Azadur Rahman Azad could been in the mayor’s parlour

AN Awami League politician used the ceremonial parlour at the Town Hall to film a political video while his wife was serving as the borough’s mayor, writes Richard Osley.

The council said this week that permission was not sought before Azadur Rahman Azad chose the grand setting for his broadcast, in which the flowers and regalia of the mayoral rooms on the civic
floor could clearly be seen.

It is understood to have been filmed during the time Labour councillor Nazma Rahman was Camden’s mayor. No action is being taken against her and it is understood legal officers will remind councillors and all incoming mayors about what is and isn’t allowed.

It has not been established whether she knew the filming was taking place, but the role of Camden mayor is supposed to be non-partisan and the resources that come with it must not be used for political gain.

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Cllr Rahman had already been caught up in controversy last year when it was revealed she had missed so many meetings that she could be at risk of losing her seat. A special dispensation was being prepared before she finally appeared at a full council meeting.

It was said then that she had gone “into hiding” after becoming stuck in Bangladesh during the seismic change of power in August which saw the Awami League government collapse and leader Sheikh Hasina flee the country.

Cllr Nazma Rahman

Mr Rahman Azad has been reported to have been a staunch supporter of Sheikh Hasina and a prominent
organiser in Sylhet.

Ms Rahman continued to be paid an allowance by Camden Council even though she was unable to carry out the bulk of her responsibilities.

She did not respond to our query this week. Questions were raised in the autumn when the investigative journalist David Bergman shared the video on Twitter, asking how it had been allowed – but to no response from anybody involved.

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It became clear over the weekend that investigative journalists chasing leads on Hampstead and Highgate MP Tulip Siddiq had extended their enquiries to what elected councillors and other figures from Camden may have said during trips to Bangladesh, although translations have differed.

A Camden Council spokesperson said, in relation to Mr Rahman Azad’s film: “The council was not aware that this video was being filmed on our premises, nor were we asked for permission in advance. Had a request been made we would have declined. We will be taking steps to make sure this does not happen in future.”

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