King and Queen Consort visits Banglatown

Ansar Ahmed Ullah
Contributing Editor, Shottobani

London: Their Majesties, The King and The Queen Consort, made a historic visit to the heart of the British Bengali community in Brick Lane, Banglatown, on Wednesday, 8 February.

Their Majesties, The King and The Queen Consort, visited the heart of the British Bengali community in Brick Lane, meeting charities and businesses. Their Majesties also met individuals who were actively involved in the anti-racism movement. Arriving at Altab Ali Park, with singing from Sohini Alam in the background, Their Majesties met community members who were actively involved in the anti-racism movement of the 1970s and 1980s.

Walking to the Shaheed Minar, The King and The Queen Consort spoke to young people from local schools who have worked on projects related to anti-racism, the preservation of the Bengali language and representatives of the Altab Ali Foundation. The location of Altab’s murder, now a focal point for the local community, has the Shaheed Minar, commemorating the Bengali language movement.

Altab Ali was a young Bengali man murdered in a racist attack on 4 May 1978 in Adler Street as he walked home from work. In his memory, St Mary’s Garden was renamed Altab Ali park in 1998.

Their Majesties were then invited to plant a Dodoens Elm tree together in commemoration of the death of Altab Ali before departing via car to Brick Lane. With primary school children and locals welcoming Their Majesties to Brick Lane, The King and The Queen Consort paused at the Banglatown arch and the new street mural The Land is Calling, commissioned as part of the Bangladeshi 50th Anniversary celebrations. Next, their Majesties, accompanied by a dance procession, walked the short distance to the Gram Bangla Restaurant. At the Gram Bangla Restaurant, where they were served Bengali snacks. Their Majesties met women involved in the British Bangladeshi Power & Inspiration organisation, demonstrating the strength and diversity of women of Bangladeshi heritage today. The Queen Consort was gifted a Jamdani sari.

Brick Lane is one of London’s most iconic streets at the heart of the East End. Historically it’s been home to French Huguenot and Jewish immigrants, and now it’s a centre for the British Bengali community. Along with its rich heritage, Brick Lane is known for its food and the famous selection of curry restaurants, also known as the Curry Capital of Europe. The surrounding area of Brick Lane is known as Banglatown, which is home to many annual street festivals, including the Baishakhi Mela, the Brick Lane Festival and the Curry Festival.

The King and The Queen Consort then moved towards the historical Brick Lane Mosque. Entering the Prayer Hall, Their Majesties met a local author to learn about the unique history of the building, from a Church to a Synagogue to the present Mosque. The Mosque is at the heart of Brick Lane’s community today, representing stories of immigration and identity. Before departure, Their Majesties also had the opportunity to meet the mosque Imams, trustees, and several community representatives, including the Brick Lane Funeral Service Director and the East London Central Synagogue President. Brick Lane Mosque. It provided vital services to the community throughout the Covid-19 lockdowns, including 24-hour funeral services at the height of the pandemic.

The last time His Majesty The King, as The Prince of Wales, visited Brick Lane was in 1987, attending various community meetings and visiting local employment projects.

The historical visit was hosted by the founders of the British Bangladeshi Power and Inspiration (BBPI), Ms Ayesha Qureshi MBE JP and Cllr Abdal Ullah. BBPI worked in partnership with Tower Hamlets Council, Brick Lane Business Association and Brick Lane Mosque to organise the visit. Abdal Ullah said, “Brick Lane is more than just a street to the British Bangladeshi community. We are humbled and excited beyond words that Their Majesties, The King and The Queen Consort, visited the community in our spiritual home of Brick Lane.”

British Bangladeshi Power & Inspiration (“BBPI”) BBPI is a platform to celebrate the pioneers, leaders and role models of the British Bangladeshi community and inspire the next generation with positive role models. Abdal Ullah and Ayesha Qureshi MBE are founders of the BBPI and founding trustees of the BBPI Foundation. Abdal Ullah is a renowned activist working both on local and national issues and has held a number of senior executive roles across London. Ayesha Qureshi is a lawyer working for a range of financial institutions. She was awarded an MBE in the 2006 New Year’s Honours list for her unique role in the successful London Olympic bid. Ayesha is also a Magistrate sitting in London.