“Oldham’s Runningman” — wins prestigious British Bangladeshi Who’s Who Award 2025

Afruz Miah BEM, widely known across Greater Manchester and beyond as “Oldham’s Runningman” has been honoured with the British Bangladeshi Who’s Who Award 2025 in the Community & Charity category.

The award recognises his years of inspiring charitable work, community leadership and unwavering commitment to serving the people of Oldham and the British Bangladeshi community nationwide. 
 
The British Bangladeshi Who’s Who publication—established in 2008 by the Bangla Mirror Group and spearheaded by M Abdul Karim (Goni) and Shahadoth Karim—stands as the leading record of excellence within the British Bangladeshi community.  

Each year, the publication celebrates entrepreneurs, academics, professionals and community figures whose work has made a lasting impact on British society. 
 
Accepting the award at the organisation’s annual gala dinner held in London recently, Mr Miah said: “Deeply humbled… this honour from my own community means the most.
 
“Tonight, receiving the British Bangladeshi Who’s Who Award 2025 in the Community & Charity category… I stand here deeply, deeply humbled.” 
 
He reflected on his journey—from arriving in the UK with hope, to becoming a beloved community figure through his charity runs, to being awarded the British Empire Medal (BEM) by the late Queen and attending the historic coronation of His Majesty King Charles III. 
 
“But tonight… this honour… from my own community… from the people who understand my roots, my struggles, my journey — this means more," he said.
 
With more than 650,000 British Bangladeshis living in the UK, he described the recognition as “an honour I will never take for granted.” 
 
Award dedicated to Oldham, the British Bangladeshi community, TeamGRT — and his wife. Mr Miah made it clear that the accolade belonged to those who shaped and supported him: “It belongs to Oldham — the town that raised me. It belongs to the British Bangladeshi community — who shaped me and it belongs to everyone who has supported, believed, and invested in me.” 
 
He gave a heartfelt acknowledgement to TeamGRT, the organisation that empowered him to serve through charity and humanitarian work: “You didn’t just give me opportunities — you gave me purpose," he said proudly.
 
He then delivered one of the most emotional moments of the night, dedicating the honour to his wife: “My rock. My calm in the storm… This journey would not have been possible without you. My story isn’t finished.” 
 
Speaking directly to the next generation, Mr Miah—who has raised significant funds through his iconic charity runs—offered a message of hope: “If a boy who arrived in this country with nothing but hope can stand on this stage today… then every young British Bangladeshi should know: your beginnings do not define your destiny.” 
 
He vowed to continue his mission: “I will keep running. I will keep serving. I will keep giving back.” 

The British Bangladeshi Who’s Who continues to play an essential role in documenting the achievements of the Bangladeshi diaspora—ensuring leading figures like Mr Miah are celebrated and remembered for generations. 
 
This award marks another milestone in the legacy of Oldham’s Runningman, whose story continues to inspire thousands across Britain.