Tributes have poured in for Chauhdry Abdul Rashid JP, the former Lord Mayor of Birmingham, who passed away today.
His tenure included pivotal roles in Birmingham’s civic and community projects. Rashid’s legacy includes his efforts in local governance and community development, significantly shaping the lives of many in Birmingham and beyond.
His longstanding commitment was recognised during his term as Lord Mayor and through various educational and housing board roles he held until recently. His death is a profound loss to the community, which today remembers his remarkable contributions with deep respect and gratitude.
Born on 7 January 1941 in Dadyal, Jammu and Kashmir, Rashid left school at the age of thirteen and moved to the United Kingdom in 1955. He initially worked in Workington, Cumbria, for seven and a half years.
While working as a market trader, he studied part-time at the Workington College of Further Education. In 1962, he returned to Pakistan, married Shafait, and the couple enjoyed over 45 years together.
Rashid resumed his life in the UK in 1963, working in the Drawing Office at George H Hughes in Birmingham. His public service began in 1980 with the East Birmingham Community Health Council and continued with various local roles including serving as a magistrate from 1982.
In 1987, Rashid was elected to the Birmingham City Council representing the Small Heath ward, just a month before completing his Social Science degree from Wolverhampton University. He later worked as a Council Community Social Worker and Liaison Officer in Dudley, also contributing to several community organisations.
After retiring in 2000 due to ill health, he remained active, joining the board of Birmingham Family Housing Association and other local bodies. He returned to politics in 2004, serving as a councillor for the Nechells ward until 2022.
Rashid was appointed Lord Mayor of Birmingham in May 2008 and served as Deputy Lord Mayor the following year. In 2009, he participated in an anti-terror television campaign funded by the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office.
His life and contributions were also highlighted in a 2010 documentary film.
Moseley Labour expressed their condolences on X: “Very sad to hear about the death of former Lord Mayor of Birmingham and Councillor Chauhdry Abdul Rashid JP. We send our deepest sympathy to his family, friends, and all in his community.” 🌹
Very sad to hear about the death of former Lord Mayor of Birmingham and Councillor Chauhdry Abdul Rashid JP. We send our deepest sympathy to his family, friends and all in his community. 🌹 pic.twitter.com/a7sMBnD2A5
— Moseley Labour 🌹 (@MoseleyLabour) May 1, 2024
Birmingham Labour Group expressed their condolences on X :We are sad to announce that former Councillor Chauhdry Rashid JP has passed away. He served the city with distinction for decades and had the honour of becoming Lord Mayor of Birmingham in May 2008. Our thoughts are with his family and all who knew him during this sad time.
We are sad to announce that former Councillor Chauhdry Rashid JP has passed away. He served the city with distinction for decades and had the honour of becoming Lord Mayor of Birmingham in May 2008. Our thoughts are with his family and all who knew him during this sad time. pic.twitter.com/Y26LGsihaC
— Birmingham Labour Group (@BrumLabour) May 1, 2024