The Bangladesh election has gripped local politics in east London, with Tower Hamlets councillors becoming so heavily involved in campaigning in Dhaka that residents say their local responsibilities are being left behind. The growing absenteeism row has sparked anger in one of the UK's most diverse boroughs, where community identity and political representation remain deeply intertwined.
This controversy comes during the first national polls in Bangladesh since the ousting of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina on 31 August 2024. Several Tower Hamlets councillors appear to be diverting time and focus from local duties to pursue parliamentary opportunities abroad, prompting frustration among residents dealing with unresolved issues such as housing, waste management and street maintenance.
