Dr Wajid Akhter has been elected as the new Secretary General of the Muslim Council of Britain (MCB), declaring the organisation needs “Open Heart Surgery” to implement major reforms.
Dr Akhter, who won the position after defeating Dr Muhammad Adrees in Saturday’s election, succeeds Zara Mohammed following her four-year term as head of Britain’s largest Muslim umbrella organisation.
In his inaugural address, Dr Akhter unveiled “Vision 2050,” an ambitious plan to unite and empower Muslim communities while enhancing their contribution to British society.
The vision emphasises the need to unite, empower and serve Muslim communities and the country as they contribute to a just, cohesive and successful British society.
He committed to a comprehensive review of the MCB’s structure to better address future challenges and opportunities for Muslims.
“We have to admit there are many issues which can’t be dressed up with cosmetics, but it needs Open Heart Surgery!,” he said.
“As Allah says in the Quran: “Allah does not change the condition of a people until they change what is in themselves.”
“It is time for change.”
“Since the MCB was founded in 1997, our community has changed, our country has changed and our challenges and opportunities have changed – as an organisation we must change as well.”
Dr Akhter called for a “community that has a unity of purpose, not a uniformity of views”, and is “empowered to serve people regardless of creed or colour.”
Dealing with smears and Islamophobia
Dr Akhter directly addressed critical issues facing British Muslims, including recent spikes in Islamophobia on social media.
“We must shift from seeing ourselves as powerless victims to becoming the powerful, inspirational authors of our own stories.
“We must sidestep the culture wars that force us into a corner and label everyone who criticises us as racist or Islamophobic. We must be willing to engage in good faith with even our most ardent critics. Build bridges, not barriers.”
On the recent issue over grooming gangs and the false accusations about Muslim communities, Dr Akhter said: “Let me make it crystal clear. One groomer is one too many, Muslim or otherwise. But using the heinous acts of a few to misrepresent an entire faith and an ethnicity is also unacceptable. We will act against both injustices.”
Addressing accusations against the new MCB leadership ahead of the election, Dr Akhter said: “Dr Adrees and I faced familiar smears questioning our loyalty – the kind British Muslims in public life know all too well. As someone born and raised here, I find it painful to have my Britishness questioned by self-appointed judges of who is a ‘good’ or ‘bad’ Muslim. I will keep serving both my community and my country, regardless of attacks.”
Dr Akhter also thanked the outgoing Mohammed “for being a trailblazer for female leadership in our communities, inspiring generations of young women and men.”
