Councillors from Tower Hamlets, a central London borough, are facing significant backlash after being caught campaigning for positions as Members of Parliament in Bangladesh. Cllr Shabina Khan and Cllr Ohid Ahmed have been linked with the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), a political group known for its controversial history involving corruption and violence. They have been photographed attending campaign events in Bangladesh as they seek to secure nominations for the upcoming general election scheduled for February 2024.
The BNP, which was founded on principles including “full faith and trust in Allah” and Bangladeshi nationalism, has faced severe criticism over its alleged involvement in corrupt practices and political violence. Notably, the party’s youth and volunteer wings were implicated in the murder of a scrap trader earlier this year, highlighting the ongoing concerns surrounding the party’s activities.
Criticism of Khan and Ahmed has been swift and harsh. Richard Tice, Deputy Leader of Reform UK, described their actions as a “complete farce,” demanding their immediate resignation. He stated, “Cllr Khan and Cllr Ahmed were elected to represent Tower Hamlets, not Bangladesh. Many of their residents will rightly feel betrayed by these councillors’ shameless lack of loyalty and integrity.”
Additionally, Conservative politician Susan Hall questioned how the councillors could effectively represent London while pursuing political aspirations in another country. “These councillors need to pick what country they want to stand up for,” she stated. Kevin Hollinrake, the Tory Chairman, expressed disbelief over the situation, stating, “It is beyond parody that councillors, elected and paid by the hard-working British taxpayer, are now seeking election in Bangladesh.”
Cllr Khan, who previously left the Labour Party to join the Aspire Party, led by convicted election fraudster Lutfur Rahman, has faced scrutiny for her commitment to her constituents. Reports indicate that despite earning over £20,000 from her council roles, she missed more than half of her official meetings last year. One local resident expressed frustration, stating that Khan “cannot answer” local concerns because she is “always overseas.”
Evidence of her political ambitions in Bangladesh is visible on social media, where she runs a Facebook page titled “Sabina Khan for Golapganj and Beanibazar,” openly supporting the BNP. Cllr Ahmed, an independent councillor, has also appeared at BNP events, where he was noted for addressing supporters with the message: “The path of change begins at home.”
A long-serving councillor from Tower Hamlets remarked, “It is utterly ridiculous that these councillors are campaigning in Bangladesh when they are meant to be serving residents in East London.” The councillor criticized Khan for her additional responsibilities in leading the financial scrutiny of the council while being distracted by foreign political ambitions.
The UK Government has condemned the actions of Khan and Ahmed as “unacceptable.” A spokesperson from the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities emphasized, “We are clear that councillors must be able to effectively serve the constituents who elected them.”
In response to the growing concerns, a Tower Hamlets Council spokesperson noted that UK law does not disqualify a person from being a councillor solely based on their candidacy for office in another country. However, they acknowledged that other nations may have laws that limit dual mandates or foreign office-holding.
Earlier this year, government officials dispatched envoys to Tower Hamlets to oversee what was described as “failing governance.” A report revealed that decision-making had been dominated by an inner circle led by Lutfur Rahman.
Amidst the criticism, a spokesperson for the Aspire Party indicated that Khan would resign from her council position if she wins in Bangladesh. Cllr Ahmed expressed his commitment to his constituents, stating, “I have always believed that public service is about integrity, not rhetoric. Since 2002, it has been an honour to serve the people of Lansbury. I will continue to do so until May, remaining focused on the needs of my constituents.”
