At just 25 years old, Milad Sarwar, a British-Bangladeshi based in Oldham, has already made a remarkable impact across the UK and Bangladesh through media, charity, and community leadership. What began as a simple idea in his teenage years has since grown into a powerful movement followed by tens of thousands of people. He told his inspirational story to SalaamFeed.
I am the founder of AsianUKTV, a large and growing news and cultural platform on social media, which now has over 80,000 followers. I began this project when I was 18 years old. Back then, I noticed a gap – a lack of platforms that reflected the identity, history, and culture of British Asians, particularly for young people like myself who grew up with little connection to our roots.
I wanted to build something where people like me could understand what’s happening back home, learn our history, and take pride in who we are. Through dedicated research and a strong passion for history, I turned this vision into reality. Today, AsianUKTV not only shares global and local news but also celebrates inspiring stories from within the community – highlighting individuals who are often overlooked by mainstream media.
For me, social media is not just a platform for content – it is a tool for positive change. I have used my reach to raise awareness, support grassroots causes, and shine a light on those doing good. My ability to connect people and drive meaningful conversation has gained respect from a wide audience, both young and old.
But my vision goes far beyond digital influence. In 2019, I took a step closer to my lifelong dream – creating my own charity. Named Nessa’s Trust, the organisation was established in memory of my grandmother, Nessa, who played a huge role in shaping my identity. She migrated to the UK over 35 years ago, during a time when life for Bangladeshi women was far more difficult. I speak with deep admiration about her bravery and sacrifice, calling her the reason I am proud to identify as British-Bangladeshi.
Nessa’s Trust is now a registered charity in the UK. Its mission is to support those in extreme poverty across Bangladesh by building homes, offering medical support, and providing emergency food relief. The impact has been enormous. Families who once had nothing now live with dignity and security thanks to the homes the charity has built. Flood victims have received food and aid during some of the worst natural disasters in recent years.
The charity gained national recognition in 2022 during the devastating floods in Sylhet. Through my platform, I helped to raise £20,000 in just 48 hours, sending urgent aid to those affected and helping to rebuild homes. Our work was widely praised, and even ITV presenters Ant and Dec publicly recognised our efforts. Volunteers from Nessa’s Trust were rewarded with an all-inclusive holiday – a gesture of appreciation for our service.
As a charity, we have also completed tough charity challenges. We climbed Mount Snowdon and Ben Nevis – the UK’s highest peak – while fasting during Ramadan. These campaigns have not only raised funds but also inspired thousands to get involved in meaningful causes.
While I build connections between Britain and Bangladesh, I have not forgotten my own community in Oldham. In 2023, I founded the Oldham Bangladeshi Society, a local organisation created to bring together the Bangladeshi community in Oldham. For too long, there had been no central platform to unite people or share updates about local events and community matters. So I decided to change that.
The society focuses on building unity, especially among the younger generation. It promotes Bangladeshi culture, history, and community spirit through sports, events, and educational campaigns. One of its biggest successes was hosting Oldham’s first-ever youth Iftar during Ramadan, which brought together dozens of young people in a space of learning, prayer, and togetherness.
What makes the society even more unique is its leadership. I chose to break with tradition by appointing a chairwoman, Tahera Begum, to lead the organisation alongside myself. In a field often dominated by men, this decision was deliberate – to promote gender equality and encourage young women to see themselves as future leaders. We wanted to show that women have every right to lead and shape our communities.
My journey is still unfolding, but the impact I’ve had has been called extraordinary. From a teenager passionate about history to a charity founder, social media figure, and community organiser, I have become a role model for many British Asians. My story proves that with the right intentions, one person really can make a difference.
As I look ahead, I remain grounded and hopeful. I still feel like my life has just begun and if the past few years are anything to go by, there is no doubt that even greater things lie ahead.
