For many, returning to education after years away from the classroom is a daunting challenge. For Zakaria Chowdhury, a graduate of Shahjalal Jamia Islamia School & College (SSC 2004), it became a journey of determination, perseverance and lifelong learning.
In December 2025, Zakaria graduated with a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in International Hotel Management from the University of Wales Trinity Saint David, successfully completing a three-year degree programme (2023–2025) delivered entirely through online learning. The graduation ceremony took place in July 2026 and was conducted in person on the University campus, and not online.
After completing his SSC at Jamia in 2004, Zakaria moved to the United Kingdom, where he completed his Levels of English Courses in 2007. Like many young people building a new life, he devoted the following years to supporting his family, establishing his career and growing his business. As the owner of multiple restaurants and takeaway businesses, together with the responsibilities of family life, returning to full-time study seemed an increasingly distant ambition.
The COVID-19 pandemic unexpectedly created that opportunity. When the University of Wales Trinity Saint David launched its fully online degree programme, Zakaria embraced the challenge despite having been away from formal education for almost 14 years.
The transition was far from easy. Balancing university assignments with running several businesses, fulfilling community commitments and raising a family demanded exceptional discipline and time management. The first year proved particularly challenging, but with unwavering determination, the encouragement of his family and friends, and the values of perseverance instilled during his years at Jamia, he remained committed to his goal.
His hard work culminated in graduating with a degree that not only strengthened his professional knowledge but also demonstrated that learning has no age limit.
Alongside his studies, Zakaria continued to play an active leadership role within the hospitality sector. He has been serving as the Training and Education Secretary on the National Executive Council of the Bangladesh Catering Association UK (BCA UK) since 2024 and continues to hold this position, contributing to the development of professional standards and training within the industry.
His commitment to excellence has been recognised through several prestigious industry accolades. In 2018, he was honoured with the Asian Restaurant Owners Network (ARON) Member of the Year Award, recognising his outstanding contribution and leadership within the hospitality community. In 2022, he was shortlisted as a finalist for the BCA UK Chef of the Year competition, highlighting his culinary expertise and professional achievements.
Further demonstrating his success as a restaurateur, Zakaria’s restaurant, Mughal Knight, was shortlisted for Best Restaurant in the East Midlands at the British Curry Awards 2022 – widely regarded as the “Oscars of the British curry industry” in recognition of its exceptional food quality, service, and contribution to the UK’s hospitality sector
Zakaria Chowdhury’s journey is a powerful reminder that education is never confined to a particular stage of life. His decision to return to university after a 14-year break – while successfully managing businesses, serving the community and supporting his family – demonstrates the value of resilience, continuous learning and self-belief.
His story will undoubtedly inspire many fellow Jamians who may be considering returning to education, proving that with determination and perseverance, it is never too late to pursue new knowledge and achieve new goals.
