From Tower Hamlets to UN: Rise of Lucky Humayun Kabir in BNP

Humayun Kabir, a British Bangladeshi, is making a significant mark on the political landscape, transitioning from a key role in the British Labour Party to a prominent position within the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). Once the secretary of the Labour Party’s Bethnal Green and Bow Constituency Labour Party (CLP)—a role that often leads to local government elections—Kabir had ambitions of running for a councilor seat in the 2006 local elections. However, he resigned from the Labour Party in 2008, shifting his focus away from mainstream British politics to become actively involved with the BNP.

Kabir quickly carved out a unique and influential role for himself within the party. He is currently the International Affairs Secretary for the BNP and a key member of the Foreign Affairs Advisory Committee. Despite the presence of many prominent leaders, including numerous international secretaries and standing committee members, Kabir has secured a spot on the small list of Tarique Rahman’s most trusted confidants.

His growing influence is further highlighted by his recent travel to the UN as part of a delegation accompanying the BNP's Secretary General and Dr. Muhammad Yunus. This trip has sparked speculation, particularly because Jamaat and NCP leaders are also part of Dr. Yunus's delegation. Discussions are expected to cover a range of critical issues, including the upcoming elections, with the possibility of reaching a consensus among the different parties.

A leader, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said that while Humayun speaks in Bengali with everyone else, he speaks in English with our leader. The fact that he secured a place in all the VVIP meetings and tours, from the meeting between Tarique Rahman and Dr. Yunus in London to the UN, proves how fortunate he is.

In addition to his international work, Humayun Kabir, who also serves as a foreign affairs advisor to acting BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman, is being considered as a potential parliamentary candidate for the Sylhet-2 (Biswanath-Osmaninagar) constituency.

A question was sent to Humayun Kabir via WhatsApp on Thursday, asking if he had joined any other British political party or was currently involved in mainstream British politics after his 2008 resignation from the Labour Party. As of the time of this report, a response had not been received.