Abdus Samad Honoured at British Bangladeshi Who’s Who 2025 for Excellence in Entrepreneurship and Philanthropy

The 16th edition of the British Bangladeshi Who’s Who 2025 publication launch and awards ceremony took place on Tuesday, 18 November, at the Meridian Grand in London, in a grand and dignified celebration. Organised by the Bangla Mirror Group, the annual gala dinner has become a prestigious platform for recognising the excellence, leadership and achievements of distinguished British Bangladeshis across various sectors. This year, renowned British Bangladeshi entrepreneur and philanthropist Abdus Samad received one of the most prominent honours in recognition of his outstanding contributions in the fields of Entrepreneurship and Philanthropy.

The audience—comprising community leaders, business professionals, diplomats, and media representatives—warmly applauded as Abdus Samad was presented with the award. His long career of impactful entrepreneurship, community development, social responsibility, and technology-driven innovation has made him one of the standout honourees of the 2025 edition.

Abdus Samad’s professional journey began with pioneering digital innovation. In 2005, he launched CurryLondon.co.uk, one of the earliest online food-tech platforms in the UK—well ahead of the mainstream digital food delivery boom. The initiative bridged a modern connection between the British Bangladeshi restaurant sector and customers, earning him recognition as one of the early innovators within the community.

Over the following years, his entrepreneurial portfolio expanded into several key sectors, including insurance, hospitality, real estate, private hire services and technology. Since 2009, he has been serving as the CEO of Vantage Accident Management Group (VAMG), where his leadership strengthened the organisation’s reputation for integrity, customer service and community engagement.

In 2015, he founded Medx-UK Ltd, which became an essential support system during the COVID-19 pandemic. At a time when private hire drivers struggled due to severe financial constraints, the company provided over 80 drivers with rent-free vehicles—an act widely praised as a model of compassionate business practice.

Another major dimension of his work is through Al-Baraka Investment Ltd, which contributes to affordable housing, employment creation and sustainable local development through a range of residential and commercial projects. Additionally, he co-founded Love2Laundry in 2014, which now operates successfully across the UK, Ireland, the USA, UAE, Pakistan and the Netherlands.

His most transformative project to date is Futuredesh, launched in 2024. The FinTech platform has already become a powerful engine for rural economic development in Bangladesh, supporting more than 700 rural entrepreneurs, farmers and small-business owners through a shared-profit model. With the partnership of 130 socially conscious investors, Futuredesh is creating a circular rural economy focused on agriculture, manufacturing, retail and textiles. Its emphasis on empowering women, young entrepreneurs and smallholders has made Futuredesh an emerging international model of ethical investment and sustainable development.

Beyond business, Abdus Samad has made substantial contributions to education and humanitarian work. Through the Abdus Samad Foundation, he supports institutions such as Kalam & Samad High School, the AFK Trust Islamic Education Centre, and the Ansarun Nessa Orphanage. These initiatives provide safe accommodation, educational opportunities and essential resources to hundreds of disadvantaged children in Bangladesh.

In the UK, he has played a significant role in community welfare and civic engagement. As Chairperson of the Bengali Workers Association (2014–2019), he helped deliver impactful programmes on elderly care, women’s empowerment, healthy living, and youth entrepreneurship. As a director of West Euston Project Ltd, he has contributed to initiatives that promote social inclusion, community participation and equal opportunities.

His diplomatic and political involvement is equally noteworthy. As Vice President of Conservative Friends of Bangladesh, he has worked to strengthen UK–Bangladesh relations through cultural exchange, community outreach and social action projects. He has also been actively involved in humanitarian relief efforts for crises including the Grenfell Tower fire, the COVID-19 pandemic, and emergency situations in Gaza, Morocco, Pakistan and Syria, working closely with organisations such as Fountain of Mercy and CAP Foundation.

This year’s British Bangladeshi Who’s Who ceremony also honoured several other distinguished achievers: Shahed Ahmed (Hospitality & Real Estate Business), Barrister Mohammed Quamrul Hasan (Law), Dr. Rifat H. Mazumder (Medicine), Mohammed Afruz Miah BEM (Charity & Community), MD Harun Miah (Finance) and Cllr Nadia Shah (Politics & Philanthropy). Their contributions continue to enrich the British Bangladeshi community at large.

The recognition bestowed upon Abdus Samad stands as a testament to his multifaceted identity—an accomplished entrepreneur, committed community worker and compassionate humanitarian. By merging business, technology and social development, he has made a lasting impact on communities in both Britain and Bangladesh, establishing himself as a highly respected and inspirational leader.