Three candidates from Sylhet are contesting the mayoral election in Tower Hamlets Council, a Bangladeshi-dominated borough in East London, in the upcoming UK local government elections scheduled to be held on May 7. Geographic Reference
The candidates are incumbent mayor Lutfur Rahman of the Aspire Party, Jami Ali of Tower Hamlets Independents, and Mohammad Abdul Hannan of the Liberal Democrats (Lib Dems), who is also originally from Moulvibazar.
Other candidates in the race include Dominic Nolan of the Conservative Party, Hira Khan of the Green Party, Hugo Pierre of the Trade Unionist and Socialist Coalition, John Bollard of Reform UK, and independent candidate Terence McGregor.
Tower Hamlets has long been recognised as a significant centre of political influence for the Bangladeshi community in the United Kingdom. Observers believe that the main contest is likely to take place between Lutfur Rahman and Sirajul Islam. As a result, there is a strong possibility that the leadership of the council will remain in the hands of a politician of Bangladeshi origin.
The borough is also represented in Parliament by two MPs of Bangladeshi origin Rushanara Ali and Apsana Begum.
Lutfur Rahman is a three-time elected executive mayor of Tower Hamlets Council. Born in Sylhet, Bangladesh, he migrated to the UK with his family during childhood and grew up in East London.
After completing his studies in law, he began his professional career as a solicitor and later established a strong position in local politics through community engagement. Initially affiliated with the Labour Party, he was elected as a councillor before contesting the 2010 mayoral election as an independent candidate and winning, becoming the first directly elected mayor of Tower Hamlets.
He was re-elected in 2014, but his tenure was annulled in 2015 following a court ruling over electoral irregularities, resulting in a five-year ban from holding public office. Rahman has consistently denied the allegations. He returned to politics in 2022 and was elected mayor again under the Aspire Party.
Recently, the council under his leadership has come under increased oversight by the central government, aimed at improving administrative transparency and effectiveness. Government-appointed representatives have been given additional authority to closely monitor financial management and service delivery.
In an interview, Lutfur Rahman said, “In a borough like this, effectiveness and implementation capacity are the most important factors in leadership.”
He added, “What is needed is not words or criticism, but effective leadership and the ability to implement promises.”
He also claimed that around 93 percent of the approximately 120 commitments he made in the previous election have been fulfilled. His campaign slogan is focused on continuing development and ensuring stability.
Jami Ali, a barrister with legal and international experience, is contesting the election as a candidate of Tower Hamlets Independents. Born in Jagannathpur, Sunamganj, his family has long-standing ties to the UK, with his grandfather settling there in 1920 after World War I.
He completed his law degree from the University of Chittagong and later pursued further studies at Queen Mary University of London. He was called to the Bar at the Inner Temple and began practising law in London. He has also worked as a legal officer in the European Union and is currently practising as a barrister at 33 Bedford Row Chambers in London.
Jami Ali said that concerns over the damaged reputation of Tower Hamlets and lack of transparency in council administration motivated him to run for mayor. He pledged that if elected, he would ensure an independent audit of council spending, improve transparency in the housing sector, and establish accountability in public services within the first 100 days.
Mohammad Abdul Hannan is the Liberal Democrats’ candidate for mayor. He migrated to the UK in 1995 and is an entrepreneur and businessman. He joined mainstream politics in 2017 through the Labour Party.
A long-time resident of Tower Hamlets, he works as a telecom network engineer and currently runs his own business in Canary Wharf. His home in Bangladesh is in Shahbazpur Union of Barolekha Upazila in Moulvibazar.
In an interview, Abdul Hannan said that if elected, he would address the housing crisis, ensure road safety, and improve cleanliness.
He said, “The problems of crime and litter have increased. We will work to build a safe and clean Tower Hamlets.”
He also pledged to ensure transparency in the council’s financial management and improve accessibility in public transportation for elderly people and those with disabilities.
The upcoming election is expected to play a crucial role in shaping the future leadership of Tower Hamlets and maintaining the strong political presence of the Bangladeshi community in the borough.
