Diversity is Not Domination – It is the Fabric of British Life

By Sunahwar Ali

Former Chief Whip, Tower Hamlets Council | London–Dhaka
The recent political rhetoric surrounding Ramadan and Eid celebrations has been deeply troubling. To describe peaceful Muslim gatherings as an “act of domination” is not just ignorant—it is dangerous.
I have spent decades campaigning against racism and injustice.
I have seen this mindset before. Face to face.
Years ago in Hackney, a National Front member who was part of a crowd I was in later became close to me.
He said: “You’re different from the other Alis.”
I rejected his words. “I am not different. You simply haven’t mixed with other Bengali or Asian people yet. That is the only reason you think I am different. At the end of the day, we are all human.”
Prejudice is often born from separation. When people do not mix, ignorance fills the gap. Politicians who seek to divide us exploit that ignorance.
The British identity is strong.
As one young Muslim said recently: “If I see other communities practising their faith publicly and peacefully, if anything it makes me feel more British.”
I agree.
I have seen Sikh neighbours sharing food with passersby. I have attended open iftars where all are welcome. This is not domination. This is Britain at its best.
The problem lies not with any religion, but with the fixed mindset that sees difference as a threat. We must not allow a few politicians to define who we are.
I remain committed to fighting racism, injustice, and corruption—in London, in Dhaka, and wherever it appears. Our diversity is not a weakness. It is our strength.

That is what being British means to me.

Sunahwar Ali is a former Chief Whip of Tower Hamlets Council and an anti-racist, anti-injustice, and anti-corruption campaigner based between London and Dhaka.