Jamia Alumnus Muhammad Monzur Haque (Batch 2000) Wins National Libraries Connected Award 2025, UK

12/06/2025

Jamia Alumnus Muhammad Monzur Haque (Batch 2000) Wins National Libraries Connected Award 2025, UK

Honoured to receive the Libraries Connected Vision & Print Impaired People’s Promise Award 2025

Shahjalal Jamia Islamia School & College alumnus Muhammad Monzur Haque (Millennium Batch 2000) has been recognised nationally for his outstanding contribution to inclusive library services in the UK.
He has been awarded the Libraries Connected Vision & Print Impaired People’s Promise Award 2025, representing the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham, UK

This prestigious award celebrates library professionals across the UK who have made exceptional impact in making library services accessible, equitable, and inclusive.

In his statement, Muhammad said:
“This award is not only a professional milestone but a personal one too.
Years ago, I struggled to access a public computer in a library – the desk was not accessible, and the equipment was difficult to reach. That experience stayed with me and became the driving force in my commitment to remove barriers and create inclusive, accessible spaces for all.”

He expressed heartfelt gratitude to his manager Rahat Ismail and Zoinul Abidin BEM, Head of Service at Barking and Dagenham Council, for their leadership and support, adding that the recognition reflects a collective effort by colleagues, community members and partners who share the vision of libraries as spaces of equality, dignity, and belonging for all.

As a Digital Officer, Muhammad has been a driving force behind accessible digital initiatives across Barking and Dagenham’s libraries, ensuring that people with vision and print impairments and those facing digital exclusion can access essential online services.
He also serves as a Mental Health First Aider and Domestic Abuse Champion, ensuring that library environments are not only accessible but also safe, inclusive, and welcoming for everyone.

In its citation, Libraries Connected described Muhammad as:
“A digital officer who has made it his mission to make library services inclusive. He uses his life experiences as someone with disabilities to drive lasting improvements and co-designs solutions with the community. Muhammad’s work reaches some of the most marginalised groups, including rough sleepers, those with severe disabilities, and people in financial hardship.”

The 2025 awards ceremony, held at Chesford Grange Hotel on 11 June 2025, Warwickshire, brought together librarians from across the UK, recognising achievements in six categories aligned with the Universal Library Offers (ULOs) and Promises.
Winners were selected by a judging panel including Luke Burton (Arts Council England), Debbie Hicks (The Reading Agency), and Lucy Banks (Association of Senior Children’s and Education Librarians), alongside several Heads of Library Services and representatives from OverDrive, the headline sponsor.

Isobel Hunter MBE, Chief Executive of Libraries Connected, remarked:
“This year’s winners stand out for their unwavering commitment to serving their local communities far beyond their job descriptions. Their determination and creativity are truly inspiring.”

As an alumnus of Jamia 2000 Batch, Muhammad’s achievement is a source of pride for his school community – reflecting the enduring Jamian spirit of service, compassion, and excellence.