Who We Are
The Tajiks British Council (TBC) is a non-profit, community-driven organization established in 2024 by a passionate group of Tajik men and women living in the United Kingdom.
United by a shared sense of identity and purpose, our founding members recognized the urgent need to preserve and promote Tajik heritage in an ever-globalizing world, especially for future generations growing up far from their ancestral homeland.
TBC serves as a cultural and educational platform for Tajiks across the UK, creating opportunities for connection, learning, and empowerment.
Our organization is built on the values of unity, inclusion, service, and pride in our shared roots.
We welcome all Tajiks — as well as friends of the Tajik community — who support our mission and wish to take part in building a vibrant and cohesive society.
Through community initiatives, public events, language and literacy programs, and social support activities, we strive to create a space where the Tajik identity can flourish while supporting successful integration into British life. We believe that by nurturing a strong, confident, and culturally grounded community, we can contribute positively to the multicultural fabric of the United Kingdom.
TBC is not only a guardian of cultural heritage — it is a bridge between generations, between tradition and progress, and between the Tajik community and the wider British society.
We are committed to being a voice for our people and a resource for those seeking connection, understanding, and inspiration.
Our Team
Frotan Kohestani
Trustee Chairman
_________________________
Frotan Kohestani is a founding member and the current Chairman of the Tajiks British Council.
With a background in Business Marketing and extensive experience as an Integration Officer in the UK, he brings both strategic insight and a deep understanding of community development to his role.
Over the years, Mr. Kohestani has worked closely with refugee and migrant communities, helping individuals and families adapt to life in the UK through education, employment guidance, and cultural orientation.
His dedication to social inclusion, cultural preservation, and youth empowerment is central to the Council’s mission.
As Chairman, he leads the Council with a vision of unity, transparency, and grassroots participation — ensuring that the voices of Tajiks across the UK are heard and represented.
He is passionate about building bridges between the Tajik community and wider British society through meaningful engagement and collaborative initiatives.
Mr Jawed Afzali
TRUSTEE VICE-CHAIRMAN
Jawed, a UK resident for 22 years, studied at Stockton College and has actively participated in various voluntary activities with charitable organizations.
Read More
Leveraging his extensive volunteering experience, both inside and outside the UK, Jawed is committed to addressing social, cultural, and educational shortcomings. As a co-founder of the Tajik British Council (TBC), he services as vice-chairman and aims to empower, integrate, and foster solidarity within the Tajik community in Britain.
Ms Patuni Hedayat
TRUSTEE SENIOR ADVISOR
Ms Hedayat, when not dedicating her time to supporting community initiatives, is an accomplished professional with a background in civil engineering and a career spanning multiple countries.
Read More
She began as a Construction Designer in Kabul, Afghanistan, and managed women’s development projects for Save the Children USA in Pakistan. In the UK, she served as an Education Project Manager at Paiwand Afghan Association and worked in various roles within Camden Council’s Education Department.
As the Founder and Coordinator of the Camden Afghan Community, Ms. Hedayat has been instrumental in supporting her community. Currently, she works at Regent High School and Hopscotch Women’s Centre. As a co-founder and senior advisor of the Tajik British Council (TBC), she is committed to leveraging her extensive experience to empower, integrate, and foster solidarity within the Tajik community in Britain.
Dr Dagikhudo Dagiev
TRUSTEE SENIOR ADVISOR
Dr. Dagikhudo Dagiev holds a Bachelor’s degree in Classical Tajik-Persian Literature and Languages (with Distinction) from Khorog State University, Tajikistan.
Read More
He earned a Postgraduate Diploma in Islamic Studies from the Institute of Ismaili Studies in London, an MPhil in Eurasian Studies from the University of Oxford, and a doctorate from University College London (UCL).
Dr. Dagiev is a Senior Research Associate at the Institute of Ismaili Studies, London. He has authored and co-edited several significant works, including Regime Transition in Central Asia and Central Asian Ismailis. He also teaches Islamic and Central Asian History at the Institute of Ismaili Studies in London.
As a co-founder of the Tajik British Council (TBC), Dr. Dagiev serves as an senior advisor, focusing on integrating and uniting the Tajik community in the UK.
Mr Mirazam Noor
TRUSTEE ADVISOR
Mirazam Noor, hails from a devout Islamic family, with his late father, Haji Noor Alam, being a respected community leader known for his integrity. Mr. Azam attended Sardar Jan Khan School and graduated from Ansari High School, later earning a degree in Economics from Kabul University.
Read More
He has a robust career in trade, conducting business in Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Russia, and China before returning to Afghanistan.
An experienced entrepreneur, Mr. Azam founded the Behzad Aria Council in 2003 and served on the Board of Directors and as Secretary General of the International Chamber of Commerce in Afghanistan. He now resides in Manchester, having applied for indefinite leave to remain after completing his five-year residency.
As a co-founder of the Tajik British Council (TBC), Mr. Azam serves as an advisor and is dedicated to empowering, integrating, and fostering solidarity within the Tajik community in Britain.
Ms Fatima Hajizada
TRUSTEE WOMEN'S ENGAGEMENT OFFICER
Ms Hajizada has been residing in the UK since June 2023. She graduated from Balkh University with a degree in Business Administration (BBA).
Read More
Upon arriving in the UK, Ms. Hajizada worked as a healthcare assistant and volunteered at a charity shop. In Afghanistan, she was a social activist, managing the OHW organization and serving as a finance officer for SCA.
As a co-founder of the Tajik British Council (TBC), Ms. Hajizada is committed to leveraging her past experiences to contribute to her community in the UK. She serves as a spokeswoman and an active women’s representative within the organization.
Join Our Growing Community
Together, we preserve heritage, inspire change, and build a stronger future.
Become a valued member of the Tajiks British Council and play an active role in promoting education, cultural preservation, and social solidarity. Your support helps us create meaningful change for the Tajik community in the UK.