Feni’s Nazrul Islam Contesting in Finland's City Council Elections

Bangladesh-origin Candidate Aims for Council Position in Espoo

Nazrul Islam, a Finnish citizen of Bangladeshi descent, is set to compete in the upcoming city council elections in Finland, scheduled for April. He is vying for a councilor position representing the city of Espoo. Nazrul, who has lived in Finland for approximately 15 years and has been active in Finnish politics for seven years, believes his candidacy represents a significant opportunity for both the Bangladeshi community and immigrants in the region.

Democratic Engagement in Espoo

In an interview, Nazrul highlighted the importance of civic participation among the approximately 322,000 voters in Espoo. He estimated that around 22 percent of these voters are of immigrant backgrounds, including about 1,500 Bangladeshis. He expressed confidence in his chances of winning, bolstered by the popularity of both himself and the Social Democratic Party (SDP), under which he is running. Recent polls indicate the SDP has a 24 percent popularity rate, surpassing the ruling Kokoomus party’s 19 percent.

Nazrul stated, "The SDP is the most immigrant-friendly party in Finland," referencing the current government's policies which he claims have included several anti-immigrant decisions. He believes the electorate will favor the SDP in the forthcoming elections.

Voting Process and Voter Awareness

The city council elections will take place from April 2 to April 8, during which advance voting will be available. Voters can cast their ballots at various local shops or libraries, while those unable to vote early must go to designated centers on April 13, bringing valid identification. Nazrul is actively raising awareness about the voting process on his social media profiles, sharing texts and videos to encourage participation.

In his video messages, he explained that anyone who has lived in Finland for at least two years, or has lived in Espoo for the past 51 days leading up to the elections, is eligible to vote. He urges immigrants and Finnish residents alike to exercise their voting rights.

Political Motivation and Vision

Nazrul Islam’s political engagement stems from a desire for active participation in decisions affecting his community. He remarked, "If we don’t engage in politics, others will make decisions that may not be in our favor." His political aim is to advocate for the rights of both immigrant Bangladeshis and all Finnish citizens.

Aligned with the SDP, Nazrul supports initiatives that include English in the employment process for immigrants, a move he asserts is favorably received by many. Additionally, he has made it a priority to address bullying and discrimination, issues that resonate deeply within both immigrant and Finnish communities.

Community Support and Political Aspirations

Nazrul is optimistic about garnering support not only from the Bangladeshi community but also from various immigrant groups, including Somali, Arab, Afghan, Pakistani, and Ghanaian voters. He recounted a touching experience during his campaign where a voter handed their child to him, signifying hope for the future and the importance of political representation.

Originally from Barahigoobind, Feni, Nazrul holds a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in English from Chittagong University. He currently resides in Espoo with his wife and three children, working as a manager at a restaurant chain. His commitment to creating opportunities for the next generation of Bangladeshi-Finns in politics remains steadfast.

As he prepares for the elections, Nazrul has expressed gratitude for the support he has received and has called upon everyone to pray for his success, promising a long-term vision for his political journey regardless of the election outcome.

Looking Ahead

The elections in Espoo are vital not only for local governance but also as a reflection of the diverse voices within the community. Nazrul’s candidacy may serve as an impetus for greater political engagement among immigrants and minorities in Finland, paving the way for future representation and advocacy.