Bangla Post Report

A defining moment for British-Bangladeshi civic leadership took place on Thursday, 22 May 2025, as the British Bangladeshi First Citizens Alliance (BBFCA) launched with a high-energy gathering in East London. This new platform brings together former and current Bangladeshi-origin mayors and speakers from across the UK, united in their mission to promote collaboration, mentorship, and stronger community representation in public life.

The event was chaired by BBFCA Chairperson and Brent Councillor Parvez Ahmed, with proceedings led by General Secretary Councillor M Ayas Miah. The ceremony opened with a heartfelt recitation from the Holy Qur’an by Shafiqul Hoque, setting a solemn and respectful tone.

Key figures delivered inspiring speeches, including Vice Chair and former Speaker Ahbab Hussain; Treasurer Khales Uddin Ahmed; Assistant Treasurer Councillor Sabina Akhtar; Organising Secretary Councillor Faruk Chowdhury; Education and Training Secretary Councillor Humayun Kabir; and Press Secretary Councillor Sherwan Chowdhury. Former Mayor Abdul Asad and several ex-mayors and speakers from Tower Hamlets—including Saiful Alam, Selim Ullah, Abdul Mukit Chunu MBE, Shafi Ahmed, and Matin Uz Zaman—added their voices to the occasion.

Honoured BBFCA members from across the country, such as Golam Mortuza, Shafiqul Hoque (Tower Hamlets), Nurul Islam Putul (Camden), M Mujibur Rahman (Corby), and others, reflected on their experiences and the road ahead. The presence of former mayors from Northampton, Islington, Worthing, Swindon, Salisbury, Southborough, and Mole Valley highlighted the Alliance’s broad geographic and political reach.

The guest list featured notable figures including Moumita Zeenat (Bangladesh High Commission), Dr Shahanur Khan, Dr Zakir Khan, Ahmed Uss Samad (Channel S), Mahmud Hasan MBE (Apasen), Oli Khan MBE (BCA), MA Munim OBE, Bashir Ahmed BEM, Rafique Haider (BBCCI), Arju Miah MBE, Faruk Miah MBE, Umesh Desai (GLA), Helal Uddin Abbas (former Tower Hamlets Leader), Councillor Sirajul Islam, Solicitor Lutfur Rahman, and others.

But BBFCA is more than a ceremonial gathering—it’s a strategic platform. With decades of experience behind them, its members aim to mentor emerging leaders, empower marginalised voices, and influence policy for more equitable representation. The Alliance stands as a bridge—connecting generations, boroughs, and political lines—with a clear goal: to energise British-Bangladeshi youth and strengthen their footprint in local government and national affairs.

As Chair Councillor Parvez Ahmed declared, “This is not just a reunion. It’s a movement.”