Brick Lane Jame Mosque in east London held a “Meet the Press” event on Friday, July 31, as preparations continue for its golden jubilee celebrations. The two-day programme is scheduled to take place at the mosque on September 5 and 6. Mohammad Hormuz Ali read a written statement on behalf of the jubilee celebration committee, while Hamidur Rahman Chowdhury and Helal Uddin spoke for the mosque committee.

Hafiz Sazzadur Rahman recited from the Holy Quran at the opening of the event, and the mosque’s imam and khatib, Mawlana Nazrul Islam, led a prayer. Attendees included representatives and figures from the London Bangla Press Club, NTV Europe, the UK Bangla Reporters Unity and the wider community. Hormuz Ali answered journalists’ questions during the session.

Hormuz Ali said the building has more than two centuries of history and has served different religious communities. It was built as a French Protestant church in 1743, later became a Methodist chapel and was converted into a synagogue in 1898. Brick Lane Jame Mosque was established there in 1976. Organisers have sought cooperation from all sections of the community for the September celebrations.