Brighton council elects first Muslim mayor

IRIC — Fri, 24 May 2024 13:40:28 +0000

Mohammed Asaduzzaman has been elected Brighton and Hove’s first Muslim mayor

Brighton and Hove has elected its first ever South Asian Muslim mayor.

Councillors unanimously voted for Mohammed Asaduzzaman, who was elected to Brighton & Hove City Council in the Hollingdean and Fiveways ward last May.

Council leader Bella Sankey said Mr Asaduzzaman was “warm, kind, funny and ambitious for our city”.

“Brighton and Hove can look forward to a mayor whose compassion has already left a mark on the city’s social, cultural, economic and political landscape,” she said.

Mr Asaduzzaman, who has lived in the city for 30 years, previously worked with the state minister for irrigation and water development in Bangladesh, and has a degree in political science.

Labour councillor Amanda Grimshaw was elected as deputy mayor

During the Covid-19 pandemic, he provided 500 free meals to essential service providers. He also pushed for vaccinations for those with uncertain immigration status, acted as an interpreter for those in legal need and gave support to victims of crime.

Ms Sankey added: “With three decades of residency in Brighton, he has woven himself into the very fabric of the community… His journey from Bangladesh to Brighton exemplifies a life dedicated to public service and community betterment.”

Mohammed Asaduzzaman and Most Jasmin Ara

In Brighton and Hove, the mayor has a largely ceremonial role as first citizen, as well as chairing meetings of full council.

Each year, the mayor traditionally supports local charities. The 63-year-old has chosen BHT Sussex, the Sussex Cricket Foundation, Chomp Brighton, My University Hospitals Sussex, Brighton Students’ Union and the Royal Pavilion and Museums Trust.

Labour councillor Amanda Grimshaw was elected as deputy mayor and is expected to take over the mayoralty in a year.

Source: BBC

Pro-Palestinian protesters demand immediate end to Gaza hostilities

IRIC — Sat, 06 Jan 2024 12:37:09 +0000

As Israel’s war on Gaza extends into its 92^nd day, pro-Palestinian demonstrators in the UK have intensified their calls for an immediate and permanent cease-fire in the blockaded strip.

The widespread demonstrations are aimed at urging a cease-fire in Gaza, with participants converging in various cities, including Birmingham, Bristol, Brighton, Canterbury, Oxford, and Hastings.

Protesters chanted anti-Israel slogans and carried Palestinian flags and signs, with some reading “Stop bombing Gaza,” “You should be ashamed,” “From river to sea Palestine will be free,” “Freedom for Palestine,” “End Genocide,” and “Cease-fire now.”

“With Israel’s catastrophic onslaught ongoing, we must continue to take action to demand a cease-fire now, and an end to British complicity in Israel’s apartheid rule over the Palestinian people,” the Palestine Solidarity Campaign said in a statement.

Addressing the protesters in Camden, Sabby Sagall, the president of the Camden Palestine Solidarity Campaign, said Israel has intensified its attacks on Gaza. Pointing out Israel’s history of ethnic cleansing since 1947, Sagall praised the International Criminal Court’s application against Israel, submitted by South Africa, and described it as the most positive step taken during this process.

Carrying Palestinian flags, protesters held banners with messages such as “Stop killing innocent people,” “Chancellor Scholz, Foreign Minister Baerbock, when will you have enough blood?” “German politicians are silent, deaf, and blind to Palestine,” “End the occupation in Gaza,” and “You cannot build sacred grounds on the mass graves of children.”

Also, a demonstration in solidarity with Palestine was held in Germany’s capital Berlin on Saturday.

Nearly 1,500 protesters gathered at Mehringplatz Square and marched to Potsdamer Platz in the center of Berlin, conveying messages of support to Palestine as well as protesting Israel’s attacks on Gaza.

Source: Anadolu Agency

Brighton – Islamic Research and Information Center (IRIC)

Brighton council elects first Muslim mayor

Pro-Palestinian protesters demand immediate end to Gaza hostilities