Jilani has represented Barnsbury ward since 2006, moved to Islington in 1992, and is raising his three children in the borough. Before moving to the UK, Jilani started in politics as a student and fought against military rule in Bangladesh. He served as the General Secretary of the Civil Service Association of Bangladesh, standing up for the rights of trade unions and employees. Jilani currently works in the voluntary and housing sector for older people. From 2012-2013 Jilani served as the first Bangladeshi mayor of Islington, and in his spare time he enjoys spending time with family, watching football and cricket and promoting multicultural activities in London. Jilani is the current chair of Islington Council’s Scrutiny Committee.