OUR JOURNEY SO FAR

The Bangladeshi Diaspora

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There are in excess of 500,000 Bangladeshis in the United Kingdom today and they form an important part of this country’s fabric and economy.

 

With a strong work ethic and great entrepreneurial zeal, throughout the decades British Bangladeshis have formed businesses that have resulted in billions of pounds being contributed to the Exchequer. From the retail sector to distribution and transport, and from hotels to a very proud restaurant industry which has lovingly made curry a national dish, the community stands high by its heritage. 

 

The third and even fourth generation of British Bangladeshis are now taking this legacy even further with professional careers in medicine, IT, management and politics.

 

From Rushanara Ali MP, the first person of Bangladeshi origin to have been elected as a member of parliament to TV presenters such as Konnie Huq and Lisa Aziz, and from the only Bangladeshi professional footballer in England Anwar Uddin to the Great British Bake Off winner Nadiya Hussain and Baroness Pola Uddin, are just a few of the scores of British Bangladeshis making their mark on British society.

 

The Bangladeshi diaspora here also plays a significant role in the direct contribution to the economic development of Bangladesh. Sectors such as construction, technology and banking amongst others, have greatly benefitted from such support. Almost 100 UK businesses operate in Bangladesh, including well-known companies like HSBC, Unilever and GSK, further binding the ties between Britain and Bangladesh.

 

This unique and close trade relationship is at the very heart of what The UK Bangladesh Catalysts of Commerce & Industry (UKBCCI) stands for and encourages, forging ahead with entrepreneurs and business where it matters.