The General Election is currently dominating media coverage and public discourse, with significant attention from the Muslim community in the UK driven by concerns over the Palestine-Gaza situation. Recently, Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer made comments about the Bangladeshi community in the UK, which have sparked a divisive response within the community. 

One section of the British Bangladeshi community, comprising Labour members, friends, and supporters, has rallied behind their leader, expressing support and solidarity. Conversely, another faction, including several leaders and organisations, has condemned Starmer's remarks. This group has publicly urged him to apologise, reflecting the broader tensions and divisions within the community in the lead-up to the election. 

These developments underscore the complex and often contentious nature of political discourse within diverse communities, highlighting the importance of sensitive and inclusive communication by political leaders.

The election will be the first since the UK's departure from the European Union on January 31, 2020, a major issue in the previous election. Sunak's decision to call an election has puzzled many observers, particularly because polls have consistently shown his Conservative Party trailing far behind the opposition Labour Party. As things stand, Labour leader Keir Starmer is expected to not only win power but also secure a massive parliamentary majority. Rishi Sunak, who has been Prime Minister since 2022, is notable for being the first Asian Prime Minister of the UK, with other Asian MPs holding senior ministerial positions in his cabinet.

As of the latest data available, there are approximately 65 Members of Parliament (MPs) from minority ethnic backgrounds in the UK House of Commons. Among these, a significant number are of Asian descent. This figure includes MPs from both the Labour and Conservative parties, with Labour generally having a higher proportion of minority ethnic MPs compared to the Conservatives (Commons Library) (British Future) .

The first three Indian Members of Parliament (MPs) hold a significant place in the history of India's legislative development. These MPs were elected to the House of Commons of the United Kingdom, representing British constituencies before India's independence. Their contributions laid the foundation for future Indian political involvement in British governance and the subsequent independence movement.

Dadabhai Naoroji (1825-1917): Dadabhai Naoroji was the first Indian to be elected as a Member of Parliament in the UK. He was elected as the Liberal Party candidate for the Central Finsbury constituency in 1892.

Sir Mancherjee Bhownaggree (1851-1933): Following Naoroji, Sir Mancherjee Bhownaggree became the second Indian MP in the UK, serving as a Conservative Party member for the Bethnal Green North East constituency from 1895 to 1906.

Shapurji Saklatvala (1874-1936): Shapurji Saklatvala was the third Indian MP, elected as a member of the Communist Party of Great Britain for the Battersea North constituency in 1922 and again in 1924.

The representation of Asian MPs specifically has increased over the years, reflecting broader trends towards greater diversity in UK politics. This includes MPs of South Asian heritage, such as those of Indian, Pakistani, and Bangladeshi backgrounds.

All major political parties have already announced their manifestos and started campaigning to attract voters in various ways. Each party is employing a range of strategies, from door-to-door canvassing to social media outreach, aiming to engage with diverse voter demographics and address key issues that matter to the electorate.

In the last general election, only four Bangladeshi MPs were elected. This representation is relatively small when compared to the size of the British Bangladeshi population in the UK. Given that the British Bangladeshi community has grown significantly over the years, with substantial contributions to various sectors, there is an ongoing discussion about the need for greater political representation and engagement to ensure their voices are adequately heard in Parliament.

The earliest significant involvement of British Bangladeshis in mainstream UK politics began in the 1970s and 1980s, as the Bangladeshi community in the UK grew. Initially, their participation was more community-oriented, focusing on local issues and advocacy rather than holding political office.

The first notable political breakthroughs for British Bangladeshis came at the local government level. In the late 1980s and early 1990s, several British Bangladeshis were elected to local councils, particularly in areas with significant Bangladeshi populations, such as Tower Hamlets in East London. These local politicians played crucial roles in addressing issues pertinent to their communities, such as housing, education, and anti-racism efforts.

The first Bangladeshi British Member of Parliament (MP) in the UK is Rushanara Ali. She made history by being elected as the Labour MP for Bethnal Green and Bow in the 2010 general election. Born in Bishwanath, Sylhet District, Bangladesh, in 1975, Ali moved to the UK with her family at the age of seven. She grew up in Tower Hamlets, East London, known for its significant Bangladeshi community.

Ali's educational background includes attending Tower Hamlets College, and later, St John's College, Oxford, where she read Philosophy, Politics, and Economics (PPE). Before entering Parliament, she worked in various roles, including at the Young Foundation, where she focused on social innovation and community development. Ali also served as an associate to Michael Young, a prominent sociologist and social activist. Her election was a significant milestone and paved the way for other British Bangladeshis to pursue national political careers.

Following Rushanara Ali's success, other British Bangladeshis have also made significant strides in British politics. Tulip Siddiq, elected in 2015 as the Labour MP for Hampstead and Kilburn, and Rupa Huq, elected the same year as the Labour MP for Ealing Central and Acton, are notable examples. Both MPs have been active advocates for social justice, equality, and community cohesion. 

Additionally, Apsana Begum was elected in 2019 as the MP for the Poplar and Limehouse constituency. 

Beyond these MPs, Foysol Hussain Choudhury MBE has been a member of the Scottish Parliament (MSP) for the Lothian region since May 2021.

In recent years, British Bangladeshi politicians have continued to make their mark in UK politics, serving in various capacities, including on parliamentary committees and in shadow cabinet roles, further increasing their influence and visibility. Their involvement has highlighted issues affecting not only the Bangladeshi community but also broader societal concerns, contributing to a more inclusive political landscape.

The journey of British Bangladeshis in mainstream UK politics reflects a gradual but significant progression from local activism to national prominence. This trajectory underscores the increasing diversity and inclusivity of British political life, marking a shift towards a more representative democracy.

As we progress into mainstream politics, we anticipate more eligible candidates from all parties. There is a perception that the Labour Party would present a significant number of candidates, but unfortunately, this has not been the case. It is disheartening to observe that only a handful of candidates have received nominations from the Labour Party, which does not truly reflect the Bengali population living in the UK.

So far, I have identified 34 candidates standing for the Member of Parliament elections. There may be more candidates that I am not aware of. Among these, eight candidates are from the Labour Party, two from the Conservative Party, one from the SNP, and one from the Liberal Democrats. The remaining candidates are running from independents and other parties. 

The limited representation from major parties, particularly the Labour Party, highlights a broader issue of underrepresentation of the Bengali community in UK politics. This disparity underscores the need for more inclusive candidate selection processes across all political parties to ensure a diverse and representative political landscape.

34 British Bangladeshi MP Candidates.

1. Rushanara Ali (Bethnal Green & Bow), 2. Apsana Begum (Poplar & Limehouse), 3. Tulip Rizwana Siddiq (Labour, Hampstead and Highgate), 4. Dr Rupa Asha Huq (Labour, Ealing Central and Acton), 5. Nurul Hoque Ali (Labour, Gordon and Buchan), 6. Rumi Chowdhury (Labour, Witham), 7. Rufia Ashraf (Labour, South Northamptonshire), 8. Attic Rahman (Conservative, Tottenham), 9. Syed Shamim Ahsan (Syduzzaman Syed), (Conservative, Ilford South), 10.  Naz Anis-Miah (Scottish National Party (SNP), Dunfermline and Dollar), 11. Rabina KHAN (Liberal Democrats, Bethnal Green & Stepney), 12. Ajmal MASROOR (Independent, Bethnal Green & Stepney), 13. Sham Uddin (Independent, Bethnal Green & Stepney), 14. Ehtashamul Haque (Independent, Poplar & Limehouse), 15. Wais Islam (Independent, Holborn and St Pancras), 16. Barrister Omar Faruk (Independent, Startford and Bow), 17. Syed Siddiqi (Green Party, Ilford South), 18. Noor Jahan Begum (Independent, Ilford South), 19. Golam Tipu (Workers Party, Ilford South), 20. Mohammed Shahed Hussain (Workers Party, Hackney South Shoreditch), 21. Raj Farhad (Reform Party, Ilford South), 22. Najmul Hussian (Labour, Brigg and Immingham), 23. Prince Sadiq Chaudury ( Workers Party, Bedford), 24. Md Somon Ahmed (Independent, Bethnal Green & Stepney), 25. Raja Miah (Independent, Oldham West, Chadderton and Royston), 26. Nizam Ali (Independent, Stratford and Bow), 27. Halima Khan (Workers Party , Stratford and Bow), 28. Abul Kalam Azad (Independent, Bexhill and Battle), 29. Faisal Kabir (Workers party, Altrincham and Sale West), 30. Syed Samsuzzaman (Shams)  (Green Party, Oldham West, Chadderton and Royston), 31. Mohhammed Bilal (Workers Party, Manchester Rusholme), 32. Habib Rahman (Independent, Newcastle Central & West), 33. Momtaz Khanom (Socialist, Folkestone and Hythe), 34. Sharmen Rahman, Green Party, Leicester South

Note: Barrister Tareq Chowdhury (Editor of weekly Bangla Post) has assisted me with the information and data for the preparation of this article, and I am grateful to him for his help.

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Nobab Uddin,
Senior employee at Leading Housing Association in UK
Chair, EastHands International Charity
Former Editor, Janomot Newsweekly
Founder member and Former President, London Bangla Press Club
28  June 2024.