speakers noted that Dr Ullah has consistently spoken out against racism and extremism, while remaining actively involved in movements demanding justice. They said his academic research further strengthens the foundations of these struggles, demonstrating that scholarship and activism can go hand in hand. His ability to balance professional responsibilities in the media with rigorous research, deep social awareness, and a strong commitment to human values was widely praised

In his address, Dr Ansar Ahmed Ullah thanked the community for the honour and described the recognition as a collective achievement rather than a personal one. He said the support and goodwill shown at the event would inspire him to continue working in the pursuit of truth and justice.

The event concluded with applause, floral tributes, and emotional moments, reflecting the high regard in which Dr Ullah is held. Many attendees said the reception symbolised recognition of his efforts to remain connected to his roots, history and social responsibilities while living in the UK.

The reception was chaired by veteran community leader Shahagir Bakht Faruk and conducted by Barking and Dagenham Councillor Ajanta Deb Roy. Councilman Shahnan Bakht delivered the welcome address.

Among those present and speaking were Councillor Rajon Uddin Jalal, former Deputy Leader of Tower Hamlets, Professor Alastair Owen of Queen Mary University of London and Dr Ullah’s PhD supervisor, former Greater London Assembly member Murad Qureshi, Dr Ullah’s mother in law Husna Matin, former Tower Hamlets Councillor Nooruddin Ahmed, Jamal Ahmed Khan; community activist Parvez Qureshi, Bashir Ahmed of the British Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce, freedom fighters Dewan Gaus Sultan, Abu Musa Hasan and Louqman Hossain, Syed Enamul Islam, UK President of the Forum for Secular Bangladesh, Dr Ullah’s cousin Zayed Ali Kushnu; Sohir Uddin Mintu of Luton Borough Council, Iraq Chowdhury of the Luton Bangladesh Youth League, Luton Councillor Tahir Khan; former Tower Hamlets Speaker Ahbab Hossain; Abdul Basir, Jasmine Chowdhury from the Lord Mayor’s Office, community activists Somirun Chowdhury, Nazma Hossain and Hamida Idris and journalists Abdul Momin, Suez Miah and Syed Anas Pasha, among others.