The fifth North East Bangladeshi Awards (NEBA) celebrated the achievements and contributions of the British Bangladeshi community, with 41 awards presented to individuals, businesses and organisations across the North East.
Held on 3 November 2026 at The FED in Dunston, the annual event attracted more than 450 guests, recognising contributions across business, public service, community leadership, entrepreneurship and the catering industry.
The event was co-hosted by award-winning TV presenter Jeff Brown and Henna Ahmed, bringing together community leaders, public representatives and business figures from across the region.
Distinguished guests included:
- His Excellency Mohammad Jobayed Hosen, Assistant High Commissioner of Bangladesh (Manchester)
- Commander Edward McNaught, Deputy Lieutenant of Tyne and Wear
- Police and Crime Commissioner Susan Dungworth
- Deputy PCC Clare Penny-Evans
- Mayor of Gateshead, Cllr Andrea Graham
- Lord Mayor of Newcastle, Cllr Henry Gallagher
- Chairman of North Tyneside, Cllr Wendy Lott
- Dr Wali Tasar Uddin MBE, Honorary Consul General of Bangladesh in Scotland
These distinguished guests also presented awards to the winners. Among those attending were former MSP Foysol Choudhury MBE, former Mayor of Sunderland Cllr Ehthesham Haque, community activists and civic leaders.
Since its launch in May 2022, NEBA has recognised more than 150 individuals, businesses and organisations, providing a platform to celebrate excellence and highlight the contribution of British Bangladeshis to the economic, cultural and civic life of North East England.
Former Lord Mayor of Newcastle upon Tyne, Habib Rahman, Founder of the North East Bangladeshi Awards and Advisor to the Directors, said the awards aimed to recognise not only business success but also individuals whose contributions had transformed lives and strengthened communities.
“The NEBA Awards are unique among community awards programmes. While we celebrate business success and achievement, we are equally committed to recognising individuals whose contributions have transformed lives and strengthened communities,” he said.
He also highlighted the importance of recognising British Bangladeshi women through categories such as the Shuley Alam Award, the Maa Award and the Bangladeshi Women in Leadership Award.
This year, five women received individual awards, including Bangladeshi Person of the Year winner Ruhi Loren Akthar.
Ruhi Loren Akthar, Founder and CEO of Refugee Biryani and Bananas, received the Bangladeshi Person of the Year award. Unable to attend because of humanitarian work in Cairo supporting Sudanese refugees, she addressed guests through a video message.
“Celebrating and recognising individuals and communities helps challenge negative stereotypes and misconceptions while highlighting the positive contributions that minority communities make,” she said.
She dedicated the award to her team and human rights activists across the world who continue to support those most in need.
The Shuley Alam Award, commemorating the late equality champion and founder of CREST, was presented to Sharmin Nahar Momin. The award was accompanied by the unveiling of a special Blue Plaque in honour of Shuley Alam.
Other notable award recipients included:
- Rising Star Award: Afsina Begum
- Maa Award: Mrs Johura Begum
- Public Sector Recognition Award: Inspector Sultan Miah
- Local Service Champion: Jamal Begg
- Visionary Leader Award: Syed Khalid Miah Olid
- Catalyst Award: Sunderland International Community Centre
- Community Excellence Award: Northeast Brothers Group
- Lifetime Achievement Award: Kaptan Miah
- Entrepreneur of the Year: Abdul Azad
- Spice Innovator Award: Titu Ahad, Saathi Restaurant
- Spice of the Northern Vale Award: Kaani, Morpeth
Syeda Chompa Begum, Founder of Al Falaq Counselling CIC, received the Bangladeshi Women in Leadership Award.
Eight Special Recognition Awards were also presented, honouring achievement, leadership and service to the community.
The recipients included:
- Late Abdul Moklis Miah: Services to the Bangladeshi Community – Posthumous Recognition
- Cllr Halimah Begum: First Bangladeshi Female Councillor of Newcastle upon Tyne
- Mohammed Roziur Rahman Mortuza: Co-Owner and Chairman of Scunthorpe United FC
- Cllr Rowshon Uddin
- Cllr Mohammed Jamal Sarwar
- Cllr Jasim Uddin
- Cllr Habibur Rahman Rana
- Cllr Abdul Muquith
Cllr Halimah Begum said recognition was important in highlighting people and organisations whose work strengthened communities and contributed to society.
“Recognition matters because it highlights the people and organisations whose contributions strengthen our communities, support our economy and enrich British society,” she said.
Recognition of the Bangladeshi-owned catering and hospitality sector remained a key part of NEBA, with restaurants and takeaways across the North East receiving awards.
The Restaurant of the Year winners included:
- Gateshead: Jashn
- Newcastle: Day of the Raj
- Tides of Taste Award: Namaste, Seaham
- Sunderland: Mumbai Silk
- North Tyneside: Shampan
- Teesside: Sheesh Mahal
- Darlington: Babul’s
- Durham: Bay Leaf
- Border Heritage Flavour Award: Amran’s
- Bengal Spice Excellence Award: Bay Leaf, Cramlington
- Highly Recommended: Nafiza’s, Low Fell
The Takeaway of the Year winners included:
- North Tyneside: Ruchita Tandoori
- Sunderland: Village Spice
- Tynedale Taste Award: Reezek, Bellingham
- Border Heritage Flavour Award: Green Chillies, Morpeth
- Coastal Curry Crown Award: Ajwaa Spice
- Teesside: Smok’d & Smash’d
- Durham: Spice Venue Remastered
- Golden Spicy Spuds Award: Namaste, South Shields
NEBA Director Moshfique Chowdhury Rabby said the continued growth of the awards and attendance of more than 450 guests demonstrated the importance of recognition within the community.
“The continued growth of NEBA and our ability to attract more than 450 guests from across the North East demonstrates the importance of recognition and celebration within our community,” he said.
He also highlighted the contribution of the curry industry, describing it as one of the primary employment sectors for British Bangladeshis in the region.
“Bringing together the Bangladeshi Curry Awards with wider community recognition is what makes NEBA unique,” he added.
Organisers said plans were already underway for NEBA 2027, with proposals to introduce new categories and further expand the programme recognising the achievements and contributions of British Bangladeshis across North East England.
