Hafidh Liakot, 44, from Barlekha, Moulovibazar (Sylhet, Bangladesh), is a religious individual, known for the attributes of "Imaam" (Leader in religious aspects) or "Hafidh"(the "memorise", mostly referred to at the Qur'an, the Holy Scripture of Islam), who came to the UK, to live a normal life. There were people from his village, that used to love his leadership style due to his being a leader in a political party in Bangladesh, Jamaat-e-Islami.

 

But most shockingly of all, his popularity increased within his community in England and beyond. This isn't about politics in any way, but it's more to the fact of how he's viewed as a person!

 

I stayed with the Imaam and interviewed him about his life in England. He was joyed to tell me the fun he had every step of the way.

 

Firstly, he went to Grays, Tillbury, on 29th September 2022, to participate with his friend in an award ceremony of a mosque that "served the community for a long time". Hafidh Liakot did not get the award, but his friend did, due to the mosque being his establishment. However, he was grateful for the chance of meeting the Mayor of Thurrock, Councillor James Halden. He shook his hand in happiness, knowing he will be in the same position as his friend!

 

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And finally, the day arrived! On 24th October 2022, he was invited to the Barlekha Foundation charity and won an award! This award is used to represent an individual who went to the University of Oxford or Cambridge, for the better of the community and society! He was overjoyed to get this award, as it represents his home place, Barlekha, and his people.

 

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But just as expected, he met another mayor in person. The Mayor of Windsor, Christine Bateson! Both took a picture together, gave their respects and smiled.

 

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"It was lovely! I really loved the award ceremony, and I thank my friend for helping me get there with his car," says Hafidh Liakot, during the interview. "This award represents who I am, as a role model to humanity and to my own community. Congratulations to those who also got the award with me!"

 

During the event, he clapped for many others, congratulating them for their dedication to helping out his community.

 

This just shows that anyone can be famously known for good, based on what they do for society. Whether if it's volunteering for a charity, caring for his neighbours or teaching and preparing young people for life. He is an example set for us to follow! As for him, he's currently a teacher in a Madrassah (Islamic school), teaching young kids and teens about the Islamic religion, as he's specialised to do so, and has high ambitions for the people he teaches to give it forward in the future!