Council members in Brighton & Hove are anticipated to name British Bangladeshi Mohammed Asaduzzaman as the future mayor of the city.

After 30 years of living in Brighton, Councillor Asaduzzaman will become the first South Asian Muslim councillor to be elected to the coveted position of mayor if the motion is approved at this year's Annual Council meeting on Thursday, May 16.

Councillor Asaduzzaman was well-known in the city before to entering politics, having been actively involved in a number of charitable and cultural institutions.

His roots in public service trace back to his work with the State Minister for Irrigation and Water Development in Bangladesh and his degree in Political Science.

A commitment to tolerance, diversity and inclusion

Since settling in Britain in 1995, Councillor Asaduzzaman has committed himself to promoting tolerance, diversity and inclusion with connections rooted in the community.

Council leader Bella Sankey said: “The appointment of Councillor Mohammed Asaduzzaman as Mayor at the Annual Council stands out as a pivotal moment.

“His journey from Bangladesh to Brighton exemplifies a life dedicated to public service and community betterment.

“With 3 decades of residency in Brighton, he has woven himself into the very fabric of the community.”

Spearheading events to celebrate diversity

Councillor Asaduzzaman has also been an advocate for social cohesion, from co-founding the Brighton & Hove Multicultural Group to spearheading events that celebrate diversity.

He also has a lasting commitment to justice and inclusivity through his involvement in multi-agency work in advisory and scrutiny roles coupled with his efforts as an interpreter for those in legal need.

In community safety, Councillor Asaduzzaman's has supported victims of crime and abuse but actively campaigned for the removal of drug-dealing phone boxes while championing the rights of migrants facing crime.

He was also founder of the Turner World Festival and organised the multicultural Eid Festival to help foster cultural appreciation.

Eradicating hate and building bridges

He was a master of ceremony with the One Voice project and participated in the United Nations Cultural Day to help eradicate hate and build bridges.

Campaigning for Undivided soldiers' recognition, food as culture and political engagement are all part of Councillor Asaduzzaman's approach to community welfare.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Councillor Asaduzzaman advocated for free vaccines for those with uncertain immigration statuses and provided 500 free meals from his business to essential service providers.

Thanks from Downing Street and an invite from the Queen

Councillor Asaduzzaman's commitment to the community has been recognised with prestigious awards, including a Home Office Respect Award, a Letter of Thanks from 10 Downing Street, and also visited to Buckingham Palace invited by the late Her Majesty the Queen.

Councillor Sankey added: “As Councillor Asaduzzaman assumes the role of Mayor, Brighton & Hove can look forward to a Mayor whose compassion has already left an mark on the city's social, cultural, economic and political landscape.”