Nadine Osman
Welsh Muslims were honoured at a landmark event in the Senedd, recognising their contributions to public life across Wales. The gathering, which coincided with the World Day for Cultural Diversity on May 21, drew political figures, community leaders, professionals and young people from across the country.
The evening, hosted by the Bengal Dragons Foundation, a grassroots organisation that empowers South Asian and Muslim communities in Wales through sport, education, media, health and environmental advocacy, celebrated achievements across sectors including business, academia, the arts, and grassroots activism. While the tone was celebratory, speakers also reflected on the challenges facing Muslim communities and the importance of meaningful inclusion in public life.
BBC broadcaster Jason Mohammad, one of the evening’s keynote speakers, spoke candidly about the role of visibility and faith in his own journey. “If many of you have not spoken openly or don’t demonstrate your faith in public, I urge you to,” he said. “It literally is changing lives. What we’ve done in broadcasting is open the door for future generations—and tonight’s event is another example of that.”
That theme of representation was echoed by Jane Hutt, Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice, who stressed the need for a more inclusive political landscape. “We’ve got to have a more diverse Senedd—one that reflects the people of Wales in running Wales,” she said. “We all have a part to play, to listen, learn, call out racism, challenge inequality and break down barriers.”
The event also offered moments of sober reflection, with tributes paid to the people of Palestine and wider calls for justice, compassion and shared responsibility. Several speakers touched on experiences of racism and Islamophobia, linking these issues to global political tensions and local concerns.
Among those attending were entrepreneurs, health professionals, academics and faith leaders, alongside representatives from national institutions such as Wales TUC, the Football Association of Wales, Swansea City AFC, National Museum Wales, and the Muslim Council of Wales. The presence of such organisations underscored a growing commitment to inclusion across civic and cultural life.
A recurring topic was workplace inclusivity, with the Muslim Friendly Employers initiative receiving particular attention. The programme works with businesses across Wales to promote faith-aware policies, from prayer facilities to cultural training. Organisers said the aim was to create fairer, more respectful work environments for all. For Ana Miah, Chair of the Bengal Dragons Foundation, the event was about more than recognition. “This was a statement of belonging,” he said. “Welsh Muslims are a vital part of this nation’s fabric. Their dignity, resilience and commitment to Wales were on full display.”
The evening concluded with networking and exhibitions from ethical sponsors including Wudumate, a supplier of ablution products for multi-faith spaces, and Zaytoun, a fair-trade enterprise supporting Palestinian farmers.
(Photos credit: Bengal Dragons Foundation)
