New Yorker Mary Jobaida Celebrated At London Reception
Emdad Rahman
A warm reception and exchange of views was held in London for Mary Jobaida, the Bangladeshi-born New York community organiser, social activist and political campaigner, during her visit to the UK.
The gathering took place at the studios of VodTalk Academy, bringing together members of the British Bangladeshi media and community.
Born and raised in a rural village in Bangladesh, Jobaida moved to New York in 2001. Her journey from Bangladesh to Queens has shaped a career centred on education, community empowerment, social justice and grassroots activism. She has worked as an educator, community outreach worker and organiser, and was founding programme manager of Time Television, described as New York City’s first Bangladeshi HD television channel.
Jobaida has also been active in New York politics and contested the State Assembly District 36 seat in 2026, following earlier political and community campaigns. Her work has focused particularly on immigrant communities, housing, healthcare, education, childcare and economic inequality.
The reception was organised and hosted LB24 CEO Shah Yousuf, who spoke about Jobaida’s journey, comparing it to others who had followed a similar life trajectory.
Speaking at the event, Tareq Chowdhury, President of the UK Bangla Press Club, welcomed the opportunity to hear directly from Jobaida and said her journey demonstrated “the importance of community, determination and giving back.”
Hafsa Islam, London Features Editor, said: “Mary’s story connects Bangladesh, America and Britain through a shared commitment to community and positive social change.”
Abdul Karim Goni of British Bangladeshi Who’s Who praised the gathering as an opportunity to “celebrate achievement, exchange ideas and strengthen connections across the Bangladeshi diaspora.”
Jobaida said she was delighted to meet members of the British Bangladeshi community in London.
“It is wonderful to be here and to share experiences,” she said. “Our communities may live in different countries, but many of our hopes, challenges and aspirations are the same.”
The event provided an informal platform for discussion around community development, social activism, representation and the role of media in amplifying grassroots voices.
The reception also highlighted the importance of maintaining links between Bangladeshi communities across continents, with Jobaida’s own journey providing a powerful example of how education, community support and civic engagement can shape a life dedicated to helping others.
