The History of Bangladeshis 'in Greater Manchester is a

hugely significant project that charted the arrival,

settlement, and progress of Bangladeshis' in the UK.

The oral presentations record their journey focusing on

family life, education, employment, culture religion, and

traditions.

Many of the first settlers are now elderly (many sadly

passed away) and their memories and experiences are

being lost as their testimonies have not been recorded

and preserved.

Over 5 years, I spoke to more than 50 people, the first-

generation Bangladeshis' who gave me a snapshot of

their life, early days, experiences, hardships, and much

more; an insight that was eye-opening, fascinating, and

full of happiness, sadness, hardship, hope, and aspiration.

I have captured the valued experiences and memories of

so many who have paved the way and helped us to make

this area a rich, vibrant, and dynamic place to live with

their customs, traditions and folklore that are being

passed on to new generations of Bangladeshis and future

generations from those “hardened by Manchester” who

have lived through the changes that Britain has

undergone in the last 60 years.