A BRADFORD figure has encouraged the district’s Muslim community to welcome refugees fleeing Ukraine into their homes.

Dr Javed Bashir, who is from Keighley, said that he is delighted to see so many people in the UK “extending a hand of friendship” to all those affected by the crisis.

He adds that, for Muslim people, it is an “Islamic duty” to “show compassion” to the Ukrainian people who have been forced to leave their homes.

“The world is watching the situation in Ukraine with anguish and sorrow”, said Dr Bashir, a safeguarding consultant by trade.

“Our thoughts and sympathies are with people in Ukraine, the Bradford district and elsewhere who have been affected by the suffering.

“Many Muslims, including myself, have also been personally and deeply affected by this conflict, and we offer our heartfelt concern and support during this difficult time.

“We will be reaching out to impacted members of the community to ensure they receive support.

“The humanitarian situation in Ukraine is worsening day-by-day, and we hope for a peaceful end to the conflict.

“There are reports of food shortages as people stockpile to avoid the danger of venturing out into the streets, and health centres are already becoming overwhelmed.

“Children have been reported to have lost their lives and many have been separated from their caregivers when crossing to neighbouring countries, leaving them highly vulnerable.”

Dr Bashir added that, while it is important to support all people affected by the crisis, many Ukrainian Muslims are particularly “fearful” of the future.

“The nightmare of persecution once again looms large for Muslims in Ukraine, and they are awry about their future”, he said.

“The Ukrainian Muslim population is about 393,000, but the Clerical Board of Ukraine’s Muslims claims that there are two million Muslims living in Ukraine.

“According to a 2012 report, an estimated 500,000 Muslims live in Ukraine, and among them are 300,000 Crimean Tatars.

“The history of Muslims in Ukraine is associated with the Crimean Tatars, the Turkic-speaking descendants of Turkic and non-Turkic peoples who had settled in Eastern Europe as early as the 7th century.

“In 1944, more than 200,000 Crimean Muslims were deported to Central Asia, primarily to Uzbekistan.

“They were forced onto cattle trains and exiled. It is estimated that about half of them died due to the harsh journey, starvation and subsequent diseases.”

Dr Bashir added that people must “open their hearts and homes” to all who have been forced to leave Ukraine due to the conflict.

“We must extend our compassion to those in need”, he said.

“If we are able to, we must all support the people of Ukraine at this terrible time.”