Muslim Political Activity in Northern Virginia

June 16, 2003

Source: The Washington Post

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A62875-2003Jun15.html

On June 16, 2003 The Washington Post reported that "Muslim activists in Northern Virginia have launched a political action committee to help elect officials who will halt what they call rights abuses associated with the nation's war on terror... Mukit Hossain, a telecommunications entrepreneur who emigrated from Bangladesh and lives near Sterling, said he hopes to create a Muslim powerhouse with sufficient funds to sway local elections in Fairfax, Loudoun and Prince William counties, as well as state races, in November... Hossain said the new PAC, called the Platform for Active Civil Empowerment, was inspired by last year's raids by federal officials on Muslim organizations or households in Herndon, Leesburg and other areas. The raids were part of an investigation of possible financial ties to terrorists. No charges have been filed following the March 2002 raids. U.S. officials say the investigation is ongoing... Hossain is part of an effort by Muslim leaders nationwide to become involved in electoral politics following the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001."