I moved to the UK from Bangladesh as a student in 2013.

Full statement

Over the last 12+ years, I have studied and worked in South Wales, Bath, and Glasgow. Eventually, I settled in North London, charmed by its diversity, social cohesion, and activist spirit. Not too long ago, I proudly took my citizenship oath at Enfield Civic Centre.

Having grown up in a close-knit family, I am passionate about building community. I believe that community transcends simply putting homes next to each other. It requires social spaces, events, and amenities. This is why I oppose the submitted plan for Southbury Leisure Park. Building housing for the sake of housing while ignoring residents' concerns breaks community spirit. The proposed redevelopment would remove valuable spaces such as the cinema and restaurants, catering only to those who can afford to rent in the sprawling towers.

This is also a wasted opportunity to build affordable homes. At a time when the cost of living is high and temporary accommodations are on the rise, contributing to an overall housing crisis, Build to Rent properties in tower blocks is unsuitable and only serves Labour's Westminster agenda.

As councillor, I will be the voice of Southbury's residents, and push for a considerate urban design that ensures affordable housing, green spaces, sufficient parking provision, and amenities for the neighbourhood.

With a third of its residents born outside the UK, Southbury is a diverse ward, comprising people from all races, faiths, and ethnicities. I have served as Equality Officer in various groups, and am passionate about interfaith, intersectional activism. To further my efforts to eliminate social isolation, I have also signed the pledge to extend free public transport to all. While tackling climate change and air pollution, this will put people first and ensure equal access to mobility.

I have been involved in social justice and environmental issues since university. I spent two years in the Board of Directors for People and Planet - "campaigning to alleviate world poverty, defend human rights and protect the environment". We successfully campaigned for Bath University, from where I graduated, to divest from fossil fuels. In London, I have litter-picked in River Lea in a kayak alongside Greenpeace, marched for Palestinian self-determination, and marshalled the London Marathon for Myeloma UK. Locally, for the last 4 years, I have been involved with Streets Kitchen Harringay, cooking and serving hot meals to 60+ people.

After almost a decade of volunteering and activism, I am ready to concentrate my efforts into causes closer to home. It would be my privilege to represent the people of Southbury as their Councillor, and make a meaningful impact in my own community.