Local Newspaper Highlights Dr Ebadur Chowdhury’s Outstanding Contribution at Portsmouth Pop-Up Mosque Vaccination Hub

During the most challenging months of the Covid-19 pandemic, when fear, misinformation, and uncertainty were widespread, one Jamia alumnus stood firmly at the heart of community service in the United Kingdom.
He is Dr Ebadur Chowdhury,
General Practitioner (GP) at Portsdown Group Practice, Portsmouth, and proud former student of Shahjalal Jamia Islamia School & College, SSC Batch 1994.

On 16 June 2021, the regional newspaper The News – Portsmouth published a detailed report featuring his role in delivering vaccinations at a mosque-based pop-up clinic designed to support the local community.

Leading the Vaccination Effort at Portsmouth’s Jami Mosque

When turnout for second-dose vaccinations declined due to public concerns, Dr Chowdhury played a crucial role in reassuring people at the Southsea Jami Mosque, which was transformed into a temporary vaccination centre.

He told the newspaper:

“There is a one-in-a-million chance of having a serious reaction to the second dose. People are far more at risk from long-haul flights or from taking the contraceptive pill.”

Through clear comparisons and evidence-based explanations, he helped tackle fears around blood-clot risks and other misconceptions.

From Record First Dose Turnout to Maintaining Momentum for the Second Dose

In March, the same mosque hosted its first pop-up session, where nearly 350 people received their first dose – queues extending outside for hours.

However, for the second dose session only around 200 people attended, prompting concern.

Dr Chowdhury emphasised calm and confidence:

“People who came were grateful. If we all play our part, we can overcome any challenge.”

Volunteers from the mosque and Portsmouth HIVE supported the smooth running of the event, creating a welcoming and uplifting atmosphere.

A volunteer, Lucky Haque, noted:

“It was a euphoric environment. Everything worked like clockwork and showed the strength of community spirit.”

More Than a GP: A Community Champion

Throughout the pandemic, Dr Chowdhury worked tirelessly to:

Run pop-up vaccination sessions

Educate the community about vaccine safety

Counter misinformation

Engage with vulnerable groups

Offer multilingual support to ensure no one was left behind

His efforts helped strengthen public trust and encouraged many people to complete their full vaccination course.

A Source of Pride for the Jamia Family

Dr Ebadur Chowdhury’s dedication, compassion and leadership are an inspiration to the entire Jamia alumni community.
His work during the pandemic stands as a powerful example of how a Jamian can make a global impact through service, knowledge and humanity.

The Jamia Alumni Network extends heartfelt appreciation and congratulates him for his outstanding contribution to public health in the UK.