Birmingham Appoints First Muslim Mayor as City Council Opens with Quran Reading

Birmingham Appoints First Muslim Mayor as City Council Opens with Quran Reading
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Birmingham, the United Kingdom’s second-largest city, marked a historic milestone with the inauguration of its first Muslim mayor, Zaker Chowdhury, on Thursday. For the first time, the city council session opened with a recitation from the Quran, reflecting the city’s diverse cultural and religious community.

Chowdhury, a Pakistani-born Muslim, represents the Liberal Democrat Party and becomes the first Muslim mayor of a city where Muslims constitute roughly 30% of the population. He emigrated to Birmingham in 1969 at the age of 14 and has been a British citizen for several years. He has served as a local councillor since 2006, representing Bordesley Green and South Yardley, focusing on community welfare and public safety.

Born in Azad Kashmir, Pakistan, Chowdhury was raised in a close-knit rural community instilled with values of faith, service, and integrity. Several family members, including his father—who was honored by King George VI in 1945 for his service during World War II—served in the military.

Chowdhury’s career includes extensive experience in manufacturing, senior operational roles, and successful business ventures in real estate and local projects. His civic service encompasses leadership positions on the West Midlands Police Authority and deputy chair of the health review committee, highlighting his longstanding commitment to public service and community engagement.