Ex-UK mayor Amirul Islam accused of using fake letters to secure visas for 41 relatives

A north London mayor used forged council letters in an attempt to secure UK visas for 41 Bangladeshi family members and friends, a Telegraph investigation has revealed.

Cllr Mohammad Amirul Islam, 47, allegedly sent “official” and “doctored” correspondence bearing Enfield Council’s crest to the British High Commission in Dhaka, asking staff to ensure a “smooth visa application process” for his associates.

The Home Office has launched an investigation into the former Labour politician, who was suspended from his party in June 2025. A confidential 160-page report commissioned by Enfield Council found Islam misused his position, bringing the authority into disrepute by “showing a lack of integrity” and advancing personal interests.

The inquiry discovered that some of the letters were issued before Islam became mayor in May 2024, and even before he knew he would hold the role. The documents contained personal details such as passport numbers and dates of birth, apparently to speed up applications.

Thirteen of the letters were produced by the official mayoral office, six more were admitted by Islam himself, and investigators concluded on the “balance of probabilities” that at least 11 further letters were also his work.

When council staff expressed unease at drafting visa letters, Islam is accused of creating his own, designed to look official. All were signed either by him or on his behalf and pledged “full support and endorsement” for relatives or friends visiting from Bangladesh.

The letters promised that guests would stay at Islam’s Enfield home and that all expenses would be covered. Despite 41 invitations being issued for his mayoral inauguration, only one guest from Bangladesh is believed to have attended.

Islam told investigators he was following the example of previous mayors in supporting visa requests. However, the report concluded he went “way beyond” acceptable practice.

“The Enfield Labour council knew about these allegations long before he became mayor and he was still allowed to take office. This brings deep shame upon the council. He should resign.”

Islam, a married father of two and cybersecurity specialist, insists he did nothing wrong. He has not issued the unreserved apology recommended by the investigation.

“It would be inappropriate to comment on an active investigation, but all allegations of immigration crime are thoroughly investigated and appropriate action is taken where necessary.”

Islam completed his mayoral term in May 2025 and now serves as an independent councillor.