It will be a honour to serve the people of Newcastle Central and West

Personal Background and Early Life
 

Habib Rahman, currently an Independent Newcastle City Councillor (left the Labour Party on the 26th January 2024 citing racism, islamophobia and the party’s position on the Gaza) is a pioneering figure in Newcastle’s political landscape. He is the city’s first Bangladeshi Muslim Cabinet Member and the first Bangladeshi and Muslim Lord Mayor in its 800-year history. Born in Bangladesh, Habib arrived in the UK in November 1985 with his mother and brothers. Now 50 years old, he has always lived in Newcastle upon Tyne. Habib married his wife in 2001 and together they have three sons aged 21, 19 and 8.

Early Challenges and Advocacy

Habib's early life was marked by significant challenges and hardships. Following the racially motivated murder of his father, Azizur Rahman (known as Dorzi), in 1977, Habib's childhood was filled with desperation, insecurity, and poverty. At a very young age, he did not receive primary education in Bangladesh due to his family's dire situation. By the age of 8 or 9, Habib was helping his eldest brothers sell fruit and vegetables to support the family and put food on the table. Despite these early struggles, Habib showed remarkable resilience. Arriving in the UK with no English, he pursued education at Rutherford School and achieved a Diploma in Business & Finance from Newcastle College. Habib began his advocacy against racial abuse in the late '80s and '90s, becoming a Youth Liaison Officer for the Newcastle Bangladeshi Association in 1991.

Community Involvement and Leadership

At 16, Habib volunteered with the United Black Youth Association (UBYA), becoming a youth worker and continuing until the organization ceased in 2002. He led the first Asian/Black-led demonstration for justice following the racially motivated murder of Khuaz Miah in 1992. In the late 1990s, Habib contributed to the anti-racist campaign 'Show Racism the Red Card' serving as a management committee member, continues to support this charity now as one of its ambassadors.

Professional Career and Political Journey

In 1998, Habib became the senior officer for the Racial Harassment Project (RHP), promoting community cohesion and anti-racist training. He also established the 'Newcastle Tigers Football Club,' the first BAME amateur football team in the area. Habib worked as a Senior Youth Worker for North Tyneside Council from 2002 to 2006, addressing issues such as drugs, racism, and bullying. Habib worked in the area his dad was murdered back in 1977.

In 2012, Habib joined the South Tyneside Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) as a Welfare Advisor before shifting focus to his political career and family in 2015. He currently works for a regional refugee charity, leading a homelessness project.

Political Achievements and Advocacy

Habib's political career began with his election as a Councillor for Newcastle City Council in 2010, representing the Labour party. He was appointed as a Cabinet Member for Communities in 2018, becoming the first BAME Cabinet Member in the North East. In 2015, he founded the Rohingya Action North East (RANE), raising awareness of the Rohingya genocide. He led a study visit to Bangladesh in 2016 and organized a mass demonstration in 2017.

Recognition and Legacy

Habib is highly respected for his work with diverse communities in Newcastle. He advocated for a memorial for the Rwandan genocide, unveiled in June 2024, and is pursuing memorials for the Bosnian Genocide and the Roma Holocaust. He also commemorated the city's first BAME Bangladeshi Councillor, Hamed Kutub, with a Blue Plaque in 2022 and honored Shuley Hoque, founder of Compact for Race Equality South Tyneside, with a plaque in 2023.

Personal Qualities and Initiatives

Known for his sense of humor and adventurous spirit, Habib launched the #LungiChallenge to raise funds for Rohingya children's education, traveling from Bangladesh to the UK in traditional Bangladeshi attire. He often wears his lungi at cultural events, proudly showcasing his heritage.

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In His Own Words

“Every day, I am inspired by the work being done in our community, fostering strong community links and relationships. Meeting people, learning from them, and working with them to build a fairer society is what being an elected representative is all about, being a voice for the voiceless.”