MastTheMagazine LTD Edition 2012

PUBLISHER: BIG Q ENTERTAINMENT CEO: JUNIOR SHEIKH EDITOR: JUDITH ANN CREATIVE CONSULTANT: BIG Q MARKETING CONSULTANT: BIG Q PHOTOGRAPHERS: KIDDIE SHEIKH & OTHERS FEATURES: IN-HOUSE & CORRESPONDENTS REPORTING & SPECIALIST WRITERS: RAHEE & OTHERS PROOFS: M.T CLARK

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE BANGLADESHI COMMUNITY IN THE SOUTH WEST & SOUTH WALES ON OBSERVING THE 60th ANNIVERSARY OF LANGUAGE MOVEMENT DAY.

ADVERTISING +447988294559/+447975790368 bigq.unlimited@yahoo.co.uk ALL PHOTOGRAPHS, UNLESS OTHERWISE INDICATED, ARE FOR ILLUSTRATIVE PURPOSES ONLY DISCLAIMER FOR PROTECTION OF PRIVACY & INFORMATION Any information received by us through responses by users/subscribers to the Short Messaging Services (SMS) Key Codes or such other subscription services of ours will be used in whole or part in our publications (other than contact information), for our research, individual marketing, strategic client analysis and for other internal purposes. All copyrights in such information will vest with us. Your contact information shall not be rented, sold, traded or in any way divulged to any third party unless we are legally bound to.

MAST THE MAGAZINE TAKES NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR UNSOLICITED PHOTOGRAPHS OR MATERIALS.

Hi there, The 21st of February is of special significance to the people of Bangladesh. Each year, on this date, the country commemorates International Mother Language Day in recognition of the preservation of Bangla as the official language of Bangladesh.

At the request of the people of Bangladesh and after investigating the matter, UNESCO declared 21st February to be International Mother Language Day. The events leading to the adoption of the 21st February as International Mothers Language Day started when the Governor General of Pakistan, Mohammed Ali Jinnah, declared at a public meeting on the 21st March 1948 that Urdu would be the only official language for both East & West Pakistan.

Five students who were campaigning for Bangla to be recognised as one of the state languages were shot and killed by police. This year the people of Bangladesh mark the 60th Anniversary of the movement.

This year also marks the 60th Anniversary since the coronation of The Queen, Elizabeth II after the sudden death of her father King George. We take this opportunity to wish her Majesty well and look forward to celebrations that have already started.

Finally we welcome celebrity Designer Waseem Noor from Pakistan to the West. Waseem was in Bristol to show his new collection at Sairaz Bristol Fashion Show held on Valentine Day at Piccadilly Functions.

Copyright reserved ©

MAST THE MAGAZINE LIMITED EDITION 2012 © BIG Q UNLIMITED ENTERTAINMENT UK

Mast The Shah Jalal Jame Mosque sits majestically at the gate-way to Easton just by the m32 motorway.

“Channel S Awards is my baby, as it gives me great pleasure to honour those who strive to achieve” In Bangladesh Ahmed has been heavily involved in numerous philanthropic projects establishing schools, orphanages, hospitals, cyclone shelters and contributing to libraries.

His most recent project is actively campaigning to support the Bangladesh Female Academy for Orphans.

A businessman, community leader and magistrate since 1991, Ahmed follows all matters of public interest very closely.

He has extensive experience in a wide range of areas of interest including education, the economy, employment, international relations, culture, hospitality, criminal justice as well as a general interest in health and wellbeing.

Ahmed has developed an impeccable reputation as a successful entrepreneur and a leader in the community helping to improve prospects for his fellow men and undertake numerous charitable projects and fund-raising campaigns.

One of his largest community projects in the UK is the Shah Jalal Jame Mosque, the first purpose built mosque in Bristol, in 1998 at a cost of £1.2 million. Ahmed made a personal donation and arranged all the funding through fund-raising and a bank loan secured on his own assets Besides his work in the community, he has assisted to build relationships between countries.

To facilitate better international relations between Britain and Bangladesh, in 1991 he was a founding director of the BritishBangladesh Chamber of Commerce and chair of the BritishBangladesh Friendship Society for eight years.

Advising the government on ethnic minorities as part of the New Deal Task Force, he played a leading role in raising standards as a member of the National Steering Committee of the Hospitality Training Foundation which worked on making National Vocational Qualifications and Scottish Vocational Qualifications more accessible to the Asian caterers and restaurant industry.

Ahmed has had Bangladeshi community at heart since his move in the UK 40 years ago; here he hands over keys of a house he has donated in Bangladeshi’s Shah Jalal village.

With Prime Minister David Cameron at 10 Downing street Group photo of Bristol Magistrates 1991, Ahmed with a book in for an Eid ul Adha celebration. front of him.

Ahmed us Samad Chowdhury has been a resident of City of Bath since 1972, he was appointed a Magistrate in 1991 and later inducted as Life Member of the Commonwealth Magistrates & Judges Association. 1995 to 2001 he served as Governor at City of Bath College and has been associated with several local campaigns and charities in his home city. Ahmed married Fatima Parvin in 1983 and are blessed with three sons.

He spends his time between his base in Bath and Media Empire in London. A passionate media person, he is also chief News editor for his Channel S Station and actively involved in studio productions. The Channel S Awards are his brainchild and Ahmed is looking forward to 2012 Award Night on the 3 rd of April at Channel S studios, London.

MAST THE MAGAZINE LIMITED EDITION 2012 © BIG Q UNLIMITED ENTERTAINMENT UK

“It is better to teach someone to fish than give them a fish which will last for one meal”, Ahmed us Samad.

After finishing college and gaining business management qualifications, he launched his own business. With a loan of just £250, he set up the West Country’s first Indian Take-away in Bristol in 1979.

In 1980 he opened Rajpoot in Bath. This award-winning restaurant raised the standard of Indian cuisine in the UK, winning numerous awards for fine dining, regularly named among the top ten Indian restaurants in the country.

Against the odds and in a major recession, he launched three more restaurants in Bath in the early 1990s.

Currently he is managing seven restaurants employing more than 100 people.

His success is based on excellence - something he strives for in everything he does. Ahmed also encourages self-dependence and believes the best way to help people is to provide them with the means to help themselves – “it is better to teach someone to fish than give them a fish which will last for one meal”.

Rushanara Ali MP (first and only Bangladeshi MP), Centre- Ahmed us Samad Chowdhury and right- First elected executive Mayor of Asian/Bangladeshi origin Lutfur Rahman (London Borough of Tower Hamlets)

Since the mid-1990s, Ahmed has diversified into media enterprises, knitwear, and property development.

In 1997 he launched the first colour broadsheet newspaper for the British-Bengali community, Potrika a vibrant popular newspaper that has made a huge contribution in educating readers about the British way of life.

After a spell on the board of Bangla TV in early 2000, he became the Chairman of the most viewed Bengali channel in the UK, Channel S which is watched by 69% of the British Bangladeshi community.

He takes great interest in running the station and ensures that it showcases the achievements and positive news about British Bangladeshis.

Ahmad launched an annual awards honouring excellence in education, business, culture and community work. The Awards presentation is televised live on Channel S thus enabling the community to celebrate success raising esteem and confidence of the Bangladeshi community in the UK. Ahmed had the drive, ambition and organisational skills to launch successful enterprises, but was aware that many Bangladeshis face great difficulties when arriving in Britain.

Awarded Bath Good Foods Award 2011Best Indian Restaurant Rajpoot Capitalising on this experience as a successful entrepreneur he set up several centres in the West Country to provide advice, training and assisting immigrants learn English and gain useful skills for the workplace.

This was vital support as it helped them become integrated, with the other communities. He also found it necessary to equip the women on literacy and skills.

In 1988 he founded the Bangladesh Women’s Group for Bristol, Bath and the West Country to help women become more integrated into British society.

In 1990 he set up Bangladesh House which is a centre to help the Bangladeshi community in the South-West of England become integrated into the British way of life and get advice on important issues.

It also provides an integrated service with other agencies in the area. Ahmed personally funded part of this project and raised the remainder through Community donations and a mortgage secured on his own assets.

Ahmed still felt that more could be done to help young Bangladeshi men and women reach their full potential and get training for work. Once again with personal donations and securing a loan on his personal assets he founded the Bangladesh Centre in Bristol.

The centre opened in 1993 and offers classes in English as a second language, training to help boost employment prospects, fitness classes and other activities.

Ahmed has also put his talents to good use donating to projects in need and raising funds for good causes including the children’s ward at the Royal United Hospital in Bath, Barnado’s, Macmillan Cancer Relief, Action for Kids and local schools in Bath plus major relief and charitable projects in Bangladesh.

Opening of Bangladesh House in Bristol Abdul Wahab MBE, Right honourable Keith Vaz M.P., AS Chowdhury JP and Syed Anwarul Haque.

MAST THE MAGAZINE LIMITED EDITION 2012 © BIG Q UNLIMITED ENTERTAINMENT UK

Mast Achievers Ahmed us Samad Chowdhury, JP,

FISMM, FCMI, FIH

“I wear many hats and am very lucky to have witnessed three historical happenings of the Bangladeshi community, I was a student during the pre-liberation struggle that started from Pindi-Dhaka to Dhaka Dhaka, the post-independence beginning with no infracture in the country, systems were all down, and the third was moving to UK on 6th September 1972 as an O’Level student, then the most exciting thing was our community was young and beginning to settle and have seen the community grow from strength to strength in the last 40 years” and as we celebrate 40 years since attaining independence I am honoured to be part of that growth in both Bangladesh and UK. He was awarded Business Leader of the Year and has just been named as one of the “nine most influential BritishBangladeshis” for his contribution to media and recognised as “The most influential media person” by the British-Bangladeshi Power 100.

Ahmed has also excelled as a community leader and charity supporter assisting to raise funds for various causes in UK, and projects in Bangladesh.

Born in Sylhet province Bangladesh, Ahmed came to Britain to further his education in 1972. Within a year of his enrolment he was elected student vice-president of the City of Bath College for Further Education. This was

Seen here at the Power 100 Award Presentation.

Ahmed Chowdhury, entrepreneur and philanthropist has raised millions of pounds for charity and deserving causes both in the UK

only the beginning of his road to success as within two years he was student president of the South Bristol College of Further Education.

and Bangladesh. He has devoted much of his time to bridging the gap between communities.

Since arriving in Britain in 1972 from Bangladesh, Ahmed has been working tirelessly to raise the profile of the British-Bangladesh community and improve racial integration for the benefit of increasing prosperity and wellbeing.

As one of the first to introduce authentic Indian cuisine to the West Country, he played a key role in changing British dining habits and helping to popularise the British curry as a unique dish, now more popular in the UK than fish and chips bringing much more to the exchequer than the steel and coal industry, employing over 150,000 people.

Following the success of his award-winning restaurants in Bath and Bristol, he has built a business empire encompassing newspapers, Bangladeshi TV Station-Channel S, property and knitwear.

Photo courtesy of BACUS Newspaper taken from article of 5th December 1974.

MAST THE MAGAZINE LIMITED EDITION 2012 © BIG Q UNLIMITED ENTERTAINMENT UK

Mast

A Glimpse of International Mother Language Day

Atique Rahman

The Day has brought fresh glory and prestige to Bangladesh, which is making significant strides towards peace and prosperity and discharging international obligations abroad.

Atique with members of Bangladesh High Commission The Day has brought fresh glory and prestige to Bangladesh, which is making significant strides towards peace and prosperity and discharging international obligations abroad.

After 1952, the people of Bangladesh have been observing the 21st February as their glorious and unforgettable Language Martyrs Day. What happened in 1952 is widely known, let me briefly recount the fateful happenings and circumstances that led to and events that followed the day. At the partition of 1947, the Bengal Province was divided according to the predominant religion of its inhabitants. The Western part of Indian & the Eastern part of Pakistan known as East Bengal.

However there was economic, cultural and linguistic friction between the two newly created divisions. This became tense when the government of Pakistan declared Urdu as the official language of both the West and East Pakistan.

This sparked protest and demonstrations with serious consequences as the government Of Pakistan outlawed the protest that eventually led to the forces opening fire at the unarmed peaceful protesters, most of whom were students.

The protest continued until when Bangla became the official language of Pakistan on 29th February 1956. The rest is history. I wish all celebrating this great Day the very best and as we stand to remember the fallen we should forge ahead and educate our youth on such great historic moments and the long struggle to independence.

Atique Rahman Former President Bangladesh Association, Bristol, Bath & West.

Making a presentation to visiting Bangladesh MP Mr Mahmood us Samad Chowdhury, looking on is Abdul Wahab, MBE

Atique Rahman came to Bristol in 1976 as a businessman, setting up a number of catering businesses in the city and surroundings.

He looks back at the formation of Bangladesh Association Bristol, Bath & West.

“I was invited to a community meeting attended by Nazrul Islam,Foyaz Ahmed, Mohammed Idris and Habib Rahman at Shish Mahal on Gloucester Road. Nazrul Islam proposed that the group form a committee to assist fellow Bangladeshis in the region. This was the beginning and the group used Shish Mahal as the meeting place and office of this young organisation.

Abdul Wahab MBE was named interim chairman, with Mohammed Idris as secretary, Nazrul Islam as vice chairman, with Atique Rahman, Badrul Islam, Foiz Ahmed and Habib Rahman as committee members.

The association held Independence Day celebrations on the 26th March and Victory Day on 16th December. These events were then held at Brunel College. Ahmed us Samad Chowdhury joined the Association in 1990 and was nominated President, serving the community uninterrupted for 8 years. The association’s first election was held in 1994 with Ahmed us Samad elected as President.

After 2 years we held our second elections with Saleh Ahmed being elected as President. During that term I served as Religious secretary. On completion of his term the association held its third elections since inception and I was elected Vice President and in the fourth elections, Anwar ul Haque was elected President, I stood down for the next two years and re-joined the executive committee elected as Vice President with newly elected President as R. H Chowdhury, serving two terms.

I finally took over as President in 2008 serving until December 2010.”

Atique is currently concentrating on his Restaurant business, Tandoori Garden in Keynsham, and Kings Restaurant in Kingswood, Bristol.

He still plays a vital role in community affairs acting as an advisor when needed and providing interpretation services on voluntary basis.

He further adds, “My involvement has been from the beginning, and pride myself as one of the pioneers who started the association”.

He is actively involved in with Shah Jalal Mosque and assists when required at both the Bangladesh House and Bangladesh Centre. He has gone round the country raising funds for the mosque, also assisting in fund raising campaigns on Bangladeshi TV channels.

He emphasizes that during all times, Ahmed Samad ul Chowdhury has been at the forefront of community events since joining the association in the 90’s.

On a closing note, Atique said, “I would like to thank the past & present executive committees for their honest and dedicated service, the community for making me what I am today and wish them all the best in all future events and projects, if given the opportunity I am ready to serve in the committee again and am always available to assist and serve when needed.

MAST THE MAGAZINE LIMITED EDITION 2012 © BIG Q UNLIMITED ENTERTAINMENT UK

Mast

COMMITTEE MEMBERS

MURSHED AHMED

AYUB ALI

ABDUL WAHID

Rezaul Chowdhury has served as Chairman of Bangladesh Association from 1992 to 1996 and as General Secretary in 1998-2001 and re-elected General-Secretary 2002-2004.

REZAUL HAQUE CHOWDHURY

Later in 2004 he was elected President.

During his tenure he initiated and implemented many projects including obtaining lottery funding, computer & Hygiene courses.

ADMINISTRATIVE EXECUTIVES

MOHAMMED AINUL ISLAM

LILY ISLAM

SHAHNAZ RAHMAN CHOWDHURY

TRUSTEES

ABDUL WAHAB MBE

AHMED US SAMAD CHOWDHURY JP

NAZRUL ISLAM

Registered Charity No: 1040037 539 Stapleton Road Eastville Bristol BS5 6PE Tel: 01179511491 Fax: 01179525425 Email: banglassoc@gmail.com

Speaking to Mast, Abdul Wahab MBE he recalls some of the achievements,” The highlight of the association was the Section 2 Grant, which was the main source of our financial support, with the grant we were able to engage two advisers and one administrator in the office thus making Bangladesh House fully equipped to provide every assistance to its members, particularly in housing, immigration, education and health, this enabled us as a community to equip ourselves with the way of life here and hence making it smoother to integrate with the greater community.”

He went on to add, “I played a key role in the integration & social work raising the capacity of our Bangladeshi to mix freely. This earned me my MBE.” Abdul Wahab was full of praise for Ahmed us Samad Chowdhury for working tirelessly for the community in the South West and South Wales from the tome he arrived in the UK. He like many immigrants had come to the UK to seek further education or employment to better their lives on returning home, but this was not the case for the immigrants.

They could not go back home as they had lost touch with the society and did not fit into the society and in the UK they were also in a Seesaw not able to integrate effectively.

So their only option as Abdul Wahab puts it was to form respective societies and empower the immigrants to understand and fit into the system, this he feels he has accomplished and is confident as immigrants this ins now home and this is where they belong, so the best way forward is to work and achieve.

As the Bangladeshi community marks this very important day, many look back at the last 40 years with disbelief, a state that started with most if not all the infracture disabled and whose citizens cross oceans to seek education and employment away from home, Bangladeshis stand tall and proud of their achievements both in the UK and in Bangladesh. The community looks to the future to tackle poverty and literacy back home and have made it their goal to further integrate with the greater community and contribute to the economy of the adopted land, the United Kingdom, educating its youth on politics, media, and health and community cohesion.

Today the Bangladeshi restaurant business employs close to 150, 000 people in the UK and its remuneration is bigger than the coal and steel industries.

In Bristol besides Bangladesh House the community has Bangladesh Centre that is able to host other community functions and boasts of the only custom made mosque on Stapleton Road just by the M32 flyover.

In sports, Bangladesh Cricket Club has on numerous occasions walked away with honours in the league and the football club, Bengal Tigers has been consistent in the Downs League.

Bangla Cultural Group Bristol has been in the forefront of promoting Bangladesh culture, art & entertainment with events running through each calendar year.

Shah Jalal Mosque has been one the most visited places by scholars and public speakers coming to the West Country and has been known to cater for ladies for Eid prayers and Islamic events.

Offices at Bangladesh house are open 5 days a week between 9am to 4 pm, closed only on Friday & the weekend.

Administrative Manager, Lily slam and her team are always on hand to assist and advice where possible and are ever encouraging the community to make use of the facilities.

MAST THE MAGAZINE LIMITED EDITION 2012 © BIG Q UNLIMITED ENTERTAINMENT UK

Serving The Community Mast Bangladesh Association Bristol, Bath & West The story of Bangladesh Association Bristol like all if not most of the Bangladeshi Association around the world is similar. The Bengali community were members of Pakistan Association in Bristol until the separation of East Pakistan after the liberation war that gave birth to the State of Bangladesh in 1971.

It started as Bristol Bangladesh Association and later changed to Bangladesh Association Bristol, Bath & West. The association did not have any grants during that time but still managed to run a fully-fledged organisation through voluntary contributions of the community. This was the same case with the Liberation Movement; the association launched a campaign for Independence of Bangladesh in Bristol in conjunction with students Union and Trade Unions in 1970.

The community organised a big conference that was attended by local, national and international stake holders on the road to independence, this was held at College green, Bristol, climaxed with a demonstration through the centre of Bristol to Transport House, Victoria Street which was the headquarters of the Labour Party.

The Bristol association also raised funds for the Liberation Movement by way of compulsory contributions of £5.00 to £10.00 from Bengali restaurants and £2.00 from other members.

At that time many people did not know where or what Bangladesh was, so to create awareness the members visited schools and centres to educate people on the Bengali community and reasons to have a free state.

One of the founding pioneers of the association Abdul Wahab MBE refers himself as Bhasha Sonogram Shonac (a campaigner of the Language Movement), who campaigned to make Bengali a state language of Pakistan.

After formation of the association it was not until 1990 that the community opened door to its Bangladesh House on Stapleton Road.

The complex was opened by Asian Member of Parliament, Keith Vaz. Working closely with Abdul Wahab MBE and playing a vital role in establishing the association and acquiring premises was another founder member of the association, Ahmed us Samad Chowdhury .

The Executive Committee 2010 -2012 PRESIDENT

Kayum Khan ‘Foysal’

VICE PRESIDENT

President Khan is in the restaurant business and has been actively involved with the Association since 1990. He was elected President in 2010 and is also vice-President of Bangla Cultural Group Bristol. Since taking office he has steered the oganisations to great heights organising events & ceremonial days as well as create awareness within the community. He is ViceChair of Bangladesh National Party Bristol UK and is a supporter of charity projects both here and Bangladesh. He is married with four children, 2 boys and 2 girls.

His vision is to see through another term and achieve higher goals for the association.

Soft spoken Abdul Rouf has been an inspirational elder to members of the committee always finding time to assist at events.

Abdul Rouf Saiful Islam, a sports enthusiast & martial arts experts is one difference within the organisation & the Bangladeshi community. He holds strong beliefs that if you do something do it to perfection or do not do it at all.

He has held many positions within the Association and as Secretary-General he has managed to keep the parties together for the better of the community. A restaurateur by profession, also works as a teacher and is the only Bengali performing artiste in the South west & South Wales, as a singer he sings in Bengali, Urdu & Hindi.

TREASURER

Moshkud Ali

GENERAL-SECRETARY SAIFUL ISLAM

Saiful is the driving force behind this Special edition.

Moshkud Ali is big player in the Association and community. He is known for his community errands and is always hands on to assist whenever required.

He is one of the few that maintain the day to day upkeep of the Shah Jalal Mosque in Bristol, an assignment that he prides and enjoys doing.

Working out in the gym regularly relaxes him of his busy driving schedule and voluntary work.

MAST THE MAGAZINE LIMITED EDITION 2012 © BIG Q UNLIMITED ENTERTAINMENT UK

Mast

BOLLYWOOD BURSTS! Deepika Padukone is back with first beau Nihar?

Deepika Padukone has apparently turned to her former beau Nihar Pandya after her split with Sidhartha Mallya.

The model-turned-aspiring actor was linked to Deepika during her modelling days. After her recent break-up, the actress seems to have reconnected with Nihar to find a shoulder to lean on.

Though the actress and Nihar were no longer a couple, she was still in touch with his family.

When Deepika had first arrived in Mumbai from her hometown Bangalore, they had taken care of her. Deepika has had her share of link-ups and heartbreaks with Ranbir Kapoor and Yuvraj Singh.

She was open about her affair with Ranbir Kapoor, but after they broke off, she preferred to be guarded about her relationship with Sidhartha. Though both were spotted together, she avoided questions about their relationship."

According to Bollywood buzz, Deepika was upset with Sidhartha for not acknowledging their relationship. Apparently, Sid also didn't take her truce with ex Ranbir with whom she has agreed to feature in a film, too kindly.

"Nihar has always been around for her. Though she moved ahead professionally and personally, he has always been stuck on her," adds our source.

Deepika had met Nihar in an acting school and had started off with doing music videos around the same time.

Himesh Reshammiya's music video I Love You Sayonee featured Nihar while Aap Kaa Surroor had Deepika.

Life changed for Deepika after Om Shanti Om while Nihar was seen in a brief role in the Salman Khan starrer Marigold. The aspiring actor is now, however, looking at a better launch with director Prashant Chadha. Buzz is that the movie's script is inspired

by Nihar and Deepika's story.

Madhuri's wax statue to be unveiled March 7 The much-awaited wax statue of Bollywood diva Madhuri Dixit will be unveiled at London's Madame Tussauds March 7.

"Madame Tussauds unveiling on March 7, 2012. See you then," tweeted Madhuri, who has moved from Denver to play a new innings in Bollywood.

Known for her natural acting talent and graceful dancing, the 44-year-old is the latest Indian film star to join the A-list line up at the Madame Tussauds wax museum, which also houses statues of Shah Rukh Khan, Aishwarya Rai, Hrithik Roshan, Salman Khan and Amitabh Bachchan.

Madhuri's wax statue has reportedly cost 150,000 pounds and it was completed in four months by a team of sculptors and experts in hair, makeup and wardrobe.

The actress is remembered for her performances in Tezaab, Ram Lakhan, Sajaan, Beta, Dil, Hum Aapke Hain Koun, Dil Toh Pagal Hai and Devdas.

After playing a successful long innings and reigning filmdom, she bowed out of Bollywood in 2002 when she married US-based doctor Shriram Madhav Nene.

Post-marriage, the actress moved to Denver and got busy with her husband and later two sons.

After marriage, her only release was Aaja Nachle, but it didn't do well at the box office, however, the dancing queen struck the right chord with her fans when she appeared on the small screen as the judge of dance reality show Jhalak Dikkhla Jaa 5.

She is currently working on her official website and plans to launch it soon.

Milkha Singh to help Farhan recreate his life on screen Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra's most ambitious project Bhaag Milkha Bhaag, starring Farhan Akhtar, is set to go floors this month and athlete Milkha Singh, who is the inspiration behind the film, would be actively involved in recreating the key incidents of his life on screen.

The Olympian sprinter will be present on the location when those scenes will be shot.

“Milkha Singh wants Rakeysh Mehra's film to portray him as realistically as possible. He has told the team he will make himself available throughout the making of the film," said a source close to the project.

And that's not all. Milkha in a series of events being organised MAST THE MAGAZINE LIMITED EDITION 2012will © also BIGparticipate Q UNLIMITED ENTERTAINMENT UK up till the release of the film. He is likely to be in Mumbai for a huge promotional event, where Farhan

International Mother Tongue Day 21st February Date: Time: Venue: Host:

Tuesday, 21st February 2012 12.00 pm to 2.00 pm.

Council House, College Green.

Dr Imran Alom.

PROGRAMME OF EVENTS

11.00 pm

Arrival and Register.

12.00 pm

Flag Raising at Council House, College Green, by Right Honorable, The Lord Mayor of Bristol Cllr Geoff Gollop and National Anthem.

12.20 pm

Welcoming and introduction By Cllr Mahmadur Khan, Cllr Faruk Chowdhury and President Bangladesh Association: Mr. Kayum Khan Foysol

12.25 pm

Quran Recitation.

12.30 pm

Laying wreaths and one minute silence to observe for the Martyrs.

12.35 pm

Speeches:

Chief Guest: Cllr Geoff Gollop The Lord Mayor of Bristol.

Special Guest: Cllr Barbara Janke Leader of Bristol City Council.

Kerry McCarthy M.P. Bristol East.

Cllr Peter Hammond Leader of the Labour Party Councillors.

Cllr Pater Abraham Cllr Tess Green Leader of the Green Party Ahmed-Us-Samad Chowdhury J.P. Chairman of Channel-S. 1.00 pm

Documentary, Music and Cultural Programme by Mrs Sifat Sikander Auni, Mrs Kanika Muntarin, Mrs Munira Chowdhury

1.40 pm

Vote of thanks by Abdul Wahab MBE

1.45 pm

Refreshments and networking.

Mast

Sports Bristol Bangladeshi Cricket Club

Bristol Bangladeshi Cricket Club was formed in 2004. A group of cricket enthusiast got together to enjoy a little game of cricket an soon found that besides the Saturday afternoon fun that they were having, the assembly of cricket had good talent therefore a decision was made to form a club.

They joined the North Somerset cricket division in 2005 subsequently winning the league in their debut year.

Since then there was no stopping for the boys as they have won their division consecutively and are now promoted to Division I. Upon this success a need to form a ‘B’ side arose to attract the younger players and also provide a platform for the youth to put their time into something constructive so as to keep them away from the worldly evils of anti-social behaviour, drink & drugs.

The ‘B’ team was formed in 2009, they were crowned champions in 2010 and were runners-up in 2011, and currently they are promoted to Division 3.

At the club we act as mentors for the young people, bridging the gap amongst the community as we support and assist them to be better citizens in the society.

Our home ground is at Oldbury Court, Fishponds and are glad that in 2011 we secured some funding from Greater Fishponds Neighbourhood partnership.

Our mission is to provide the opportunity for the community to play cricket as a recreational summer activity, for all ages that have a love for the game.

To provide an activity for the young people in the area which is both character building and which develops a sense of belonging, thereby engendering a sense of community spirit in the up and coming generation of the area.

To recognize that our junior players are the real strength and future of our club, and to continually encourage them to perform to the best of their ability.

To promote a sense of friendship, camaraderie, mutual support and fun, both on and off the field amongst all those involved in the club and the visitors to our club.

Chairman: Abdul Salam Chowdhury Secretary: Mohammed Ainul Islam Treasurer: Abu Sayed Captain ‘A’ Team: Kibria Rahman Captain ‘B’ Team Sakib Numany

Our Motto 'We make the standards for others to follow' Our Aim Develop and strengthen a structure and pathway for a permanent ground for club.

We will strive to provide the necessary coaching and facilities to develop young players' skills, to encourage a safe, enjoyable and supportive atmosphere to allow players to develop with the opportunity to play for senior sides when appropriate.

We ensure to offer cricketing opportunities within the Club in accordance with the Club's open membership policy.

Develop and promote cricket for black and ethnic minorities To ensure that membership and selection for teams is open to anyone interested in cricket regardless of sex, age, disability, ethnicity, nationality, sexual orientation, religion or beliefs.

We aim to ensure that our cricket club is an integral part of the local community, contributing an invaluable service to all sections of the local community, developing club members, supporters and volunteers.

We hope to be seen as a hub of sporting excellence in the local community by ensuring that the local media carries match reports and news of club events.

Our future objective is to create and establish a 3rd XI to bridge the gap between colts and senior cricket.

To develop a colts coaching Programme.

MAST THE MAGAZINE LIMITED EDITION 2012 © BIG Q UNLIMITED ENTERTAINMENT UK

Mast

Insight Cllr. Faruk Chowdhury

Faruk Choudhury 37 a father of 3 children, I arrived in the U.K. August 1999, joined a political party within two days, he has always involved in politics from early age.

My passion was ignited by my father and uncles. My uncle Abdul Khalique Choudhury was the first elected Chairman of Golopgonj Union Porishad as well as becoming the youngest chairman in Bangladesh. Uncle Ahia Choudhury was founder of Golapgong Jamia Islamia Secondary School.

I was elected AGS in Dhaka Dakshin Degree College in 199495 also I stood as General Secretary in Sylhet Law College in 1996-97. I studied Politics in Bangladesh.

I was always involved in developing my village and community collectively, with other members.

We planted trees besides highways and roads, built a community sports team, enlarged and relocated our primary school, maintained the village post office, checking the necessary work done by the electricity and gas companies for my village.

Since my arrival in UK I joined, The Labour Party, as the party beliefs are equalities and justices, working to narrow the gap between rich and poor.

I was first elected as a Councillor from Easton ward in Bristol City Council in 2007 by 80 votes and re-elected in 2011 with over 400 majority (first Bangladeshi Councillor in Bristol)

As a local Councillor in a very diverse part of, Bristol, performing my duties I try to raise awareness. I put a motion in Bristol City Council full meeting that not to hold any public meeting on religious and cultural day as Bristol is a diverse and multi-cultural City, now Council follow religious and cultural calendar.

I am shadow cabinet for Art, Cultural, Leisure and Community Cohesion and Chair of Community Cohesion scrutiny commission.

I am school governor of City Academy Bristol, and Limes nursery School also member of Co- Operative Party.

International Language Day has significant importance as lots of spoken languages are becoming obsolete. This may be due to the lack of use of languages as cultures are merging and the importance of English.

As well as accentuate practice and preservation, the 21st of February will be a, joyous celebration of the beauty and pleasure of languages. I appeal for all people of Bristol to join us at Council House, college Green on Tuesday 21st February to celebrate this important day.

MAST THE MAGAZINE LIMITED EDITION 2012 © BIG Q UNLIMITED ENTERTAINMENT UK

Mast

Liberation War Freedom Fighters

HABIB HOWLADER I am Habib Howlader, born in Bangladesh, Sub District-Kalkini, District-Madaripur in 1954. I feel proud to say that I am a Muktijuddha of our great Liberation war (Muktijuddha) and very lucky that I have the opportunity to join the 69’s uprising in East Pakistan ( ). That was a democratic political movement in East Pakistan (now Bangladesh) that took place in 1969.

The uprising consisted of a series of mass demonstrations and sporadic conflicts between government armed forces and the demonstrators. Field Marshal Ayub Khan, the first military ruler of Pakistan was bound to step down. The uprising was led by Awami League under the leadership of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. This uprising was started following the 1952 language Movement that saw many killed by government soldiers.

In 1969 Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was accorded a grand reception, where he was given the title Banggabandhu (The friend of Bengal).

Earlier in 1972, Banggabandhu became the title “Father of Nation”.

In the year 1969 we organised an all Party Student Action Committee in our local area. At that time I was a college student & one of the leaders of our action committee.

The war broke out on 26 March 1971 as army units directed by West Pakistan launched a military operation in East Pakistan against Bengali civilians, students, intellectual, and armed personnel who were demanding separation of the East from West Pakistan. Bengali military, paramilitary, and civilians formed the Mukti Bahini (Bengali: "Liberation Army") and used guerrilla warfare tactics to fight against the West Pakistan army.

After 7 March 1971, we start to get Military training openly in our school field. Two (Rtd.) Military soldiers gave us the Military training.

On 26 March, we moved our Camp to the Border of Kalkini & Kotalipara PS. Towards the end of April Commander Hamayet Uddin with a group of Bengal Regiment came to our camp and asked us to join him fight against Pakistani Army. We went with him to Kotalipara. At that time our area was: Madaripur, Gournadi, Kotalipara, Horinahati, Kalkini, Rajapur Madhumati, Ramshil and in Gopalgong.

My family is very well known as a ‘6 Brother Muktijuddha family’ in Bangladesh. I was injured, my ear and hair was burnt from a Bullet which scraped my head. Still to this day I am suffering from a noise from within my ear. I was senseless and fell in to the water. One of my brothers and other Muktijuddha picked me up & sent me to our Hospital for treatment. For a couple days, I was under treatment and went back to my Platoon (I was also a Platoon commander).

On 16 December 1971, the allied forces of the Indian army and the Mukti Bahini defeated the West Pakistani forces deployed in the East.

The resulting surrender was the largest (93 thousand) in number of prisoners of war since World War II.

REZAUL CHOWDHURY As we honour our Martyrs who through their sheer courage and dedication set the momentum for our Liberation War from the Mother Language Movement Day. Though I was born then I grew up learning and understanding the sacrifices that our people made for the sake of their culture and heritage. As a young student growing up in the era of the Liberation War, I voluntarily joined with other students, trade unions, political activist to fight for our right to freedom and liberation from West Pakistan.

Together with the youths from our area and fellow students we joined a military training base ready to go to the frontline to fight for our land.

This was not easy and we were always in line of fire but as many others in that time the students, local communities who joined the movement, we were trained for tactical guerrilla like warfare and this was the success of the liberation.

Upon defeat of the Pakistan forces and eventual birth of the new state of Bangladesh, the country started with no systems or infracture in place but slowly took shape.

As we all know Bangladesh has gone through a lot of upheavals and political instability, I, as a former freedom fighter am confident that the wounds of mistrust and political mismanagement are coming to pass and as we celebrate our 60th Anniversary of Language Movement Day and the 40th Independence Anniversary.

Our fight is now focused on educating the youth and empowering them with education and culture knowhow to lead us all to greater heights in the future.

Settling in the UK has not been easy for all immigrants including the Bangladeshi community but I feel proud of the achievements of the Bangladeshis in UK especially in Bristol, Bath & West.

I have served my community here as Chairman of Bangladesh Association from 1992 to 1996 and as General Secretary in 1998-2001 and re-elected again 2002-2004.

Later in 2004 I was elected President. During my tenure I have initiated and implemented many projects including obtaining lottery funding, computer & Hygiene courses.

Long Live Bangladesh.

MAST THE MAGAZINE LIMITED EDITION 2012 © BIG Q UNLIMITED ENTERTAINMENT UK

Mast MOCKLIS MIAH

International Mother Language Day Ekushey February, Bhasha Dibosh Mocklis Miah is a Restaurateur in Bristol and came to England in the 70’s. He has been actively involved in the Bangladeshi community and has assisted in a number of community projects within the greater community. He has been elected as Treasurer of Bangladesh Association Bristol; Bath & West on three occasions and during his tenure in office has implemented and seen the success of a number of community projects.

His daughter Mahamodha Begum (Rena) has been an active volunteer worker with the organisation.

The Bengali Language Movement, also known as the Language Movement (Bhasha Andolon), was a political effort in Bangladesh (then known as East Pakistan), advocating the recognition of the Bengali Language as an official language of Pakistan. Such recognition would allow Bengali to be used in government affairs.

When the state of Pakistan was formed in 1947, its two regions East Pakistan (also called East Bengal) and West Pakistan were spilt along cultural, geographical and linguistic lines.

In 1948, the Government of Pakistan ordained Urdu as the sole national language, sparking extensive protests among the Bengali-speaking majority of East Pakistan. Facing rising sectarian tensions and mass discontent with the new law, the government outlawed public meetings and rallies.

The students of the University of Dhaka and other political activists defied the law and organised a protest on 21st February 1952.

The movement reached its climax when police shot at and killed demonstrators on the day. The deaths provoked widespread civil unrest led by the Awami Muslim League, late renamed Awami League. After years of conflict, the central government relented and granted official status to the Bengali language in 1956.

The language movement catalysed the assertion of Bengali National identity in Pakistan, and became a forerunner to Bengali Nationalist movements, including the 6-point movement and subsequently the Bangladesh Liberation war in 1971.

Sriti Soudho or the National Martyrs Monument is in Sava just outside Dhaka, the capital; it honours the heroes of the liberation war.

The Shaheed Minar was constructed near Dhaka Medical College in memory of the movement and its victims.

The slain students are seen as martyrs for their cause, which tuned out to be the beginning of Bangladesh’s struggle for independence. Each year the 21st of February was commemorated as Language Martyrs Day in Bangladesh and other parts of the world that have Bangladeshi communities.

In 1999 a proposal was made to UNESCO to create International Mother Language day in the belief that a culture of peace can only flourish where each individual enjoys a right to communicate freely in their mother language in all aspects of their lives. UNESCO supports this conviction, as well as the belief that there should be cultural and linguistic diversity in education and the preservation of languages in danger of dying out.

So at the 30th session of the General conference of UNSECO in 1999 the decision was taken to launch International Mother Language day throughout the world.

In Bangladesh, 21st February is observed as Language Movement Day, a national holiday and commemorated with events taking place primarily around the Language martyrs Monument in Dhaka. Many people bring flowers, mainly red and yellow, which are spread out in front of the monument.

It is a solemn day as respect is paid to the martyrs who brought to the world’s attention the necessity of keeping marginalized languages alive.

MAST THE MAGAZINE LIMITED EDITION 2012 © BIG Q UNLIMITED ENTERTAINMENT UK

Mast

Cllr. Mahmadur Rahman Khan The campaign now is to create awareness to let the rest of the world know that the people of Bangladesh fought for their ancestral mother tongue & are proud to have been the pioneers to do so.

Many people fight for Independence, land & rights but our people sacrificed their lives for their mother tongue and today many countries are following suit & it is encouraging to see that.

Cllr Khan has been inspirational in organising 2012 Mother Tongue Day Celebration at Council House.

Mahmadur Khan is a councillor with the Bristol City Council in the South West of England for the Eastville Ward, taking office in May 2011.

He is one of the three Asian councillors at Council House. He is in the restaurant business and involved in many community projects. Councillor Khan’s vision is to serve the Eastville constituents and this great city.

As an ethnic minority councillor he hopes to give the community a voice and help them work closely with the greater community.

He looks back at the start of the campaign to have Bangla as the National language of then East Pakistan, today Bangla Desh.

International Mother Tongue Day is an observance held annually on 21 February worldwide to promote awareness of linguistic and cultural diversity and multilingualism.

It was first announced by UNESCO on 17 November 1999. Its observance was also formally recognized by the United Nations General Assembly in its resolution establishing 2008 as the International Year of Languages.

International Mother Language Day originated as the international recognition of Language Movement Day, which has been commemorated in Bangladesh (formerly East Pakistan) since 1952, when a number of students including the students of the University of Dhaka were brutally killed by the Pakistani police in Dhaka during Bengali Language Movement protests.

On 21 March 1948, Mohammed Ali Jinnah, the Governor general of Pakistan, declared that Urdu would be the only official language for both West and East Pakistan. The people of East Pakistan (now Bangladesh), whose main language is Bangla, started to protest against this.

On 21 February 1952, (8th Falgun 1358 in the Bangla calendar), students in the present day capital city of Dhaka called for a provincial strike. The government invoked a limited curfew to prevent this and the protests were tamed down so as to not break the curfew.

The Pakistani police fired on the students despite these peaceful protests and a number of students were killed. Four of them were Abdus Salam, Rafiq Uddin Ahmed, Abul Barkat and Abdul Jabbar.

Talks by the Bangladesh government to have the United Nations and UNICEF adapt this day international started as early as 1980.

It was not until 1999 that UNICEF recognised the day with the UN Generally assembly doing so in the year 2000.

Today it is celebrated universally as International Mother Language Day. It is said that there is an African country that has adapted Bangla as its National Language.

In Bristol, West & Bath we have been creating awareness of this day and our Independence Day celebrations especially amongst the youth.

This is the first time that this day is celebrated in conjunction with Bristol City Council, thus including the greater community to participate, this is history and history cannot be re-written, celebrating this day is honoring those that lost their lives protesting to have Bangla as their language of choice.

I appeal to people from all walks of life to join the Bangladesh & Bristol community on the 21st February from 11.00am at College Green. Right Honorable The Lord Mayor Councillor Geoff Gollop will raise the Bangladesh National Flag at 12 noon followed by laying of wreaths and a memorial on the Green.

We will then move into council house for a video presentation, children performances, speeches by the Lord Mayor and distinguished guests both political and community leaders.

A vote of thanks by senior Bangladeshi community leader Abdul Wahab MBE followed by refreshments.

We do hope this event will further our cause to work closely with all communities and we have plans to set up a memorial to commemorate this day at Eastville Park.

Councillor Khan at 2011 Bangladesh Independence Celebration, Rose Green Centre, Bristol.

MAST THE MAGAZINE LIMITED EDITION 2012 © BIG Q UNLIMITED ENTERTAINMENT UK

Mast

Bollywood Classics Dev Anand

The Indian actor, producer and film-maker Dev Anand, was the first and longest serving matinee idol of Bollywood cinema. He was born Dharam Dev Pishorimal Anand on 26 September 1923 in the Shakargarh tehsil of the Gurdaspur district in Punjab (British India) (present-day Narowal district of Pakistan) in undivided India at Gurdaspur, in the Punjab region. His father, Pishorimal Anand, was a leading lawyer. After graduating from the prestigious Government College, in Lahore, Dev tried and failed to enter the Royal Indian Navy. He finally decided to follow his older brother Chetan's footsteps to join Bombay's film world.

Dharam Dev Anand, actor, producer and film-maker, 26 September 1923 - 4 December 2011.

The pinnacle of his career came with Guide (1965), a film based on RK Narayan's novel, in which Dev played the male lead opposite the classical Indian dancer turned actor Waheeda Rehman. Dev.’s talented younger brother Vijay directed it. During the golden age of Indian cinema, in the 1950s and 1960s, Dev, along with Raj Kapoor and Dilip Kumar, formed the trio of stars who dominated the silver screen. Dev.’s urbanity and quirky mannerisms made him especially popular among the young and women.

Chetan was the eldest of the three Anand brothers and had established himself as an avant-garde film-maker with his debut film Neecha Nagar (Lowly City), one of the first Indian films to gain international recognition – it shared the Grand Prix du Festival International du Film at the first Cannes film festival in 1946.

Chetan helped Dev to join the leftist Indian People's Theatre Association where he met many leading figures active in theatre and films. Dev was soon offered the lead role in the Prabhat film company's Hum Ek Hain (We Are One, 1946) directed by PL Santoshi. But the film that made him a star came two years later from the famous Bombay Talkies studio. This was Shahid Lateef's Ziddi (Stubborn, 1948). Kishore Kumar was introduced as a playback singer in this film for Dev, who became his romantic voice for many later films.

Dev turned to directing with Prem Pujari (The Worshipper of Love, 1970), a film about the Indo-Pakistani war of 1965. As a film-maker, his greatest successes came with Haré Raama Haré Krishna (Praise Rama, Praise Krishna, 1971), which dealt with the problem of drugs among the young; and Des Pardes (At Home and Abroad, 1978), about illegal immigration in the UK. Dev also had the distinction of introducing many talents and fresh faces to popular Indian cinema, such as Kalpana Kartik, Zeenat Aman and Tina Munim.

Dev was a true democrat, which was apparent from the way he rallied against the ruling Congress government's suppression of rights during Indira Gandhi's Emergency era. He was also secular and broadminded. Though a Hindu by birth, he proposed to Suraiya, a Muslim. After being rejected by her family, he married Kartik, a Catholic.

He heroically defied the ravages that time stamped on his once strikingly handsome physique and distinctive style of delivery. He continued to make films, with himself as the male lead against new young unknowns, until even some of his greatest admirers started to wish he would just call it a day. Yet, he kept going as though nothing had changed. In 2007, his insightful autobiography, Romancing With Life, was published.

Off the 114 Hindi films he appeared in 6 decades, Kahin Aur Chal (1968) and multistarrer film Ek Do Teen Chaar (1980) remained unreleased and Shrimanji (1968) had him in guest appearance and 82 were box office hits and 29 were commercial failures. By 2011, he held the record for being the first actor from Hindi films who has played the central solo lead character in maximum 110 films. In a career spanning 65 years Dev has won numerous Civilian National Awards, National Cinema Awards, Filmfare Awards, numerous honors & recognition Awards and lifetime Achievements Award both in the movie industry and socio-political circle in India.

Dev Anand died in his room at The Washington Mayfair Hotel in London at the age of 88 on 3 December 2011 (4 December 2011 by Indian Standard Time) of a cardiac arrest. His death came just months after the release of his last film, Charge Sheet, September 2011.

MAST THE MAGAZINE LIMITED EDITION 2012 © BIG Q UNLIMITED ENTERTAINMENT UK

Mast

A TRIBUTE WHITNEY HOUSTON

Whitney with her mentor Clive Davis Whitney Elizabeth Houston was born to a middle class family in Newark, New Jersey in 1963. She was the third and youngest child of Army serviceman and entertainment executive John Russell Houston, Jr., who passed away in 2003, and gospel singer Cissy Houston. Her cousins Dionne Warwick and the late Dee Dee Warwick, and also her godmother Aretha Franklin all made a huge mark on the gospel and R&B scene.

Whitney first became interested in being in the music industry after frequently accompanying her mother Cissy who often performed in nightclubs.

Naturally stunningly beautiful, Houston began dabbling in modeling after being spotted by a fashion photographer whilst she was performing with her mother. She went on to become the first ever woman of colour to appear in a fashion magazine after gracing the pages of Seventeen magazine in the early Eighties.

It was around that time when music mogul Clive Davis first heard Houston 'The time that I first saw her singing in her mother's act in a club ... it was such a stunning impact,' the American record producer told Good Morning America.

'To hear this young girl breathe such fire into this song. I mean, it really sent the proverbial tingles up my spine.'

Houston made her album debut in 1985 with the self-titled record Whitney Houston.

It sold millions and spawned hit after hit including Saving All My Love for You, which won her first Grammy Award for Best Female Pop Vocal. Another multi-platinum album, Whitney, came out in 1987 and included hits like Where Do Broken Hearts Go and I Wanna Dance With Somebody.

In 1992, she became a star in the acting world with The Bodyguard. The movie gave her perhaps her most memorable hit: a searing, stunning rendition of Dolly Parton's I Will Always Love You, which sat atop the charts for weeks. It was Grammy's Record Of The Year and Best Female Pop Vocal, and the Bodyguard soundtrack was named album of the year. She returned to the big screen in 1995-96 with Waiting to Exhale and The Preacher's Wife. Both spawned soundtrack albums, and another hit studio album, My Love Is Your Love, in 1998, brought her a Grammy for best female R&B vocal for the cut It's Not Right But It's Okay. Sadly Whitney was found dead on February 12th at Beverly Hilton. R.I.P Whitney

ADELE took the Grammys by storm last night, picking up all six of her nominated awards as the world of music pauses to remember their 'fallen sister' Whitney Houston.

GRAMMY AWARDS 2012: THE WINNERS Her collection matched Beyoncé for the most Grammy wins in a night by a female act, capping off what she described as a "life-changing" 12 months.

Prizes included Best Pop Vocal for 21, and Best Record and Best Single for Rolling In The Deep.

The occasion proved a little too much for the singer when she stepped up to accept her sixth award for Album of the Year, she joked: "I just first of all wanna say, 'Mum, girl did good!

‘She received a lengthy standing ovation from her peers following her performance of smash hit Rolling In The Deep.

The singer was also turning heads with a new blondebombshell look.

Record of the Year – Rolling In The Deep, Adele Album of the Year – 21, Adele Song of the Year – Rolling In The Deep, Adele Best New Artist – Bon Iver Best Pop Solo Performance –Someone Like You, Adele Best Pop Duo/Group Performance – Body And Soul, Tony Bennett & Amy Winehouse Best Pop Vocal Album – 21, Adele Best Dance Recording - Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites, Skrillex Best Dance/ Electronica Album - Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites, Skrillex Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album – Duets II, Tony Bennett & Various Artists Best Rock Performance – Walk, Foo Fighters Best Rock Song – Walk, Foo Fighters Best Rock Album - Waiting Light, Foo Fighters Best R&B Performance – Is This Love, Corinne Bailey Rae Best R&B Song – Fool For You Best R&B Album – F.A.M.E., Chris Brown Best Rap Performance – Otis, Jay-Z and Kanye West Best Country Solo Performance – Mean, Taylor Swift Best Country Song – Mean, Taylor Swift Best Short Form Music Video – Adele

MAST THE MAGAZINE LIMITED EDITION 2012 © BIG Q UNLIMITED ENTERTAINMENT UK

of Blue to a blog.

Mast

PICTORIAL

Still a star! Paul McCartney received his spot on the walk of fame in Hollywood on Thursday 9th February, speaking to a correspondent, 'Way back in history, in Liverpool when we were kids and we were listening to Buddy Holly and all the rock 'n' roll greats, I would have never thought that the day would come when I'd be getting a

star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. ‘That was like an impossible thing to happen. But here we are today, and its happening. But I couldn't have done it without, certainly, three boys -- so I want to say thanks to those guys, John, George and Ringo,' he said. 'I couldn't have done it without them, so I want to thank those guys and bless them for being in my life.'

World Press Photo of the Year

Yeah! Finally there, Sir Paul takes his spot!

Best press photo taken in 2011, with Samuel Aranda claiming the overall prize for his iconic image of a Yemeni woman clutching a wounded relative close during protests against President Saleh, taken for the New York Times.

Simples…Out of Africa!

Anyone for a game of pool, Tanzanian youth make it happen

BOOK YOUR SPACE NOW!!!

SPECIAL SOUVENIR BUMPER EDITION DIAMOND JUBLIEE HRH THE QUEEN ELIZABETH II CALL MAST MARKETING +447988294559/+447975790368 e:bigq.unlimited@yahoo.co.uk

Photograph of the Year 2011

Baby Blue Ivy Carter Beyoncé and Jay-Z today surprised fans by sharing the first pictures of their baby, Blue Ivy Carter.

The proud parents posted a series of intimate portraits of their beloved daughter, who was born just over a month ago.

Instead of selling their first baby pictures to a glossy magazine for millions the music megastar couple decided to take control posting snaps of Blue to a tumblr blog.

MAST THE MAGAZINE LIMITED EDITION 2012 © BIG Q UNLIMITED ENTERTAINMENT UK

Mast

Media Kamrul Islam

Kamrul Islam, a broadcast journalist and voluntary citizen consultant with Bristol city Council. He joined Channel-S; the most viewed Bangladeshi Channel in UK & Europe as an apprentice correspondent in 2010.

With no basic training, Kamrul worked his through the ranks at the network and is now the main correspondent for Channel –S in the West region. He credits this to the station’s opportunity policy for young talent.

Channel-S is based in Prestige house London. He doubles up as reporter and cameraman for the region.

Speaking to Mast, He said, “as a journalist you experience a lot of community happenings, and what I have learnt is that, what we feature in the news or in programming creates community awareness and cohesion. This is very important to our people as most of them are in customer trade which requires Reporter cum cameraman Kamrul is a popular figure in the understanding of the English language & traditions as Bangladeshi community. well maintaining good customer service.

As a citizen Advice Consultant with Bristol City council, my work involves assisting in projects & budgeting issues, this has helped me in my profession, because I know understand the workings of the council and learning more by the day. I use this experience to assist members of our community understand the system better. It also keeps me informed of socio-cultural activities organised by the council which is an advantage when you are a reporter.

As our community celebrates Mother Tongue Day, as a Bangladeshi, this is a very special day for me to honour those who were on the frontline fighting for our rights. I take this opportunity to wish all my Bangladeshi brothers & sisters a memorable 60th Mother Tongue Day anniversary and a Happy 40th Independence Day year.

The Man behind International Mother’s Day Special Edition

Saiful Islam

Saiful Islam is the current General Secretary of Bangladesh Association and Cultural Secretary of Bristol Bangla Group. He has been instrumental in scouting & organising all our featured personalities and stories of the Bangladeshi Community, often making numerous phone calls to ensure all booked guests for interviews and transcripts are on time.

Born in Sylhet, Bangladesh Saiful moved to Bristol in 1974 to further his education. Like most foreign students he worked part time in restaurants eventually taking it up as his profession.

Singing though his passion was the last thing on his mind. He developed an interest in martial arts cricket and community work.

With sheer determination and regular training he won a number of Tae Kwondo titles in the region and in 1995 was crowned British and World Tae Kwondo champion. He retained the British title a number of times finally stepping down to become an instructor thus paving the way for his students to further their Tae Kwondo dreams.

Saiful’s singing was inspired by his parents and younger brother who is a flute player. Putting a small group together he hit the road with gigs across the South West & South Wales and at times in East London.

Saiful writes music for all ages, he singles out his composition, “a song for mother” as his best, he adds, “soil is our biggest mother”. I have always done things for the community so I have decided to do something for Saiful, go out and realise my dream, record, market and release an album with a difference”.

He strongly believes he has led his life “his way”,

MAST THE MAGAZINE LIMITED EDITION 2012 © BIG Q UNLIMITED ENTERTAINMENT UK

Mast

Community At Heart 2012 (1433)Milad un Nabi Celebrations

Milad un Nabi marks the birthday of the Prophet Muhammad. Large numbers of Muslims do commemorate the birth anniversary of the Holy Prophet, which falls on 12 Rabi-ul-Awwal of the Islamic lunar calendar.

This date is important to Muslims because the birth of the Prophet Muhammad is regarded as a great blessing for the whole of humanity. The event is marked by public gatherings of Muslims. At these meetings religious leaders make speeches about the life of the Prophet. Stories are told about different aspects of the life of the Prophet, his birth, childhood, youth and adult life.

The most important part of Eid Milad-Un-Nabi is focusing upon the character of the Prophet; on his teachings, sufferings, and how he forgave even his most bitter enemies. Muslims think about the leadership of the Prophet, his bravery, wisdom, preaching and his final triumph over the Meccans.

The Prophet Muhammad is deemed to be the chief of all the Prophets sent on earth and it is to him that the Holy Qur'an was revealed. The Bristol community celebrated with a peaceful March organised by Dawat-e_Islami in the Easton area.

A Pictorial of Milad-ul-Nabi peaceful march through the streets of Easton organised by Dawat-e-Islami

IMMIGRATION AND NATIONALITY Spouse/Fiancé Visa Visa Sponsorship Statements Visitors/Family Visa Visa Extensions/Transfers

European Nationals (EEA British Passport0 Attesting Documents Home Office Travel Documents

Dependents Visa

Employer or Educational Sponsor License

Indefinite Stay Visa

APPEALS: Referral Panel

Students-Points Based System

Home Office Related Correspondence

Certificate of Approval

Home Office Related Research

Work Permits-Points Based System

British Nationality

CONTACT MR. SHABBIR ZAHEER LLB (HONS) ON 07711957425 ALL INSTRUCTIONS ARE FEE PAYING AND CONFIDENTIAL FREE ADVICE DURING SURGERY TIMES MONDAY & SATURDAY 10 AM-12 PM SUITE 14A, THE OLD CO-OP SHOP, 38-42 CHELSEA ROAD, EASTON, BRISTOL BS5 6AF T: 0117 9413991 E: hmzs.pab@hotmail.com

anglo european immigration services

Mast Modern Family's Sofia Vergara flaunts her figure in a midnight blue mermaid-style Vera Wang with more than $5 million of Harry Winston jewelry (which included earrings, two bracelets and two rings).

Frieda Pinto arrives in a blue strapless Prada dress, Chopard jewels and Roger Vivier's Voodoo boite de nuit clutch.

Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star Kyle Richards walked the carpet in a red Oday Shakar satin gown.

Modern Family, 13-year-old Ariel Winter wears a purple Dolce & Gabbana dress with Van Cleef jewels and Betsey Johnson shoes.

Golden Globes Red Carpet Fashion & Trends

The Artist actress Missi Pyle, in a shimmering mustard strapless ball gown, walks the carpet with producer James Cromwell.

Glee star Lea Michele makes a statement on the red carpet in this Marchesa gown, Jimmy Choo shoes and jewels from Lorraine Schwartz.

Sharon Osbourne dons a black and white floral-printed Naeem Khan gown on the red carpet.

Modern Family star Jesse Tyler Ferguson wears a three-piece velvet tuxedo at the Golden Globes. He tops off the look with a champagnecolored bowtie.

Helen Mirren arrives a midnight blue Badgley Mischa gown. She presented the Cecil B. DeMille Award to Morgan Freeman,

Singer Mary J. Blige walks the carpet in a floor-length, feathered Michael Kors gown.

Nicole Kidman, who arrived with husband Keith Urban, wore a Versace dress, Fred Leighton jewels, Manolo Blahniks and carried a Roger Vivier clutch.

Nominated duo Angelina Jolie (in Atelier Versace) and Brad Pitt (in a Salvatore Ferragamo three-piece suit), supporting films In the Land of Blood and Honey and Moneyball.

MAST THE MAGAZINE LIMITED EDITION 2012 © BIG Q UNLIMITED ENTERTAINMENT UK

Indian & Bengali Cuisine

At Roshni we strive for excellence & quality serving specially prepared dishes with authentic indian spices & herbs using finest ingredients halal meat & poultry & fish by chefs with a family tradition of exquisite Indian & Bengali cooking.

All our meals are prepared on order to suit your need.

Free delivery for all Take-away orders over £12..95 - 4 mile radius & 10% discount on collection of Take away orders.

TABLE RESERVATIONS 0117 985 9999 0117 985 9998 OPENING HOURS SUNDAY – THURSDAY LUNCH 12.00 – 2.00 EVENING 6.00 – 11.30 FRIDAY & SATURDAY LUNCH 12.00pm – 2.30 pm EVENING 6.00pm – 12.00 am

EXCLUSIVE LUNCH MENU 25% OFF 63 High Street Westbury on Trym Bristol BS9 3ED www.roshnibristol.co.uk cuisine.roshni@yahoo.co.uk CARD PAYMENTS ACCEPTED ON ALL TAKE-AWAY PHONE ORDERS

Sairaz Fashion Show Bristol

Mast

Simples! A night to remember, Sairaz Salon of Bristol organised a Valentine Dinner & Fashion Show at Piccadilly Bristol, launching Designer Pakistan Fashion Icon, Waseem Noor, choreography by Adnan Qazi of Silver Lemon Media, assisted by Sam, hosted by TV personality Rabia, performances by Bristol’s own classic filmi songs maestro, Saif Saint, stage emcee turned singer, Baber from London, music by Junior of The Deejay Bristol, supported by Mehreen Beg of Pakistan Fashion Awards, Zaika Catering, Cakes & Bakes by Iman, M U Jeweller’s, Radio Mast Bristol & Mast The Magazine, Bristol.

With support from a host of volunteers, models & family members, Naheed Iqbal of Sairaz entertained, catered & displayed some of the finest collections of 2011-2012.

International politics prevented anyone being brought to trial for the atrocities!

The language issue quickly became a self-government issue when in 1952 protesters were murdered by the West Pakistani dominated government.

The following years saw the growth of Bengali dissident and non-cooperation with the West which replied with increasingly authoritarian and dictatorial violence, political disappearances and economic discrimination. Nevertheless political elections were allowed to take place in 1970 with the Bengali Awami League, a nationalist party, winning a majority in the national elections. The president of Pakistan, a Punjabi, faced with the prospect of a Bengali majority in Parliament, postponed opening the National Assembly. Riots and strikes broke out in East Pakistan, the independent state of Bangladesh was unilaterally announced, and Pakistan sent troops to quell the rebellion.

The ensuing war was one of the shortest and bloodiest of modern times. The world’s worst genocide ensued. From April to November 1971 Pakistani forces systematically murdered Bengalis around the country, napalmed villages and raped as many women as possible. They were aided by the US which continuously re-supplied the Pakistani forces during this period regardless of their knowledge of what was happening. Border clashes between Pakistan and India increased as Bangladeshi guerrillas pressured Pakistani forces inside Bangladesh. When the Pakistani air force made a pre-emptive attack on Indian forces, open warfare ensued.

Indian troops crossed the border and the Pakistani army found themselves being attacked from the east by the Indian army, the north and east by guerrillas and from all quarters by the civilian population.

In 11 days it was all over and Bangladesh, the world’s 139th country, officially came into existence. Sheikh Mujibur, one of the founders of the Awami League, became the country’s first prime minister in January 1972.

ARMY ATTACKING PROTESTERS

During the nine months of conflict around 3 million Bengalis were murdered and many more tortured and mutilated. 400,000 women were raped, many having been forcibly interned in special military camp brothels for the Pakistani officers and men.

International politics prevented anyone being brought to trial for the atrocities!

SHEIKH MUJIBUR RAHMAN

The ruined and decimated new country experienced famine in 1973-74, followed by martial law, successive military coups and political assassinations. In 1979 Bangladesh began a short-lived experiment with democracy led by the overwhelmingly popular President Zia, who established good relationships with the West and the oil-rich Islamic countries.

Mast DHAKA SKYLINE AT NIGHT His assassination in 1981 ultimately returned the country to a military government that periodically made vague announcements that elections would be held ‘soon’.

While these announcements were rapturously greeted by the local press as proof that Bangladesh was indeed a democracy, nothing came of them until 1991. That year the military dictator General Ershad was forced to resign by an unprecedented popular movement led by the Bangladesh Nationalist Party and the Awami League.

In 1991 democracy was re-established and Begum Khaleda Zia became prime minister. The economy ticked along at a healthy growth rate, and ties with the West were strengthened. In the second 1996 general election Sheikh Hasina Wajed of the Awami League became President. The wheel tuned in October 2001, when the Bangladesh Nationalist Party won the Parliamentary elections and Zia was sworn in as prime minister.

The government in the last few years has pushed through some social reforms aimed at improving the lives of women, such as making acid attacks punishable by death. A series of bombings of political and religious gatherings continues to puzzle authorities. Although the major parties blame each other, extremist Islamic groups may also be a factor.

In January 2007 a caretaker government was appointed to instigate the next general election. The country had suffered from extensive corruption, disorder and political violence. The new caretaker government made it a priority to root out corruption and to this end notable politicians and officials had been arrested and charged. The caretaker government paved the way for free and fair elections to be held.

On December 29, 2008 Bangladesh went to the polls and the nation elected the Grand Alliance which was led by Hasina's Awami League and backed by Hussain Mohammed Ershad's Jatiya Party. On the other hand Khaleda Zia's BNPled Four Party Alliance plagued by allegations of Khaleda Zia's and her infamous son Tareq Rahman's corruption allegations, suffered the most embarrassing defeat ever in Bangladesh's history.

Sheikh Hasina Wajed became Prime Minister and formed the government and a cabinet which included ministers from Jatiya Party.

The mutiny of border guards (BDR) took place from 25 to 27 February 2009. More than a thousand BDR soldiers took over the BDR headquarters, and held many of their officers hostage.

In January 2010 - Five former army officers are executed for the 1975 murder of Bangladesh's founding Prime Minister Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

January 2012 Army says it has foiled a coup planned by "fanatic officers".

MAST THE MAGAZINE LIMITED EDITION 2012 © BIG Q UNLIMITED ENTERTAINMENT UK

Mast

Bangladesh, The History

Remnants of civilization in the greater Bengal region date back four thousand years, when the region was settled by Dravidian, Tibeto-Burman, and Austro-Asiatic peoples. The exact origin of the word Bengal” is not known, though it is believed to be derived from Bang, the Dravidian speaking tribe that settled in the area around the year 1000BCE.

COAT OF ARMS

After the arrival of IndoAryans, the Kingdom of Gangaridai was formed around the 7th century BCE; later uniting with Bihar, under Magadha & Maurya Empires.Bengal was later part of the Gupta Empirefrom the 3rd to the 6th centuries CE. Following its collapse, a dynamic Bengali, Shashanka founded an impressive yet short-lived Kingdom.

After a period of anarchy, the Buddhist Pala dynasty ruled the region for four hundred years, followed by a shot rule of the Hindu Sena Dynasty. Islam was introduced to Bengal in the twelfth century by Sufi missionaries, and subsequent Muslim conquests helped spread Islam throughout the region.

Mohammed Bakhtiar Khilji, a Turkish General, defeated Lakshman Sen of Sena Dynasty and conquered large parts of Bengal in 1199 with only 11 men, thanks to an unexplained bold and clever strategy .The region was ruled by dynasties of Sultans and feudal lords for the next few hundred years. BY the sixtieth century the Mughal Empire controlled Bengal, and Dhaka became an important provincial centre of Mughal administration.

Medieval European geographers’ located paradise at the mouth of Ganges, though this was over hopeful, Bengal was probably the wealthiest part of the sub-continent up until the 16th century. Under the Mughal viceroys, art, literature flourished, overland trade expanded and Bengal was opened to the world maritime trade-the later marking the death knell of Moghul power as Europeans began to establish themselves in the region.

The Portuguese arrived as early as the 15th century but were ousted in 1633 by local opposition. The East India Company negotiated terms to establish a fortified trading post in Kolkata in 1690.

The decline of Moghul power led to greater provincial autonomy, heralding the rise of the independent dynasty of the Nawabs of Bengal. Humble east India Company clerk, Robert Clive ended up effectively ruling Bengal when one of the impetuous Nawabs attacked the thriving British enclave in Kolkata and stuffed those unlucky not to escape in an underground cellar. Clive retook Kolkata a year later and the British Government replaced the East-India Company following the Indian Mutiny of 1857.

The British established and organisational and social structure unparrelled in Bengal, and Kolkata became one of the most important centres for commerce, education and culture in the subcontinent. However many Bangladeshi historian blame the British dictatorial agricultural policies and promotion of the semi-feudal zamindar system for draining the region of its wealth and damaging its social fabric. The British presence was a relief to the minority Hindus but a catastrophe for the Muslims. The Hindus cooperated with the British, thus joining the British educational institutions and studying the English language, but the Muslims refused to cooperate, sought autonomy and rioted whenever crops failed or any local product was rendered unprofitable government policy. This led to discrimination against them and a decline in educational establishments for Muslims, part of a policy to reduce their capacity for success and pushing them into poverty.

At the close of WWII it was clear that Indian independence was inevitable. It was attained in 1947 but the struggle was bitter and divisive, especially in Bengal where the fight for self-government was complicated by internal religious conflict. The British, convinced by Mohammed Ali Jinnah, a Punjabi Muslim of the wider Indian Nationalist movement, that any agreement between the Muslims and Hindus was impossible, decided to partition the subcontinent, but Bengal and Punjab, the two overwhelmingly Muslim regions, lay on opposite sides of India. The situation was complicated in Bengal where the major cash crop, jute, was produced in the Muslim dominated east, but processed and shipped from the Hindu-dominated city of Kolkata in the west.

East Bengal became the ‘runt’ state of East Pakistan. It was administered discriminatorily from West Pakistan, with which it shared few similarities apart from the Muslim faith. Inequalities between the two regions soon stirred up a sense of Bengali nationalism that had not been reckoned with by the British or Jinnah during the push for Muslim independence. When the government declared that ‘Urdu and only Urdu’ would be the national language, the Bangla-speaking Bengalis decided it was time to assert themselves.

MAST THE MAGAZINE LIMITED EDITION 2012 © BIG Q UNLIMITED ENTERTAINMENT UK

Mast

Serving The Community

Syed Anwarul Haque

Syed Anwarul Haque came to England in the 70’s, and is one of the founder members of Bangladesh Association, Bristol, Bath & West.

The association gained momentum after the liberation war in Bangladesh but took off in the 80’s and finally acquiring both Bangladesh House & Centre in the 90’s. He joined the executive committee as Sports secretary, later rising through the ranks as General Secretary, Treasurer, and vice president and finally was elected President in 1999, serving two terms until 2004.

He emphasises that the association was formed to give Bangladeshis in the West a platform and voice in the region.

Syed Anwarul Haque recalls that at the time many Bangladeshis did not speak or understand English and it was the role of the association to guide and direct them to the right path so as to understand and receive mainstream services. It was of utmost importance to educate the youth without prejudice and this Syed recalls was done at the two centres in Bristol, teaching the new comers English and educating them into the British way of life yet maintaining our culture.

During his tenure in office he founded the Bengal Tigers Football Club which features in one of the largest leagues in UK, the Downs League, which has 56 teams playing at the same time, same Saturday, same area. This league was started in 1905 and Tigers have had 12 seasons in the league.

Syed puts this down to sheer hard work and dedication from his players and staff.

Sponsorship is still eluding the Tigers but as they strive to achieve Syed is confident somehow someday a big stable sponsor will come along.

We have seen and cleared many hurdles through the 12 seasons at the Downs but stand proud as a multinational team gelling together to achieve against all odds.

He has also been actively involved with the greater community, having served with the Magistrate Shadowing SchemeOperations Black Vote 2001-2002; this was a scheme promoting Magistrates to the ethnic community. He was the only Bengali chosen to participate and graduated with commendations from the then Lord Chancellor.

He has also served as an interpreter for Bristol City Council and was twice short listed for the Labour Party in early 90’s for Easton and Ashley.

As we celebrate this great day, a day when many of our own sacrificed their lives for our Mother Tongue, Bangla, I appeal to our youth to try and learn more about our culture and history join in all Bangladeshi and National celebrations. I also request them to get involved in mainstream politics in UK as we are here to stay, so to get your voice heard, make a difference in the society, get involved and educate the others who are not so lucky to have your skills and education.

I strongly believe in community cohesion and through our sports team I have tried my best to make it happen and feel we all should.

Syed Anwarul Haque is in the catering industry.

MAST THE MAGAZINE LIMITED EDITION 2012 © BIG Q UNLIMITED ENTERTAINMENT UK

Mast

Community Elder

I came to UK in 1956, settling in Oxford before coming to Bristol in 1960. As immigrants we were out of our culture and far away from our families so it was important we had to be together. I had come to England to study law but as my knowledge of English was limited I had to take English language classes. I had to take up a job to sustain my education which I did and found difficult to cope as my working hours did not fit with my study schedule, so on advice from a friend I ventured into business starting a restaurant, Kohinoor, in 1960 on Denmark Street.

I joined Pakistan association which was the body representing both East & West Pakistan then.

In association with the students union of Bristol University, and other international Muslim students from Nigeria, Iraq Iran & Kuwait we formed a Muslim Association with the aim to establish a Mosque in 1963. Our dream was realised in 1968when we bought St. Catherine Hall in Totterdown and converted it to a mosque.

When the Independence struggle started in East Pakistan, the Bristol Bangladeshi community formed an action group to raise funds for the liberation war. We also embarked on a massive campaign to create awareness amongst the greater community on the Bangladesh cause, organising rallies in Bristol and linking up with others in the country for rallies in Hyde Park.

In 1981 we thought it would be of great importance if all the Asian communities come together, we believed this would assist the community and the system will be able to address Asians as one community, so we formed the Asian Council. This move was welcomed by Bristol City Council, Avon Fire & Rescue, Avon & Somerset Constabulary, Social & Health services. I was nominated chairman, a post that would be rotational amongst the Asians communities involved.

Unfortunately this was not to last as I had to attend to family issues in Bangladesh, assuming that I would be in Bangladesh for six weeks I ended up staying there for 2 years. On my return I found the group disbanded due to internal rifts.

Abdul Wahab, MBE When we came to this country our sole intention was education and employment after which we expected to go back home having accumulated some finance to kick stat business there but this was not to be.

Many immigrants found themselves out touch with their motherland so we resolved to settle here.

This brought the need for housing, learning the English language, adjusting to the English way of life yet maintaining our roots and culture. As many did not understand the system and many had the myths of back home that as landlord they could not be tenants here, this prompted us to address the issue.

Together with community & business friends Syed Anwar and Mohammed Hayat and I decided to form a Housing Association for the South Asian people in Bristol – Ashiana Housing Association. We were based on Chelsea Road later moving to Stapleton Road, it is now part of Affinity solutions based in St. James square.

Bristol East MP, Jean Corston seen here handing over keys of a private home brought back into use as a result of the council’s private homes initiative to Abdul Wahab in 1996.

I have been involved with the Bangladeshi community in Bristol, Bath & West since the days of Pakistan Association 1960 and to this day I advise and assist where I can and remain of the three trustees, others are Ahmed Us Samad Chowdhury and Nazrul Islam.

I was awarded an MBE in 1998 for my work with racial equality, Ashiana, Black Development Association.

I pride myself as a grassroot community worker, though now a pensioner, I still do represent the community and I do country wide community work.

Abdul Wahab receiving his MBE from Prince Charles.

BANGLADESH ASSOCIATION BRISTOL, BATH & WEST INVITE YOU TO JOIN THE BANGLADESHI COMMUNITY ON THE 22nd APRIL 2012 TO CELEBRATE BANGLADESH INDEPENDENCE DAY AT ROSEGREEN CENTRE BRISTOL.

MAST THE MAGAZINE LIMITED EDITION 2012 © BIG Q UNLIMITED ENTERTAINMENT UK

Mast

Fashion

Waseem Noor, celebrity fashion designer from Pakistan was in Bristol to show his latest collections. Waseem Noor started his career from designing women wear. He works under his own label “Waseem Noor” renowned for it’s outclass women dresses. He recently launched his latest collection 2011-2012 for women.

In this collection stunning party wear and formal dresses are included. This collection consists of Black Dresses by Waseem Noor which is perfect for parties and evening functions. Waseem Noor’s brilliant long black frocks collection with golden, red and silver lace, tilla and beads have won him many praises since coming to the UK. We had the opportunity to have a chat backstage with this soft spoken design genius.

Q. Waseem, welcome to Bristol, tell about your latest creations.

W. I don’t design clothes, I design my dreams.

Q. Wow! that’s a knockout, ok, what prompted you to get into designing your dreams.

W. Since my early years I have had this dream of creating a brand that will sit on ladies with finesse and glamour, so as I came of age I pursued my dreams & I am now living my dreams.

Q. Tell us about the beginning.

W. I started 10 years ago, researching, doing field work getting the knowhow and creating. It is 2 years now since I launched my brand, Waseem Noor.

Q. What’s your style?

W. I am a specialist in formal, bridal and party wear.

Q. Let’s talk about material quality, what you fancy working with W. I love chiffon& Jamawar, this is because the sit on a woman’s body with well, they look beautiful and glamorous.

Q. what Pakistan are you based W. I am based in Karachi and Lahore.

Q. How often do you come to UK? W. This is my first time, I have been here for six months now and I am very happy with the people in this country and am enjoying every moment of my shows.

Q. What are the awards you have scooped to date?

W. I have just been nominated for the Pakistan Fashion Awards, to be held in London on Saturday February 18th for, “Best collection of the Year” Q. How do you feel?

W. Excited, so glad and I am proud to be Pakistani Q. Do you plan to set-up a permanent base in the UK? W. Inshallah.

Tell us a little about yourself.

W. I am a self-motivated person, a reserved personality and believe in working hard to achieve and I am enjoying every second of this dream.

What do you think about Bristol?

W.I am happy with the show today, it was good, a very appreciating crowd, good people you have in Bristol and Inshallah I will be coming back for a bigger show.

Q Well, wish you all the best for the awards presentation and for bringing your superb collection to Bristol W. Thank You

Waseem Noor I don’t design clothes, I design my dreams…

Celebrity Fashion Designer

Waseem Noor

Waseem Noor Collection at Sairaz Bristol Fashion Show

MAST THE MAGAZINE LIMITED EDITION 2012 © BIG Q UNLIMITED ENTERTAINMENT UK