2026/03/16 by Fatima Rajina · 1 voice
Social Sciences · Arts and Humanities · #Bangladesh Politics, Society, and Development #South Asian Studies and Diaspora #Migration, Refugees, and Integration
paper · doi:10.1080/1070289x.2026.2641371
openalex publication_date 2026/03/16 · openalex created_date 2026/03/18 · openalex updated_date 2026/06/15
This article explores the historical and migratory relationship between the Bengali community and Britain. Although this relationship spans from the early 17th century to the present, the article focuses on post-WWII migration trends. I will examine the migration waves of the 1950s to 1970s, particularly in East London, and highlight the community’s struggle against racial discrimination and its growing anti-racist activism. I discuss the political and social challenges faced by Bengalis during this period, including the myth of ‘return’ and the formation of coalitions with other racially marginalized groups. The 1980s and 1990s marked a shift towards political mainstreaming, while the early 2000s saw the rise of religious identity, particularly among British Bangladeshi Muslims in the aftermath of 7/7. The focus on the Muslim identity of this group, mainly through the lens of security and stereotyping, has often overshadowed the community’s diverse experiences.