The British Bangladeshi Association is among groups leading demands for an Islamic burial site in Somerset area of south-west England to meet the growing needs of the local British Muslim population.
The association, representing the local Bangladeshi community in Taunton town of Somerset, is hopeful that the plans for such a graveyard site would be cleared by the local council.
Meraz Aziz of the association said the Muslim population of Taunton is growing and therefore the diversity of the area needs a voice.
"We have spoken to a few councillors. They are very positive about that, they say they will try to get something for us this time," he said.
Somerset West and Taunton Council said the authorities would look at the plans being finalised for submission for such a site.
“We want to work with the Muslim community," a spokesperson said.
Muslims make up 0.3 per cent of the total population in Somerset as per the last census in 2011, making up thousands of residents. Islamic burial rituals involve certain specific requirements, with cremation ruled out by the religion.
"Islamic practices for burial are in line with the Jewish tradition, with Muslims striving to bury the dead as soon as possible after death," explained Harun Khan, secretary general of the Muslim Council of Britain (MCB), as he called for a wider look into the issue of availability of Islamic burial sites in the UK.