Tazid Ali – A Life of Sacrifice, Strength, and Lasting Compassion
Tazid Ali was born in April 1935 in British India, in what is now Bangladesh. From humble beginnings, he grew up understanding hardship, resilience, and the true value of helping others. At the age of just 25, he made the life-changing decision to leave his homeland and travel alone to England in the early 1960s, settling in Ipswich with little more than hope, courage, and determination for a better future.
Like many of his generation, his journey was not easy. He worked tirelessly, beginning at Crane’s, dedicating years of hard physical labour to provide for his family. Through perseverance and sacrifice, he slowly built a life from the ground up. Later, with unwavering determination, he moved into the catering sector, where his ambition and work ethic began to shine.
In time, he reunited his family by bringing them over from Bangladesh, creating not just a home, but a future. Ipswich became the place where his children were raised, educated, and given opportunities he had worked so hard to create.
In 1991, he took a bold step and opened his first Indian restaurant, Ahmed, in Oulton Broad near Lowestoft. Just two years later, in 1993, he opened Jorna in Ipswich — a restaurant that continues to operate to this day under different management, proudly retaining the same name. These businesses were not just ventures; they were symbols of his struggle, sacrifice, and success against all odds.
He was among the first Bangladeshi settlers to purchase a family home in Ipswich — a milestone that reflected his vision, courage, and determination to secure stability for his loved ones and inspire others within the community.
But beyond his achievements, what truly defined Tazid Ali was his heart.
He was a founding member who helped establish Shahjalal Mosque in Ipswich in the early 1990s, contributing to a place that would serve generations to come. He was deeply respected within the local Muslim community — not for wealth or status, but for his humility, sincerity, and unwavering willingness to help anyone in need.
Despite building a life in the UK, his heart never left Sylhet. He remained deeply connected to his roots, quietly supporting the poor and needy back home — sending financial aid, clothing, and essential supplies to families who depended on that support. He did not seek recognition; his charity was sincere, consistent, and from the heart.
His life was a reflection of selflessness — a man who gave more than he took, who worked not only for his family but for his wider community.
It is this legacy of compassion and humanity that inspired his family to establish the Al Tazid Foundation in his memory — ensuring that his values live on and that his mission of helping the poor and vulnerable continues for generations to come.
After a life filled with sacrifice, hard work, and quiet generosity, Tazid Ali passed away at the age of 63. He was laid to rest in Ipswich Cemetery, leaving behind not just memories, but a legacy that continues to change lives.
His son, Dr Boshor Ali, reflects with deep emotion:
“I pray that Al Tazid Foundation stands as a lasting Sadaqah Jariyah for my beloved father, the late Tazid Ali — a man whose life was devoted to helping others, especially the poor and needy of Sylhet. This foundation is more than a charity; it is a continuation of his compassion, his sacrifices, and the love he carried in his heart. It is my hope that his legacy lives on, continuing to touch and uplift lives for generations to come.”