Celebrating Two Years of the London Bangladeshi Health Partnership

Marking South Asian Heritage Month 2025 

Since its launch two years ago, the London Bangladeshi Health Partnership (LBHP) has focused on tackling health inequality and empowering London’s Bangladeshi community. Formed during South Asian Heritage Month 2023, LBHP has fostered cross-sector collaboration, tackled health disparities, and amplified the Bangladeshi diaspora’s voice in shaping the city’s health agenda. Voice4Change England proudly hosted and live-streamed the launch of the LBHP, showcasing and supporting the vital work being carried out. 

From Vision to Impact 

LBHP was established to unite health professionals, local authorities, voluntary and community sector leaders, and lived-experience experts. Its vision: making health equity a collective responsibility. 

Key LBHP highlights: 

London’s First Bangladeshi Health Inequalities Summit: Held in September 2024 at Tower Hamlets Town Hall, the event brought together partners to address key health disparities affecting the Bangladeshi population. 

Championing Community Collaboration: LBHP has created platforms for discussion among community organisations, NHS England, ICBs, primary care, hospital trusts, and academics to understand local health priorities and co-produce solutions. 

Responsive Health Campaigns: LBHP partnered with the Bangla Housing Association to run campaigns on vaccine equity, maternal health, and accessible wellbeing information tailored for the community. 

Senior Management Team: Reflections on Two Years of Progress 

Dr Sharmin Shajahan 

Deputy Director at Voice4Change England and Co-Chair of the London Bangladeshi Health Partnership 

Dr. Sharmin Shajahan brings over three decades of experience across the voluntary, public, and academic sectors. With a background in public health programme management and academic research, she is dedicated to addressing the root causes of racial and ethnic health disparities. At Voice4Change England, Dr. Shajahan leads initiatives tackling wider determinants of health and strengthens the capacity of the Black and Minoritised Ethnic (BME) voluntary and community sector. Her approach—a blend of academic rigour and community insight—centres lived experience in efforts to achieve health equity. 

“As Co-Chair of the London Bangladeshi Health Partnership, I’m proud to mark two years of collective action, this partnership was formed during South Asian Heritage Month in 2023—with communities at the heart of our mission. Tackling racial disparities and health inequalities isn’t just professional work; it’s a deep commitment to justice, driven by lived experience, collaboration, and the belief that change is possible when we challenge structural barriers together. South Asian Heritage Month offers a powerful moment to reflect on the contributions, resilience, and identities of South Asian communities in the UK. For me, it is both personal and political. As a South Asian woman navigating and succeeding in sectors historically marked by exclusion, this month is a reminder of the importance of representation, cultural pride, and the transformative potential of collective action. Our work through the London Bangladeshi Health Partnership is rooted in the legacy of activism and community care that many South Asians have long championed. It’s not just about marking heritage—it’s about building a more equitable future where our voices lead, our experiences matter, and our communities thrive.” 

Bashir Uddin 

Chief Executive Officer, Bangla Housing Association 

Bashir Uddin is CEO of Bangla Housing Association (BHA), the anchor organisation for LBHP. He led the National Lottery-funded Bangla Covid-19 Advice Project, delivering vital, culturally tailored health information during the pandemic—a contribution recognised by Her Majesty the Queen and honoured by the Mayor of Hackney. Bashir sits on several panels shaping inclusive healthcare strategies, including the City & Hackney Community Champions Forum and the Diabetes UK Community Organisation Advisory Committee. His advocacy ensures that historically underserved communities have access to timely, appropriate support and care. 

“South Asian Heritage Month is a time to honour and celebrate the rich history, culture, and enduring contributions of South Asian communities to the UK’s economic growth and vibrant multicultural society. It is also a moment of reflection—recognising the resilience, identity, and sacrifices of the generations who migrated to the UK, particularly during the 1950s and 60s, in search of work, opportunity, and a place to call home. 

These early pioneers faced significant challenges, including racial discrimination, social exclusion, and economic hardship. Yet, through perseverance and community spirit, they laid the foundations for future generations to thrive. 

However, despite decades of progress, many South Asian communities—especially the Bangladeshi community—continue to face persistent structural inequalities, particularly in health outcomes. These disparities are rooted in complex social, economic, and systemic factors that require long-term, coordinated, and culturally sensitive interventions. 

In response to these challenges, the London Bangladeshi Health Partnership (LBHP) was launched in 2023 during South Asian Heritage Month. Its mission is to address health inequalities affecting London’s Bangladeshi population by fostering collaboration between community members, healthcare providers, local authorities, and grassroots organisations. Through inclusive engagement and evidence-based strategies, LBHP aims to create lasting change and ensure equitable access to health and wellbeing for all.” 

Khasruz Zaman 

Head of Community Engagement and Inclusion, Barts Health NHS Trust; Vice Chair and Community Engagement Lead, LBHP 

Khasruz Zaman has served with the local NHS for over 27 years, beginning as a bilingual health advocate and rising to his current role as Head of Community Engagement and Inclusion at Barts Health NHS Trust. As Vice Chair and Community Engagement Lead for LBHP, Zaman has shaped strategy and engagement across multiple health campaigns—from Swine Flu to COVID-19—and played a pivotal role in advancing the Trust’s approach to health inequalities, system mergers, and community partnership. 

"This month we proudly celebrate the contribution we have been making from the creation of the NHS. From pioneering medical professionals to dedicated front line staff taking medical care of this nation and beyond. Our contributions not only in the building of a stronger and better NHS but in every sectors of this society. It's also time now to address and take action about the health inequalities and discrimination faced by these communities in accessing our services. Together we want to be a healthier and prosperous nation regardless of anyone's background." 

Riyadul Karim 

Assistant Director of Community Engagement, NHS England – London Region, Co-Chair, London Bangladeshi Health Partnership and NHS and Health Equity Lead, South Asian Heritage Month 

Riyadul Karim (‘Riyad’) is Assistant Director of Community Engagement for Vaccine and Screening Equity at NHS England, London. He leads vaccination and screening equity initiatives, collaborating with the NHS, local authorities, VCSE, and faith communities to address vaccination uptake among underserved groups. Riyad’s work centres around the 3Ts model—Trusted Leaders, Trusted Places, and Trusted Voices—enabling culturally sensitive engagement for communities including Bangladeshi, Pakistani, Somali, Black African and Caribbean, Eastern European, Gypsy, Roma and Traveller, Portuguese, and Brazilian. 

He previously served as Assistant Director of Primary Care at NHS North Central London ICB and co-chaired Enfield’s Vaccination and Screening Inequalities Group. Riyad was pivotal in building partnerships during the COVID-19 pandemic, improving vaccine uptake and laying the groundwork for the 3Ts model. He holds 20 years’ experience across NHS and the private sector and contributes to health equity efforts as Co-chair of the London Bangladeshi Health Partnership and APNA NHS (South), the network of NHS professionals of South Asian heritage. 

“For South Asian Heritage Month and given this year’s theme of ‘Roots to Routes’, I reflect on how my South Asian identity continues to shape my work, purpose, and commitment to equity. I am especially proud to honour the contributions of NHS colleagues from the British Bangladeshi community and share how my own journey has been deeply influenced by my father’s generation. 

My father arrived in England in the 1970s, shortly after the birth of an independent Bangladesh. For more than 25 years, he served patients across Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire as a devoted GP. His legacy instilled in me a deep respect for our Bangladeshi heritage and the importance of building trust, serving with integrity, and nurturing strong relationships with the communities we live and work in. 

I hold in high regard the generation who came before us—those who paved the way, contributed immensely to the NHS, and built lasting trust between services and the communities they served. 

Today, as Assistant Director for NHS England – London, I have the privilege of working in partnership with underserved communities and system stakeholders to address vaccine, screening, and wider health inequalities. I remain committed to carrying forward that legacy—narrowing health gaps, amplifying underrepresented voices, and building trust where it matters most. 

Wishing a joyful and reflective #SouthAsianHeritageMonth to all my NHS colleagues and all colleagues of South Asian heritage. Professionals of South Asian heritage are a vital part of the NHS – working alongside colleagues from all backgrounds to serve London and our country with dedication and care.” 

Looking Ahead 

LBHP’s mission is to reduce health inequalities, empower communities, and ensure resources reach those in need. Through clear, co-designed information and community leadership, LBHP helps every Bangladeshi Londoner feel connected, respected, and supported in their healthcare journey. 

The progress of LBHP is a testament to partnership and the Bangladeshi community’s commitment to a fairer, healthier future. As we mark this milestone during South Asian Heritage Month, we look forward with confidence in our collective strength.