He received the British Citizen Award (BCA) in honour of his dedication to helping others and improving communities. "Oldham is a community where everybody matters, and I had to help that ethos by giving back." Mr Chowdhury is the organiser of the One Community UK scheme and the British Education Awards. Mr Chowdhury said: "Compassion is part of the DNA in Oldham and I was just delighted to highlight my beloved borough during the BCAs." His name will be included on the BCA Roll of Honour.