Messages of Support
It is a source of pride for me, as the Member of Parliament for Ipswich, to see the generosity of the town through significant local and internationally valuable achievements created by a locally established charity, Al Tazid Foundation.
The foundation was set up by my constituent Boshor Ali in memory of his late father and a number of Ipswich constituents are now involved in supporting this organisation as volunteers. Al Tazid Foundation has been undertaking charitable activities in Sylhet, Bangladesh for nearly 15 years.
Since 2005 its achievements have continued to demonstrate an outstanding level of commitment and generosity, creating a high level of support from the many Ipswich people who have supported the initiative throughout that time. Much of Al Tazid Foundation’s work has been truly transformational, changing the lives of some of the most desperately needy people in an area near Sylhet, Bangladesh. Work is wide-ranging, from healthcare such as delivering 6,000 cataract operations; providing 30 wheelchairs for disabled individuals to improve their quality of life; supporting educational initiatives in 60 schools. The Foundation has also contributed to improving fundamental infrastructure. 50 new tube wells provide a clean water supply for up to forty families per tube well. 40 housing and repair projects have been carried out across the region. I am sure that this work will continue.
Earlier this year on a visit to Bangladesh, I felt proud to cut the ribbon at a new health clinic that will be supporting individuals in the area of Sylhet province. It was an honour for me to open a clinic which will doubtless improve the lives of many in less fortunate circumstances. It was also a humbling moment for me, knowing the many hours and years of hard work that have been committed to these ongoing projects, and the amount of effort in fundraising in Ipswich and Suffolk to deliver the projects in Bangladesh.
While there have been significant economic advancements in Bangladesh over the past decade, it is still the case today that millions live in extreme poverty. I am full of admiration that from within the Bangladeshi community in Ipswich there is such commitment to raising funds to support those living in often desperate circumstances in the homeland. I am pleased to support the Al Tazid Foundation, and proud to be involved in their valuable work. I urge everyone to connect with the foundation’s work and support it to help those people who are in great need in whatever way they can.
Tom Hunt MP
During times of conflict and economic austerity, life becomes increasingly difficult for those who are poor, vulnerable, and displaced through no fault of their own. At such times the learning of history becomes more significant – it can lead to the rise of extremism and community conflict. Such pain must be avoided if all people are to be free from prejudice, persecution, and poverty. With increasing demands on public resources, it is a major challenge for statutory agencies to confront these issues. Social cohesion is vital in the global village if we are to achieve a world at ease with itself. A great deal of conflict is due to a lack of economic growth and opportunity.
NGOs such as the Al-Tazid are increasingly important players as they penetrate areas where governments are unwelcome or incapable of providing suitable solutions. These NGOs understand the difficulties at a grassroots level and also provide vital support at a fraction of the cost.
Understanding politicians? There are some very dedicated politicians of all persuasions but probably not enough! The way to deal with this is to live it see it and understand it – that can only be done by meeting people face to face. For my own part! can spread the word and provide grants and funding to support many initiatives at a local level – that’s what I do with our crime disorder and reduction grants in Suffolk.
Promotion is key – for someone like myself | can explain the excellent work that is done and raise it at public meetings. The provision of opportunities for young people, businesses, and employment all help. Quite simply our world, our country, our county, and our communities would be much worse off without the dedication and commitment of
NGOs such as the Al-Tazid Foundation.
Tim Passmore
The Police and Crime Commissioner for Suffolk
Light of Knowledge
“While earning your daily bread be sure you share a slice with those less fortunate”
The Rotary Club of Ipswich East has been delighted to be involved recently with fundraising events organised by Al-Tazid Foundation, that included a fabulous Indian meal in the unique setting of the Thames barge, Melissa. We are also donating half the proceeds of one of our golf tournaments to this charity. Al-Tazid Foundation’s work is backed by the tremendous strength of a close knowledge of the needs of its beneficiaries, poor people from villages in Bangladesh known by the trustees. For those of us keen to contribute to the needs of the poor in the Third World, Al-Tazid Foundation provides a sure link; we can all be confident that our efforts to fundraise for the charity are put to use in the best possible way.
Michelle Bevan-Margetts, former President of Rotary Club of Ipswich East
A SUFFOLK VISITOR TQ BANGLADESH AND THE AL TAZID CHARITY IN SYLHET
In 2015 I managed to go to Bangladesh at last After two weeks travelling in other parts of the country. I arrived by air in the regional capital city of Sylhet, the area from which almost all Ipswich’s Bangladeshi families originally migrated.
First Impressions
Welcoming, friendliness and generosity to visitors.
Humanity towards each other. Refreshing change to the ‘me culture’ of much of the West.
Resilience, whatever the level of adversity or poverty.
Communications and travel
I visited when everywhere in the rural areas were at their driest. The region is low lying with small towns and villages, challenging to get about at any time, and virtually impossible at wet times.
Places visited in rural Sylhet
I headed first to Tajpur where the Eye Hospital which the Al-Tazid charity supports is based. | was immediately struck by the overflowing reception area with people attending for eye disease diagnosis & treatment, many without appointments. Then to the Bangladesh offices of Al-Iazid Charity in nearby Guala Bazar.
Potential of Bangladesh
Yes, Bangladesh is densely populated, a bit chaotic and cities and public transport are crowded. But Bangladeshis are very hard working people ambitious for education, skills and a better future for themselves and their families. The country deserves every bit of support and help from people in the UK and indeed, via the Al Tazid Charity in Ipswich.
Brian Parrott former Director of Social Services
– giving is not just about make a donation, It’s about making a difference ,,
The Al-Tazid Foundation has been doing great work since 2005 helping poor people in the rural villages and hamlets of Sylhet Province, north-east Bangladesh. It does this by raising funds among the not so poor villages and hamlets of rural Suffolk!
It has delivered projects which provide the basics of life: wells to provide clean water, rickshaws to provide work, education and financial aid, clothing, and payment for medicines in cases of hardship.
Of particular importance is the provision of free eye treatment, one of the most cost-effective ways of improving the lives of individuals in developing countries.
I have been very pleased to support the work of Al-Tazid Foundation and would ask that you give generously to help its projects amongst the poor of Bangladesh.
Cllr David Ellesmere – Leader, Ipswich Borough Council
Al-Tazid Foundation, based in Ipswich, is a small but active British-Bangladeshi charity that supports the poor and needy people in rural Sylhet, Bangladesh. I have been aware of the Foundation’s work and was more than happy to support it to become registered with the Charity Commission and comply with procedural and regulatory guidelines and requirements.
Supported by enthusiastic fundraiser’s in Ipswich as well as a pool of volunteers in Sylhet, the charity provides a range of essential services to the poor, needy and destitute in rural Bangladesh that enables its beneficiaries to improve their lives through the provision of clean water, basic medication, health checks, educational resources for poor students, and development of sustainable employment opportunities for its beneficiaries. It is a grassroots-based charity that provides direct support to the very poor and needy, and everyone is encouraged to support this important and much-needed work. Thank you.
Muhammad Mojlum Khan, BA (Hons), PGCE, F.R.A.S.
Independent Advisor
As the Chair of Al-Tazid Foundation, I would like to thank all our donors for their continuous support and co-operation. This brochure provides an overview of our activities and I hope you find it useful and informative.
Our fundraising events are well-attended and I am grateful for everyone’s ongoing support and encouragement Our events range from taking stands at major community events (such as the One Big Multicultural Festival and the Indian Mel in Ipswich) to smaller fundraising dinners at local schools, village halls and churches.
As the British-Bangladeshi people are well-known for their food and cooking, it not surprising that curry plays a major part in our fundraising effort We regularly visit various locations across Suffolk and put on charity dinners, which raises much-needed funds for our charitable activities in Sylhet district of Bangladesh. These events are often arranged by our hosts who promote them to their friends and family members, thus raising awareness of our work as well as raising funds for us.
Bangladesh is a country of remote villages and Suffolk villagers do feel a sense of some kinship. Hence the overwhelming support for our fundraising efforts! Also, travel by boat is a major form of transport in Bangladesh, and accordingly, we have held very successful fundraising events on ‘Melissa’, the Thames barge when she moors in Ipswich dock.
As we are able to travel, please do not hesitate to contact us at or visit our website if you would like to organise a fundraising event in your local area. Please help us to make a difference in the lives of the poor and needy in rural Sylhet district of Bangladesh. Thank you.
Boshor Ali – Founder and Chairperson Al-Tazid Foundation
“You only live once, But if you work it right, Once is enough,