FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Dr Wajid Akhter has been elected the new Secretary General with a promise of major reforms in the organisation and a commitment to community and country.
Key Points:
- Dr Wajid Akhter elected as new Secretary General of the Muslim Council of Britain, setting out ambitious “Vision 2050” plan for British Muslim communities
- Promises major organisational reforms to better serve community and country
- Calls for Muslims to build bridges and initiate change from within
Dr Wajid Akhter has been elected as the new Secretary General of the Muslim Council of Britain (MCB), the UK’s largest Muslim umbrella body. The election took place at the MCB Annual General Meeting in London, where delegates representing 500 affiliated organisations cast their votes following a series of nationwide hustings.
Also standing for the position of Secretary General was Dr Muhammad Adrees of the Muslim Council of Scotland in an election praised for its focus on policy and vision for the 27 year old organisation.
VISION FOR RENEWAL
In his inaugural address, Dr Akhter revealed an ambitious plan for renewal of the MCB, outlining “Vision 2050” – a transformative agenda for British Muslim communities. The vision emphasises the need to unite, empower and serve Muslim communities and the country as they contribute to a just, cohesive and successful British society.
The new Secretary General promised a root and branch review of the Muslim Council of Britain to ensure the organisation better serves Muslim communities for the challenges and opportunities ahead.
He said: “Since the MCB was founded in 1997, our community has changed, our country has changed and our challenges and opportunities have changed – as an organisation we must change as well.”
Dr Akhter called for a “community that has a unity of purpose, not a uniformity of views”, and is “empowered to serve people regardless of creed or colour.” He outlined his vision of British Muslims “not just participating in the AI revolution but leading it and making the British Isles the next Silicon Valley.”
ADDRESSING CONTEMPORARY CHALLENGES
Dr Akhter directly addressed pressing issues facing British Muslims, including recent spikes in Islamophobia on social media.
“We must shift from seeing ourselves as powerless victims to becoming the powerful, inspirational authors of our own stories.
We must sidestep the culture wars that force us into a corner and label everyone who criticises us as racist or Islamophobic. We must be willing to engage in good faith with even our most ardent critics. Build bridges, not barriers.”
On the recent furore over grooming gangs and the subsequent smearing of Muslim communities, Dr Akhter said: “Let me make it crystal clear. One groomer is one too many, Muslim or otherwise. But using the heinous acts of a few to misrepresent an entire faith and an ethnicity is also unacceptable. We will act against both injustices.”
Addressing accusations against the new MCB leadership ahead of the election, Dr Akhter said: “Dr Adrees and I faced familiar smears questioning our loyalty – the kind British Muslims in public life know all too well. As someone born and raised here, I find it painful to have my Britishness questioned by self-appointed judges of who is a ‘good’ or ‘bad’ Muslim. I will keep serving both my community and my country, regardless of attacks.”
NEW LEADERSHIP TEAM
Maswood Ahmed was elected as Deputy Secretary General. A veteran community leader with over 35 years of experience in social work, Ahmed has been involved with the MCB since its inauguration in 1997 and currently serves as CEO of Inspireamillion.
The remaining executive team will be confirmed by the MCB’s National Council in the coming weeks.
In her concluding remarks, the outgoing Secretary General Zara Mohammed conveyed her good wishes to the new leadership. Reflecting on her time in office, Zara Mohammed said: “It has been one of the greatest honours of my life to serve as the Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Britain over the past four years. These have been some of the most challenging years for British Muslims, marked by rising Islamophobia, extreme far-right riots, global conflicts, and uncertainty as we enter a new year. “Throughout this time, we have worked tirelessly to advocate for British Muslim communities and to promote the common good. I hope my leadership has inspired more women and young people to believe in their ability to drive meaningful change, breaking barriers and challenging the stereotypes I encountered when I was elected. I thank my team for their hard work and dedication and our affiliates for supporting us greatly.”
Maswood Ahmed, Deputy Secretary General of the MCB
Notes to Editors:
About Dr Wajid Akhter
Dr Akhter brings extensive experience in community leadership and healthcare. His previous roles include founding a youth project raising millions of pounds for orphans and children in need across the world, Vice President of the British Islamic Medical Association, Lifesavers Project Lead, and Assistant Secretary General of the MCB.
About Maswood Ahmed
A seasoned social worker and leadership consultant, Ahmed has held senior positions in local government and the third sector. His work was featured in the government’s Green Paper ‘Every Child Matters’, and he has received numerous accolades including the Community Leadership Award. He has served on the MCB’s National Council since 2013 and chaired the Education Affairs Committee.
About the Muslim Council of Britain
The Muslim Council of Britain is the UK’s largest and most diverse national Muslim umbrella organisation with over 500 affiliated national, regional and local organisations, mosques, charities and schools.
For further information:
• Full text of Dr Akhter’s inaugural speech
• MCB Website: mcbplatform-production.up.railway.app
Media Contact: [email protected]