East London Bengali Heritage Walk by Swadhinata Trust

Meeting Point: Shaheed Minar (Martyrs Monument), Altab Ali Park

The new East London Bengali Heritage Walk, which covers the south of Commercial Road, an exploration of the untold stories and rich history of the Bengali community in this vibrant area.

Our journey begins with the history of Bengali immigration to East London, tracing back to the lascars (Bengali seafarers) from South Asia. Many Bengalis sought new opportunities and a better life, arriving in London and gradually transforming the East End. Originally a predominantly Jewish neighbourhood, the East End saw a significant demographic shift in the 1970s as the Bengali community grew and established itself.

We will visit pivotal sites of political activism, including the formation of the Bangladesh Youth Movement (BYM), which championed anti-racial awareness and community rights.

Our walk will delve into the cultural activities that united the community, such as spirited football tournaments and lively music festivals. Along the way, we’ll stop at a beloved cultural café that provided hearty desi food, fostering a sense of community and belonging.

By the end of our walk, we hope these ordinary-looking streets will whisper the tales long forgotten, allowing us to discover and celebrate this hidden part of London’s history.

The walk ends up at the Brady Arts Centre where you can enjoy a music concert – Ganer Sylhet, Praner Sylhet.

The Swadhinata Trust is a London-based nonpartisan secular Bengali group that promotes Bengali history and heritage among young people. The Trust was created to work with young people on a voluntary basis.