This charity is dedicated to the memory and example of Haji Shah Abdul Hoque, a man whose life’s work quietly shaped the future of countless families in Burnley and beyond. Born in the village of Jalia, Sylhet, under the British Raj, Abdul Hoque journeyed to Burnley, carrying with him not only the hopes of his own family but the determination and spirit of an entire generation.
Abdul Hoque was part of the first wave of Bengalis who helped to build both Burnley’s industries and its vibrant communities. He, like so many of his peers, worked tirelessly—through night shifts and hardship, in cotton mills and factories, often at great personal cost—to provide for his family and contribute to the town that became his home. He believed in solidarity, in the dignity of work, and in the value of standing shoulder to shoulder with friends and neighbours.
But Abdul Hoque’s legacy goes far beyond economic contribution. He was a builder of communities—founding institutions, supporting new arrivals, teaching children their language and heritage, and inspiring others to serve. His belief in the transformative power of education meant that not only his own children and grandchildren flourished, but so did many young people across Burnley, who learned from him in classrooms and community gatherings.
He was, above all, a man remembered for his quiet acts of kindness. Time and again, friends and neighbours recall how he made each person feel seen, valued, and loved. His was a life lived for others—not in search of recognition, but to give hope, comfort, and opportunity to all he encountered.
In founding this charity, we honour Shah Abdul Hoque’s memory by continuing his work: serving those in need, supporting the pursuit of education, and strengthening the bonds that hold our community together. May this charity stand as a living testament to his generosity, vision, and unwavering belief in the goodness of people working together.
In his name, and in his spirit, we dedicate ourselves to doing good works—quietly, consistently, and with love.
আমার ধর্ম, আমার বর্ণ, আমার দেশ, আমার গৌরব নয়;
আমি মানুষের অধিকার চাই, মানুষের মুক্তি চাই।
“My religion, my race, my land, my pride—these are not my only truths;
I seek the rights of all people, the freedom of all humankind.”
—Kazi Nazrul Islam