British Bangladeshi First Citizens Alliance (BBFCA) Launched

UK

British Bangladeshi First Citizens Alliance (BBFCA) Launched: The newly formed British Bangladeshi First Citizens Alliance (BBFCA), a dynamic coalition of current and former Bangladeshi-origin mayors and civic leaders across the UK, held its official inauguration ceremony on Saturday at the renowned Maedah Grill Restaurant in Whitechapel. The event marked a milestone in British-Bangladeshi political engagement, with a powerful message of unity, mentorship, and future leadership.

The evening began with a solemn recitation from the Holy Qur’an by Shafiqul Hoque, setting a respectful and inspiring tone. The gathering was chaired by BBFCA Chairperson and Brent Councillor Parvez Ahmed, with proceedings smoothly led by General Secretary Councillor M Ayas Miah.

In his opening address, Councillor Ahmed declared, “This is not just a reunion. It’s a movement.” His words resonated throughout the room, echoing the Alliance’s mission to energise the next generation of British-Bangladeshi leaders and cement their place in the UK’s civic and political landscape.

Prominent voices from across the political spectrum addressed the gathering. 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 each shared personal reflections and reaffirmed their commitment to nurturing emerging leadership.

The event also welcomed a distinguished cohort of former mayors and civic dignitaries from Tower Hamlets and beyond, including Abdul Asad, Saiful Alam, Selim Ullah, Abdul Mukit Chunu MBE, Shafi Ahmed, and Matin Uz Zaman. Their presence underlined the Alliance’s depth of experience and community influence.

Honoured BBFCA members travelled from boroughs across the UK—Golam Mortuza, Nurul Islam Putul (Camden), M Mujibur Rahman (Corby), and others—highlighting the Alliance’s nationwide footprint. The attendance of former mayors from Northampton, Islington, Worthing, Swindon, Salisbury, Southborough, and Mole Valley further emphasised the organisation’s broad geographic and political reach.

The guest list also featured an array of community leaders and changemakers including Moumita Zeenat from the Bangladesh High Commission, Dr Shahanur Khan, Dr Zakir Khan, Ahmed Uss Samad of Channel S, Mahmud Hasan MBE (Apasen), Oli Khan MBE (British Curry Association), 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, and solicitor Lutfur Rahman.

Beyond ceremony and celebration, the Alliance set forth a clear agenda. With decades of public service and leadership experience, BBFCA’s founding members pledged to mentor rising leaders, amplify underrepresented voices, and shape policies that ensure fairer representation for all. The Alliance, they emphasised, serves as a bridge between generations, communities, and political affiliations.