Mrs. Mahfuza Awal (Claimant) –and-

Bangladeshi Parents and Carers Association (BPCA) (Respondent)  

An Employment Tribunal in Stratford has awarded substantial damages to Mrs. Mahfuza Awal in her claim for unfair dismissal against the Bangladeshi Parents and Carers Association (BPCA).   

The BPCA had dismissed Mrs Awal on the grounds that the she had misappropriated its funds. Following an eight day hearing the Employment Tribunal concluded that BPCA had no genuine belief in these allegations. Mrs Awal always claimed the Chairman BPCA Mr Ali had made up the allegations. The Tribunal Judge described the disciplinary process of BPCA a “shambles”, concluding that there was no proper investigation.  The Chairman of the BPCA, Mr. Furqan Ali, was described by the Tribunal as an “unsatisfactory witness” whose evidence was not credible; that he used an interpreter when he was capable of understanding and making himself understood in English.  “It is clear-cut that Mr. Ali understood everything and participated in all procedures.  Crucial documents were missing and the Tribunal expressed no confidence in Mr. Ali”.  The Tribunal concluded that Mrs. Awal, who had been working with the BPCA as a General Manager for 9 years, was unfairly dismissed.  

Commenting on the decision, Mrs. Awal said, “I am excited and delighted that justice has been done.  For months I was harassed by the Chairman Mr. Furkan Ali who wanted his son, Mr. Ghoffar, to step into my position.  I decided to seek justice as a matter of principle and I have now got it”. 

Shahid Dastgir Khan, Senior Partner at Khans, Solicitors for Mrs. Awal, commented that Mrs. Awal was very ably represented before the Tribunal by counsel Mr. Tanveer Qureshi, who has represented many successful and happy clients in similar cases.  He said BPCA is a charity, and certain matters that came to light at the Tribunal may be of interest to the local authority or the Charities Commission.   

Muhammad Omar Khan a partner in the firm, who had conduct of this case, commented, “Clearly Mrs Awal had been harassed and treated unfairly and the Employment Tribunal agreed. The BPCA Chairman, Mr Furkan Ali, has a lot to learn from this case”

 

 

 

Shahid Dastgir Khan
Senior Partner – Khans