BRITISH councillors should not be allowed to stand for election in Bangladesh too, the Communities Secretary warns.
Steve Reed said he was “appalled” that local representatives in Tower Hamlets were running for office in the South Asian country.
He has blasted the London authority after it emerged Mile End councillor Sabina Khan is a Bangladesh National Party candidate in next year’s elections.
Poplar councillor Ohid Ahmed is also reported to be standing in Bangladesh.
Mr Reed has written to the Tower Hamlets leadership urging them to do “all you can” to stop councillors campaigning in another country while their own authority is on the rocks.
In a letter seen by The Sun, he says: “I am appalled that any councillor elected by local people to serve their interests would even consider abandoning that commitment to campaign in another country.
“I am particularly disappointed that Tower Hamlets councillors would consider doing so while the Council is on a significant improvement journey.
“That journey requires a dedicated and fully engaged political leadership to grip and deliver the necessary change.
“I would urge you to do all you can to stop this situation and remind all councillors in the borough that their focus needs to be on helping the people of Tower Hamlets.”
Nothing in UK law prevents councillors from standing for election abroad, but Ms Khan has reportedly said she will stand down if elected in Bangladesh.
