Statement
Date: 21st July 2025
British Muslim Trust appointed by UK Government to monitor anti-Muslim hatred
The British Muslim Trust (BMT) has been formally appointed by the Ministry of Housing Communities and Local Government to undertake independent monitoring of anti-Muslim hate, engage with affected communities, and publish regular public reports based on robust data and analysis.
BMT was founded by the Randeree Charitable Trust and the Aziz Foundation and is focused on tackling anti-Muslim hatred and addressing the structural inequalities that shape British Muslim experiences. It aims to build a society in which British Muslims are seen and treated as equal members, free from racism, prejudice, and fear.
The Trust is chaired by Shabir Randeree CBE, a leading British Muslim philanthropist, entrepreneur and community leader. He chairs The King’s Trust International (formerly Prince’s Trust International), and has served on the Government’s Asia Task Force, the Islamic Finance Task Force, and the Ethnic Minority Business Task Force.
Akeela Ahmed MBE, who will lead BMT as its CEO, brings more than 20 years of experience as a social entrepreneur and grassroots campaigner to the role. She is Co-Chair of British Muslim Network and founder of She Speaks We Hear, was named one of Stylist Magazine’s Women of the Year, and was awarded an MBE for services to Muslim women. She acts as a Trustee for a range of charities, and has advised successive governments on tackling anti-Muslim hatred since 2012.
Shabir Randeree CBE said:
“We’re proud to have been appointed to deliver this important work. Tackling anti-Muslim hatred is essential to building safer, more inclusive communities. The British Muslim Trust will work with partners across the country to support victims, listen to communities, and help ensure that every person can live free from fear and hatred.”
Akeela Ahmed MBE, who will lead BMT as its CEO, said,
“For too long, anti-Muslim hate has been under-recognised and under-reported. BMT exists to change that — by listening to communities, amplifying their voices, and working with partners across society to ensure that no one is left to face hate alone. We are here to stand with victims and help shape a more inclusive, united Britain for all.”
ENDS
Notes to Editors
For more information call Peter Starkings 07740 347 362
The Government announcement is available here: LINK
The British Muslim Trust https://darkslategray-albatross-969951.hostingersite.com/ was founded by two institutions:
- The Randeree Charitable Trust (RCT): A long-standing charity that supports education, leadership, and civil society development. RCT has a strong track record of empowering marginalised communities and fostering social cohesion.
- The Aziz Foundation (AF): A UK-based foundation dedicated to supporting British Muslims to play a fuller role in a more inclusive society. AF is widely recognised for its work on scholarships, civic leadership and public discourse.
- BMT will begin publishing quarterly hate crime and incident reports from early 2026.
