New face of MCB Praises Police

Over the weekend, the Muslim Council of Britain elected a new general secretary at its AGM with Dr Muhammad Abdul Bari replacing Iqbal Sacranie. Abdul Bari, a 52-year old Bangladeshi, is known for his community work in East London, although most people will probably remember his nervousness in front of BBC Panorama camera as he was questioned whether he considered Hindus to be idol-worshippers. Insha'Allah, we pray that Allah guides him over the next few years so that he will be of benefitto the community. He does seem to have gotten off to a poor start however. Commenting on Radio 4's Today Programme today, Abdul Bari praised police but said good intelligence was key.

"Since 7/7, the police have done a wonderful job. It's about the quality of intelligence. It's about the way we handle the situation . . . These are important to the community and the community has to be taken on board to counter the scars in our society."

http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio4/today/listenagain/

Oh dear, 250 plus cops with guns launch a midnight raid and shoot a young unarmed Muslim, still nothing found and serious doubts over the intelligence (http://www.guardian.co.uk/terrorism/story/0,,1790443,00.html), stories beginning to change about who fired the shot ... that was just last week. What about the brutal raids and humiliating stop and search that have taken place over the last year? what about the shooting of De Menezes and the cover-up that followed? What about the unprecedented and illegal lobbying of the government by the police to push for 90 days detention without charge?

"wonderful job"?

please tread carefully Dr Abdul Bari.