The constituency has a Muslim population, largely Bangladeshi, approaching 40 per cent, the highest in the UK and for the first time the seat is being contested by no less than five Muslim candidates from different political parties.
At the last elections in 2005, Bethnal Green and Bow proved to be one of the major upset results when it was captured from the ruling Labour Party by the leader of the Respect Party George Galloway standing on an anti-war platform.
Following Galloway’s decision to seek re-election in the newly created and adjacent constituency of Poplar and Limehouse, the task of defending the seat is being taken on by 39-year old local Respect councillor Abjol Miah.
Labour has selected 35-year old Oxford University graduate Rushanara Ali (pictured), who was also born in Bangladesh, to try to regain the east London seat that was lost by just 823 votes.
The Liberal Democrats, who came a distant third at the last elections, are fielding 39-year old broadcast journalist and local imam, Ajmal Masroor, while community worker Zakir Khan is standing for the Conservatives and the Greens have selected prolific writer Farid Bakht.
The only non-Muslim contesting the seat is Alexander van Terheyden for the fringe Pirate Party UK, whose core policies are to bring about reform to Copyright and Patent laws, support privacy and reduce government surveillance.
Among other Muslim candidates standing elsewhere in the UK’s elections on May 6, around 10 or more, are in prominent positions to become MPs, up from four elected in 2005. The winners are expected to include the first Muslim women, who Rushanara Ali is hoping to join.
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