Muquim Ahmed is a distinguished British-Bangladeshi entrepreneur, philanthropist, and community leader, currently serving as President of Conservative Friends of Bangladesh (CFoB). Widely recognised as the first Bangladeshi millionaire in the United Kingdom, he has played a pioneering role in the development of British-Bangladeshi enterprise and community engagement for several decades.
Born in Sylhet, Bangladesh, Muquim Ahmed moved to the United Kingdom in 1974 at the age of 19 to study Production Engineering at South East London College in Lewisham. During his early years in London, he began developing his entrepreneurial career by assisting with his family’s import business, exporting electrical appliances and other goods from the United Kingdom and Europe to Bangladesh.
Through determination and entrepreneurial vision, he went on to build a successful and diverse business portfolio spanning hospitality, property development, finance, travel, and wholesale distribution. He is particularly recognised for his pioneering contribution to the regeneration of Brick Lane in East London, helping transform the area into a thriving centre for Bangladeshi cuisine and culture. His flagship restaurant brand, Café Naz, helped raise the profile of Bangladeshi restaurants across the United Kingdom.
In recognition of his achievements and contribution to society, Queen Mary University of London awarded him a Fellowship of the University in 2007, describing him as one of the leading contributors to the regeneration of the Brick Lane area and to the growing prominence of the Bangladeshi community in London.
Muquim Ahmed previously served as President of the British Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce, where he helped lead major initiatives including the landmark Expo Bangladesh 2005 trade fair at the Barbican Centre in London.
He was also among the founding figures behind the establishment of Conservative Friends of Bangladesh in 2006, working alongside Kevin Hollinrake MP and Anne Main, former Member of Parliament for St Albans. Since then, he has provided ongoing support to the organisation and has helped facilitate parliamentary visits to Bangladesh. Through initiatives such as Project Maja and Project Shapla, these engagements have strengthened dialogue and understanding between the United Kingdom and Bangladesh.
Beyond business and political engagement, Muquim Ahmed has made significant philanthropic contributions to charitable and community causes in both the United Kingdom and Bangladesh. In recognition of his social impact, the London Bangla Press Club honoured him with a Social Action Award in January 2024.
He is also the author of the motivational book Miracle on Brick Lane, which encourages members of the diaspora to pursue enterprise, education, and economic success. He has also established the Mubarak Foundation, a charitable organisation supporting the needy, the homeless, and orphans both in the United Kingdom and Bangladesh.
Through his work in business, philanthropy, and public life, Muquim Ahmed continues to play an important role in promoting enterprise, community leadership, and stronger UK–Bangladesh relations.