Md. Shamsed Chowdhury, a talented son of Chittagong's Raojan area, won a significant victory in the Westminster City local elections for the Hyde Park ward on May 5, 2022. There was a significant change in his election this time, the change being that Shamsed Chowdhury ended the 58-year dominance of the Conservative Party that began in 1964 as a Labour candidate. Because three Labour councilors were chosen. Among them, Md. Shamsed Chowdhury won by 804 votes. Shamsed Chowdhury is the third son of Md. Solaiman Chowdhury, a resident of Panchkhain village in Raojan, Chittagong. The other two elected councilors are Bar Judy Southern and Paul Dimdenorg.

Hyde Park Ward Brief Description:
Located in the inner part of London, the City of Westminster is a central borough of Greater London, comprising 18 wards and including important areas such as the West End, Edgware Road, Hyde Park, Victoria and the iconic River Thames near Big Ben.

Westminster is famous for some of London's iconic landmarks, such as Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, Whitehall, Westminster Cathedral, 10 Downing Street and Trafalgar Square. Founded as a city in 1540, it was historically part of the ceremonial county of Middlesex. The borough covers a diverse range of areas, including the historic political district of Westminster, the vibrant shopping areas around Oxford Street, Regent Street, Piccadilly and Bond Street, as well as the vibrant nightlife hub of Soho. Although primarily residential, the borough had an estimated population of 261,000 in 2019. Although there are several parks and open spaces, including Hyde Park and Regent's Park, the area is densely populated.

The City of Westminster was granted city status in 1540.
Westminster City Council, which serves as the local governing body for the City of Westminster in London, England, holds elections every four years. Following the most recent boundary changes in 2002, a total of 60 councillors are elected from 20 separate wards. The latest boundary changes were implemented for the 2022 elections, creating 18 wards, each with three members, representing a total of 54 councillors.
The governing body for the area is Westminster City Council, headed by a Lord Mayor. Since 1966, Westminster has served as a local authority for the City of Westminster in London, England, with the Mayor of London also overseeing it.

Md. Shamshid Chowdhury has lived and worked in Westminster since 2016. He brings a wealth of experience to his role. In addition to his professional commitments, he actively volunteers for a homeless charity in the area. Fluent in English, Arabic, Hindi, Urdu and Bengali, he has become well-known among local residents and businesses in Edgware Road. As a key member of the Edgware Road community, his leadership has fostered strong relationships with Marble Arch Bid London, which played a key role in sponsoring the first Ramadan lighting of Edgware Road High Street. This landmark event was inaugurated by Councillor Md Shamshid Chowdhury and received coverage as an Honorary Councillor in London’s prestigious newspaper, The Times.

Councillor Chowdhury has been nominated as Deputy Cabinet Member for City Management and Air Quality. In addition, he serves on a number of committees within the council, including the Finance, Planning and Economic Development Policy and Scrutiny Committee, Licensing and its sub-committees, Planning and Urban Development Committee, Planning Sub-committee and Standards Committee, and is Chairman of the Edgware Road Strategy Group. In addition, he is a Trustee of the Edward Harvest Trust.

Throughout his term, he has been responsible for deciding on significant planning and licensing applications, including those for the National Gallery in Trafalgar Square, the Royal Academy of Arts, the Fenwick Store in New Bond Street, the London Trocadero in Piccadilly Circus and the new premises licence in connection with Her Majesty’s Coronation in 2023, and has gained recognition for many other significant responsibilities within the City of Westminster.

In May 2024, Councillor Chowdhury and his father received a personal invitation from Her Majesty to attend a garden party at Buckingham Palace.

Solayman Chowdhury expressed his pride for his son's achievement. He asked the countrymen for prayers for his son and his parents are currently living permanently in Sharjah, Emirates.

Author—
M. Mansur Alam
Organizing Secretary-
Chittagong Citizens Forum.