Tributes paid following death of ex Lord Mayor of Birmingham who 'taught by example'

Tributes have been paid to the former Lord Mayor of Birmingham Chaudhry Rashid, following news of his death. In a wide and varied career, Mr Rashid represented Small Heath and Nechells wards and also served as a magistrate.

The dad-of-seven who was a devoted husband to his wife Shafait Begum, was on several boards including Birmingham Family Housing Association and St Peters (Saltley) Housing Association and was a governor of Mathew Boulton College and and Regents Park Primary School.

In May 2008, Mr Rashid was appointed Lord Mayor of Birmingham.

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MP Tahir Ali posted on X: "I am very saddened to hear of the passing of my colleague former councillor, Lord Mayor and JP Chaudhry Abdul Rashid. I served alongside Chaudhry Abdul Rashid as a Councillor for Nechells from 2004-2018.

"We were good friends, and he taught me a great deal about public service. He taught by example, serving his community before becoming a Councillor and long after.

"Always putting the needs of the community first, he demonstrated the best of public service throughout his fruitful life. His loss will be felt by many across Birmingham.

"My thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones at this very sad time."

Councillor Majid Mahmood said he was saddened by the news of his colleague who 'set the bar high' for others. He added: "I was honoured to have the privilege of serving on the Birmingham City Council alongside Ch Rashid who provided wise counsel from the first day that I was elected in 2011.

"A very determined, well educated individual who went out of his way to help and guide us. He set a high bar for the rest of us in his community work, and council duties. A huge loss for the city."

Mahmood Hussain posted on Facebook: "I’m saddened that former Lord Mayor of Birmingham Haji Chaudhry Abdul Rashid has left this temporary world. He served his community as a local councillor tirelessly for decades.

"I had the privilege of serving with him on the Council and he would always work tirelessly for his residents. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones during this difficult time."

Mr Rashid's family are sitting at Golden Hillock Road Masjid, with funeral prayers set to take place on Thursday (May 2) at 2pm.