Bangladeshis in Manchester

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.