1/1 A LONG-serving Keighley councillor – and former Lord Mayor of Bradford – has announced he will not be seeking re-election in May. Khadim Hussain has represented Keighley Central ward on Bradford Council since 2004. But he says the time is now right to “step back” and make way for younger blood. He admits he was hit hard by the death of his close friend and fellow Keighley Central councillor Abid Hussain on Christmas Eve and the more recent passing of another good friend, Ghulam Rabani, a mainstay of the town’s Sangat Centre. “I’ve given the matter a great deal of thought and decided to pass on the mantle to younger people,” said Khadim, of Drake Street in Keighley.
Ghulam Rabani has died, aged 77, after being hospitalised with coronavirus. He worked in Bradford s textile industry for many years before his voluntary role at the Sangat Centre in Keighley, which opened in 1991, became a full-time job. He has always been a pillar of the community, said a centre spokesman. He was a driving force in supporting the needy and vulnerable to be empowered to integrate into society. Over the years the work and projects Mr Rabani led at the Sangat Centre speak for themselves. He started social day care and this blossomed into a multi-faceted organisation serving people from all backgrounds and needs. We are a hub for adult education, youth activities and advice. This continuous development and progress has been overseen by Mr Rabani over a period of three decades.
Jean Hepworth
Tribute to Ghulam Rabani
I am sending my deepest sympathy to the family and friends of Mr. Rabani. He was the heart of the community, always caring, always there to listen and help. Because he cared and was part of the community he understood and respected their concerns. He was an example to all of us so sincere and with a deep inner strength. We will miss him greatly and remember him always.
Val Rowlands
Tribute to Ghulam Rabani
I met Ghulam Rabani in 1993 when we were assisting the 81 members of the night shift at John Haggas to bring claims for race discrimination against their employer. He used to open the Emily Street Community Centre in the early mornings so that we could take statements from the men and prepare the case. He looked after us all, made us tea and without him the case could not have been won. A year later he was doing it for us all again in the early mornings preparing a second case for victimisation. Ghulam Rabani was a true community
Mr Rabani worked in Bradford s textile industry for many years before his voluntary role at the Sangat Centre, which opened in 1991, became a full time job and life-long passion. From helping hundreds access a British citizenship course to a men s mental health project, the centre manager worked with the elderly community and was a beacon of support for many in the Asian community.
The late Cllr Abid Hussain with Sangat Centre s Ghulam Rabani He has always been a pillar of the community, his colleagues at the Sangat Centre told the T&A. The team said: He has been a driving force in supporting the needy and vulnerable to be empowered to integrate into society.