The founder of an organisation dedicated to saving and transforming the lives of some of the world’s most vulnerable people was honoured by Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce president Nasir Awan at last night’s annual dinner and awards.
Dr Hany El-Bannafounded Islamic Relief, the faith-inspired humanitarian and development agency, in Birmingham in 1984.
Today, Islamic Relief works in 45 countries assisting individuals, families and communities through emergency response and vital development projects.
The organisation helps around 10 million people each year.
Mr Awan is chair of Islamic Relief Pakistan and witnessed some of the agency’s emergency response work first-hand in the aftermath of the floods in 2022.
The GBCC president hailed Dr El-Banna for creating “global impact over the past 40 years”.
He said: “I have first-hand experience of their (Islamic Relief’s) work on several occasions where I’ve being involved with funding projects and also in the emergency responses such as the aftermath of the floods in Pakistan in 2022.
“People lost everything to the unforgiving waters. Their lives were literally turned upside down.
“Last year I visited some of the affected areas which was very humbling and distressing. It will take a considerable time to rebuild the area but only through Islamic Relief will this happen.
“May I ask you all to be upstanding to recognise and give a true Birmingham cheer to a wonderful human being who truly has created global impact over the last 40 years and is the recipient of my Presidents medal for 2024.”
Pictured: Nasir Awan and Dr Hany El-Banna
