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.