Leader made a difference

Son pays tribute to man who helped new arrivals to Peterborough

Hundreds of people gathered to pay tribute to a community leader who helped welcome new arrivals to the city. Al-Hajj Nizam Uddin - also known as the father of Peterboroughbusinesswomanand former candidate on The Apprentice Nurun Ahmed - was a key part of the Bangladeshi community in the city.

Mr Uddin, a grandfather of 10, died aged 78 earlier this monthfromheartfailure, with hundreds of people coming from as far-afield as Scotland for a memorial service at the Faizan- e-Madina Mosque.

One of his sons, Dr Mohib Uddin(44), said MrUddinhad left a strong legacy in the city.

He said: “He used his language skills effectively to support new migrants with their communication skills for em- ployment opportunities and to helpthemintegrateintothe local communities.

“HepromotedEnglishLanguagelearning at BrookStreet for ethnic minorities fromthe Sub Continent.

“Working closely with the local Youth and Community Leaders of the growing Peterborough Muslim community, headvocatedovercomingbarriers of social integration and cultural differences through the principles of common human values and well-being.

“TheBangladeshi community is a small but law abiding community in the city, and he was a big part in that.”

Mr Uddin had arrived in Peterborough in 1974, having lived in London and Devon when he emigrated from Bangladesh in 1960.

He was the Bangladeshi correspondent for BBC Radio Cambridgeshire, as well as working as an engineer at Perkins Engines.

He was awarded the Life- time Achievement Award by the Bangladesh Welfare Association UK in 2010.

Dr Uddin said his father was proud of the achievements of his three sons and one daughter.

Hesaid:“Healwayswanted to help others, andbelieved in the importance of education.

“I have gone on to work in medicine, and I know he is very proud of what we have all achieved. Hewasthrilledto see his daughter, Nurun, win The Caring Neighbour Award in last year’s Peterborough Telegraph Pride in Peterborough awards.”

Outside of work, MrUddin enjoyed cycling, hill-walking, cricket andboxingandnature conservancy. Heissurvivedby his wife , Sirajun Nessa, three sons, Raj, MohibandNicoand daughter Nurun.

Dr Uddin said the family wished to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the local community after the memorial service.

Al-Hajj Nizam