| AdminHistory | M. A. Gafur [Mohammad Abdul Gafur] was born 1 March 1926, Bangladesh. He was a school headmaster, factory worker and travel agent. The family lived in a flat at 107 Brick Lane. In 1975 tragically two of his children, Moriom Kabir and her brother Talha Kabir, died at the flat in a fire.
He later moved to 56 Boswell Road, Thornton Heath by 1991. Died 16 March 1994 at Mayday Hospital, Croydon.
The following was written by his daughter Sauda Momin who donated these copies, May 2026:
'M. A. Gafur (1926-1994)
Born in Sylhet, Bangladesh, M. A. Gafur left home at just 12, driven by a deep commitment to education and self-improvement. He began his career in Bangladesh as a headteacher, before moving to the UK in 1962, where he faced and overcame early hardship.
In Brick Lane, he built not only a business but a lifeline for others-supporting the community with housing, immigration, and employment. Known for his generosity and quiet determination, he dedicated himself to public service as a school governor of Christ Church school, youth advocate, and founding trustee of Brick Lane Mosque in 1974. He also maintained close ties with MP Peter Shore, a supporter of Bangladesh's liberation.
His life stands as a testament to resilience, service, and lasting community impact.' |