Obituary: Bashir Ahmed JP

Emdad Rahman: It is with tremendous sadness that we mourn the loss of a dedicated family man, a loyal friend to many, and a brilliant philanthropist. 

I came to know Bashir Ahmed JP from my involvement with United Sporting Luton Football Club. He was a Director and I was appointed an Ambassador for this flagship club, an establishment which through Bashir's big heart, benefitted to the tune of thousands of pounds.

When he departed from us to go to a better place, Bashir had achieved a lifetimes worth of accomplishments. All at only 42 years of age.

The Chairman of the Barket Group departed Midday last Tuesday at a hospice in Luton. He was suffering from lung cancer.

Bashir leaves behind two boys (aged 14 and 11), a wife, mother, two brothers and a sister.
 
Bashir Ahmed JP hailed from village of Brahmangaon, Balaganj, Sylhet. He lived in Harpenden, Bedfordshire and was the Director of Frontline Travel Services, Managing Director at Barket & Sons and the Proprietor of Barket Financial Management Ltd.

Alhaj Manik Meah, Bashir’s Father in law and Chief Treasurer of the BCA said: “In our locality Bashir was a very devoted community worker as well as a successful businessman.”

Bashir, who was the only Bangladeshi serving magistrate in Bedfordshire, was honoured by his fellow citizens. On Wednesday a packed Bury Park Jamia Masjid was the location for his Janaza prayers.

Bashir always maintained a deeply intensive workload and he took utmost pleasure in his family, the interests of his locality and his network of friends and comrades. All were drawn to a man of great humour and culture as well as profound commitment.

Bashir was a Director at United Sporting Luton Football Club. Club co-owner Shakayet Hussain said: "Words alone cannot express how sorry we are to hear the passing away of Bashir Ahmed. He was a wonderful friend of USL Football Club and played a pivotal part in shaping us to become one of Bedfordshire's most respected amateur teams.

"Under Bashir's guidance the Club won the East of England Top Charter Standard Adult Team Award in 2007, and, helped raise hundreds of pounds for local charities.

"A generous and giving man, he spent thousands of pounds on USL, to help us give teenagers the chance to play football.

"Bashir was a true believer in assisting people to engage in sport and had full trust upon USL to spend his money wisely. The only way for all of us at USL to continue the legacy left behind by Bashir is to find strength from our memories of him.”

Our thoughts are with his family through this time of sorrow. We pray that they may find peace with time and we pray that Allah Almighty forgives Bashir and rewards him with the very best in the hereafter.