Chef tells of helping cyclone victims

6:15pm Friday 9th May 2008

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Feeding more than 1,600 Bangladeshis left homeless by a devastating cyclone was not enough for Oxford chef Muhammad Ali.

Mr Ali, a chef at Karma Restaurant in Oxford Road, spent most of April in the impoverished country cooking meals for those worst-hit by the tragedy.

Since coming home, Mr Ali has become more determined to return to Bangladesh, his home country, which was devastated by Cyclone Sidr last year, and continue to help in every way he can.

He said: "A lot of people said there had been a lot of aid sent over, but it is never enough.

"I talked to a lot of the kids and I met a boy who lost his mother, his father and his twin and I got very attached.

"This is just the start for me, feeding them one day is all very well, but they have to eat tomorrow as well."

Mr Ali thanked generous Oxfordshire residents, who contributed £2,800 to make the trip possible.

The money was raised through donations and a midnight charity meal for members of the county's restaurant industry.

He said: "The feedback from people was unbelievable and I want to thank everybody who phoned up and helped. I lost count of how many calls I received following the appeal in the Oxford Mail. People in Oxfordshire have been really, really supportive and it's just been amazing."

When Mr Ali arrived in Bangladesh, it was monsoon season and he had to wait until it was safe to travel.

He hired a 14-seat vehicle, enlisted a group of local staff to help with the effort and set off on the 13-and-a-half hour journey from his family home, Sylhet, to set up camp in the villages of Bagherhat and Islamabad.

He bought three cows, dozens of pounds of potatoes and heaps of spices to cook dinner for the survivors of the cyclone.

He also dished out toys and useful items for families who had lost everything in the natural disaster.

Mr Ali is already making plans to return and intends to go back to on December 11.

He is hoping to investigate building a new orphanage and provide computers for schools and orphanages set up in the wake of the devastation.

To help raise funds, Mr Ali is planning another fundraising dinner in June and a competition to find Oxford's best curry.

Mr Ali said: "My aim is to build a better future for the kids."

He has also produced a short documentary video about his trip and is aiming to sell 500 copies to raise funds and also alert people to the plight of Bangladeshis.

Oxford East MP Andrew Smith, who waved Mr Ali off on his trip, said: "It's a wonderful and inspiring project.

"The generosity of the people in Oxford to anyone in the world affected by disaster is always remarkable."

Anyone who would like to help Mr Ali or buy a copy of the film can call him on 07733 263500 or email him at bdcoxford@yahoo.com