Shahidur Rahman has been honoured as Bradford’s fundraiser of the year in 2022’s Community Star Awards.

The Fundraiser of the Year award is designed to recognise the huge efforts that go on - often behind the scenes - to bring change to our communities.

Shahidur Rahman has been nominated for obtaining more than £7 million worth of funding for several Bradford projects over 20 years.

The money has supported BEAP, Neighbourhood Resource Centre, Iqra Centre, and many more.

Shahidur’s nominator said: “Shahidur has always driven these community initiatives behind the scenes with humility and without the limelight and recognition.

“Shahidur has played a significant role in reviving community facilities in Manningham & Barkerend. For years the Bangladeshi community has suffered from lack of investment and this led to a number of community centres folding such as the Bangladesh Porishad and the Bangladesh Peoples Association.

“Shahidur has not only helped bring those community facilities back into use but ensured that they can be sustainable in the long term without the over reliance on grant funding.”

“It is time to recognise his contributions to Bradford,” Hiron Miah, founder and chair of BEAP Community Partnership, said as part of a video interview projected on stage.

Speaking about how it felt to be nominated for the award, Shahidur said: “I felt surprised because I’ve been fundraising for a number of years for projects. You don’t picture that because a lot my work is behind the scenes.

“I was surprised and at the same time humbled.”

Mr Miah collected the award from Ian Day, assistant director for neighbourhood and customer services on Shahidur’s behalf.

“I’m so delighted for him,” Mr Miah said.

“The amount of work he puts into the community is just tremendous.

“He loves helping people. He wants to be successful himself but helping others achieve success. Thank you for this award.”

Shahidur was recently involved in work to secure a £1.3 million sports complex and community hub next to the home of Bradford City.

Midland Road Sports Complex, attached to the existing BEAP Community Partnership building on Cornwall Road, Manningham, offers a host of new facilities for the community.

That includes three 5G football pitches for five and seven-a-side matches.

The previously derelict MUGA site of Lupton Street Park has been completely transformed - offering changing rooms, a pavilion, a cafe and match day fanzone.

As part of the project, the indoor sports hall in the BEAP centre, attached to the new complex, has been given a makeover. It has been fitted with a multi-purpose sports surface for sports including badminton, cricket and tennis.