Historic Mayoral role for Muslim councillor

The appointment of Councillor Mohammed Asaduzzaman as Deputy Mayor of Brighton & Hove at Annual Council marks a historic moment for the city. Councillor Asaduzzaman is the city’s first Muslim councillor in a mayoral role when he takes over the role in 2024.

Councillor Asaduzzaman was brought up in Bangladesh, where he worked with the State Minister for Irrigation and Water Development, until his move to Britain in 1995. He has been a Brighton resident for nearly 27 years.

Long before he became a councillor, Councillor Asaduzzaman was involved with many charities and cultural organisations across the city and was well known in the community.

The photograph shows a smiling Councillor Mohammed Asaduzzaman, newly appointed Deputy Mayor of Brighton & Hove.

Councillor Asaduzzaman said: “I am pleased and proud to have been asked to be Deputy Mayor of our wonderful city. I feel it is recognition of my passion for promoting tolerance, diversity and inclusiveness in Brighton & Hove.

“As deputy mayor, and later mayor, I will continue to be involved in and organise multicultural activities to which everyone is welcome.

“I was a founder member of Brighton & Hove Multicultural Group, which promotes diversity, equality, inclusion and social cohesion through events and hospitality.

“This has included social events, helping to commemorate local people with Blue Plaques and remembering those who lost their lives in WW1 with an annual commemoration at The Chattri Monument.”

Councillor Asaduzzaman has been involved in various race advisory and scrutiny roles with Sussex Police and has helped as an interpreter for those who need assistance with the English language in official, legal situations.

His contribution to the community has been recognised with many awards including a Home Office Respect Award, a Letter of Thanks from 10 Downing Street and an invitation to visit Buckingham Palace.

Councillor Asaduzzaman is a councillor in Hollingdean and Fiveways.

He added: “I am very much looking forward to supporting our new Mayor, Councillor Jackie O’Quinn, with her official duties this year and to taking up my role as Mayor next year. It is an honour to have been chosen to represent this inclusive and tolerant city.”