Draft:Ansar Ahmed Ullah

Dr. Ansar Ahmed Ullah and Recent Developments in the Bengali Community’s History in the UK

1. 1. 1. 1. Overview of Dr. Ansar Ahmed Ullah’s Role Dr. Ansar Ahmed Ullah is a pivotal figure in the UK’s Bengali community, particularly in London’s East End, where he has been a community activist, researcher, and writer since the 1980s. As Director of the Swadhinata Trust, established in 2000, he promotes secular Bengali heritage and arts, focusing on youth engagement. His work spans anti-racist activism, oral history preservation, and public health initiatives, such as the CoronAwareness project at King’s College London, where he facilitates COVID-19 awareness within the Sylheti community. His research, often in collaboration with institutions like Queen Mary University of London and the Bishopsgate Institute, documents the Bengali diaspora’s history, including their anti-racist struggles and cultural contributions.[](https://emea01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.kcl.ac.uk%2Fpeople%2Fansar-ahmed-ullah&data=05%7C02%7C%7C14001e320f124db2571e08ddac19f710%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C638855949703263430%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=JUqfYWaSziDzgVW4lUEcECcoj2QMHguLPG6TDFeZBx4%3D&reserved=0)[](https://emea01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.runnymedetrust.org%2Fblog%2Fthe-underground-bengali-music-scene-of-the-80s-and-90s-a-story-largely-untold&data=05%7C02%7C%7C14001e320f124db2571e08ddac19f710%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C638855949703284561%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=yUyJqOBTuTto28%2FWw5rvPdFmuSSpbNMG%2BhMEQj%2BwxiE%3D&reserved=0)[](https://emea01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fmuse.jhu.edu%2Farticle%2F384464&data=05%7C02%7C%7C14001e320f124db2571e08ddac19f710%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C638855949703297407%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=MIEP5ssVrOqbD6RX7dN%2FMEbgwaHGoWyXeaUzumHPi8A%3D&reserved=0)

1. 1. 1. 1. Historical Context of the Bengali Community in the UK The Bengali community’s history in the UK, particularly in Tower Hamlets, is marked by distinct phases:

1. **Early Migration (19th–Early 20th Century)**: Bengali seamen, known as lascars, arrived through the East India Company, settling in port areas like London’s East End. Many served in World War I, with thousands of Bengali names recorded at memorials like the Basra Memorial in Iraq. Dr. Ullah’s research with Big Ideas and the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government highlights these contributions, noting the 49th Bengalis unit as a unique ethnic Bengali army unit during the war.[](https://emea01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fblogs.lse.ac.uk%2Fsouthasia%2F2018%2F07%2F16%2Fremembering-the-bengali-contribution-during-the-first-world-war%2F&data=05%7C02%7C%7C14001e320f124db2571e08ddac19f710%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C638855949703309829%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=9FAIbtFk8HBYgAuOMsrt0K8EPWSqMSwXLStRfOIwTfM%3D&reserved=0)

2. **Post-War Migration (1940s–1960s)**: Post-World War II labor demands brought more Bengalis, primarily from Sylhet, to the UK. They settled in Tower Hamlets, forming community organizations like the Bangladesh Welfare Association to address housing and employment challenges.[](https://emea01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sacw.net%2Farticle1333.html&data=05%7C02%7C%7C14001e320f124db2571e08ddac19f710%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C638855949703322585%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=QVdvD2yb1aLPPqqFziMk%2Bo6bdhjxczfCqd06TVqjdXc%3D&reserved=0)

3. **Political Awakening (1970s)**: The 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War was a turning point. UK Bengalis lobbied the British government, raised funds for refugees, and built solidarity with other communities, marking their first significant interaction with broader British society. The 1978 murder of Altab Ali, a Bengali worker, sparked mass protests, with over 7,000 Bengalis marching from Brick Lane to Downing Street, catalyzing the anti-racist movement. Dr. Ullah’s research emphasizes this as a “political awakening” for the community.[](https://emea01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.lahp.ac.uk%2Fstudent%2Fansar-ahmed-ullah%2F&data=05%7C02%7C%7C14001e320f124db2571e08ddac19f710%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C638855949703337880%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=pX%2BIuU9ZWvjLaKF%2FVPvtpnhpOAspgz5vy7QGUC%2B29pw%3D&reserved=0)[](https://emea01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.toynbeehall.org.uk%2F02%2F09%2F2021%2Fthe-legacy-of-1971-how-the-bangladesh-independence-war-influenced-the-anti-racist-movement-in-east-london-by-ansar-ahmed-ullah%2F&data=05%7C02%7C%7C14001e320f124db2571e08ddac19f710%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C638855949703350884%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=iXpDozy273fKRR5XpHX7o%2BTf7%2F72lSY2GB9RYeOPVVQ%3D&reserved=0)[](https://emea01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.lahp.ac.uk%2Fansar-ullah%2F&data=05%7C02%7C%7C14001e320f124db2571e08ddac19f710%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C638855949703364561%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=jBpDgiXw9LKRoUyU%2FVEZDMOb7eyseiFUrTFZ9%2BuEIGE%3D&reserved=0)

4. **Cultural and Political Institutionalization (1980s–1990s)**: The 1980s saw the rise of a vibrant Bengali cultural scene, including an underground music movement blending traditional and Western styles, which Dr. Ullah has documented. By the 1990s, the community shifted toward mainstream political participation, with increased representation in local councils. However, the growing influence of religious identity, particularly Islam, began shaping community dynamics, partly driven by New Labour’s faith-based policies.[](https://emea01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.runnymedetrust.org%2Fblog%2Fthe-underground-bengali-music-scene-of-the-80s-and-90s-a-story-largely-untold&data=05%7C02%7C%7C14001e320f124db2571e08ddac19f710%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C638855949703377532%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=ZjfJJ91irGX9n2zP5AYOVb8XKzLYX%2BOROAYFo8CXyIQ%3D&reserved=0)[](https://emea01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sacw.net%2Farticle1333.html&data=05%7C02%7C%7C14001e320f124db2571e08ddac19f710%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C638855949703390106%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=6azxDZ9I8TotQySl4jYv7lYq4DQZqLNmfmxvX4XRj7M%3D&reserved=0)[](https://emea01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fbooks.openedition.org%2Fpulm%2F13525%3Flang%3Den&data=05%7C02%7C%7C14001e320f124db2571e08ddac19f710%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C638855949703402504%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=Ipky2lx3wH97zIihEYheSf%2B63VFc5lhj22PHBa3Hi5A%3D&reserved=0)

1. 1. 1. 1. Recent Developments (2010s–2025)

Recent developments in the Bengali community’s history reflect ongoing cultural preservation, political engagement, and new challenges. Below are key updates, with Dr. Ullah’s contributions where applicable:

1. **Cultural Preservation and Heritage**: - **Swadhinata Trust Initiatives**: The Trust, under Dr. Ullah’s leadership, continues to document Bengali history through oral history projects. The 2009 relaunch of its website at the Kobi Nazrul Centre aimed to engage younger generations with 58 oral histories covering themes like the 1971 war, community welfare, and musical heritage. A book, *Tales of Three Generations of Bengalis in Britain* (2006), co-edited by Dr. Ullah, preserves these narratives.[](https://emea01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fmuse.jhu.edu%2Farticle%2F384464&data=05%7C02%7C%7C14001e320f124db2571e08ddac19f710%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C638855949703415435%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=S7ZAfnrHPynMApeXcZkiIRo0cRU6RUSQnds0%2FcNN%2BeQ%3D&reserved=0)[](https://emea01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fbooks.openedition.org%2Fpulm%2F13525%3Flang%3Den&data=05%7C02%7C%7C14001e320f124db2571e08ddac19f710%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C638855949703427643%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=iVSx49UzuWv1ESGT%2FBsrCxWhqld%2FsXBY0b6LiCqAyCQ%3D&reserved=0) - **Shaheed Minar Monuments**: Dr. Ullah has written about the establishment of Shaheed Minar memorials across the UK, symbolizing the 1952 Bengali Language Movement. The central Shaheed Minar in Altab Ali Park, Whitechapel, is a focal point for International Mother Language Day celebrations. Other memorials in Birmingham (2011), Luton (2004), and Ipswich (2012) reflect the community’s efforts to maintain cultural identity.[](https://emea01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fshottobani.com%2Fshaheed-minars-in-the-uk-and-europe&data=05%7C02%7C%7C14001e320f124db2571e08ddac19f710%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C638855949703439929%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=zOUGOzEfpmQDqva1gWyylWU1JvuYwj6C2whLZGQRJ3g%3D&reserved=0) - **South Asian Heritage Month (2023)**: Dr. Ullah contributed to events like “The Story of Bengal” during South Asian Heritage Month 2023, promoting Bengali history and reducing knowledge gaps through partnerships like the Swadhinata Trust’s Wikipedia training sessions.[](https://emea01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.linkedin.com%2Fin%2Fansar-ahmed-ullah-38139617%2F&data=05%7C02%7C%7C14001e320f124db2571e08ddac19f710%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C638855949703452276%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=c5zfIgGjA0e%2BW%2F7jbTxYxj9E%2BhD0TxNNNvPYqzVjNk0%3D&reserved=0)

2. **Political and Social Activism**: - **Anti-Racist Legacy**: Dr. Ullah’s work continues to frame the 1978 Altab Ali murder as a cornerstone of Bengali activism. His research explores how the 1971 Liberation War inspired later anti-racist struggles, with activists drawing on experiences of resisting injustice. Recent discussions, such as a 2023 UN conference in Geneva where Dr. Ullah spoke, highlight the community’s advocacy for recognizing the 1971 Bangladesh genocide, connecting historical struggles to contemporary global justice efforts.[](https://emea01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.toynbeehall.org.uk%2F02%2F09%2F2021%2Fthe-legacy-of-1971-how-the-bangladesh-independence-war-influenced-the-anti-racist-movement-in-east-london-by-ansar-ahmed-ullah%2F&data=05%7C02%7C%7C14001e320f124db2571e08ddac19f710%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C638855949703464587%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=SfYunNBj1ydmtobMdYjcOh6oDqdMJlUBfhhUbLgYQ%2Bs%3D&reserved=0)[](https://emea01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fbooks.openedition.org%2Fpulm%2F13525%3Flang%3Den&data=05%7C02%7C%7C14001e320f124db2571e08ddac19f710%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C638855949703476564%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=wMNRHbvBZ6SqozXSuTuiVpHsDcOxhY8XuNqsV414Vhs%3D&reserved=0)[](https://emea01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fbanglamirrornews.com%2F2023%2F10%2F11%2Frecognition-of-bangladesh-genocide-at-un-conference-in-geneva%2F&data=05%7C02%7C%7C14001e320f124db2571e08ddac19f710%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C638855949703492365%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=dBu%2FRzddNVyvdwBjiTZtl7bmcTjamdkhEfXkLRjm3kw%3D&reserved=0) - **Critique of Political Dynamics**: In a 2015 article, Dr. Ullah criticized alliances between some white leftists and Islamist factions in Tower Hamlets, arguing they risk ghettoizing the Bengali community and empowering reactionary elements. This reflects ongoing tensions between secular and religious identities within the community.[](https://emea01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Ftrialbyjeory.com%2F2015%2F07%2F09%2Fguest-post-by-ansar-ahmed-ullah-a-neo-colonial-plot-between-the-white-left-and-islamists-to-halt-east-end-bengalis%2F&data=05%7C02%7C%7C14001e320f124db2571e08ddac19f710%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C638855949703508957%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=IMj2lORN0Dk%2F57d5pCQQdemxj6eyVU6DiAhoNFsBSKY%3D&reserved=0) - **Political Representation**: Tower Hamlets now boasts the UK’s largest number of elected Bengali councillors, a legacy of the community’s activism. However, Dr. Ullah has noted challenges with corruption allegations against some leaders, complicating the narrative of progress.[](https://emea01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Ftrialbyjeory.com%2F2015%2F07%2F09%2Fguest-post-by-ansar-ahmed-ullah-a-neo-colonial-plot-between-the-white-left-and-islamists-to-halt-east-end-bengalis%2F&data=05%7C02%7C%7C14001e320f124db2571e08ddac19f710%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C638855949703525633%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=%2BtgPM5WPODis4Wwn55jx6DIjkqLWhG7S%2B2u5GajTJkk%3D&reserved=0)

3. **Health and Community Welfare**: - **CoronAwareness Project**: Since 2020, Dr. Ullah has worked as a Community Liaison Support Worker for the CoronAwareness project, promoting COVID-19 safety measures within the Sylheti community through local media and networks. This initiative addresses health disparities in ethnic minority communities, building on the community’s history of welfare activism.[](https://emea01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.kcl.ac.uk%2Fpeople%2Fansar-ahmed-ullah&data=05%7C02%7C%7C14001e320f124db2571e08ddac19f710%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C638855949703542093%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=g37tXB2tysA2yn1SJxYZ%2FKU2dWweoasIvvWtuYqo7Ds%3D&reserved=0) - **London Bangladeshi Health Partnership (2023)**: Dr. Ullah supported a webinar for South Asian Heritage Month, fostering health awareness and community engagement, reflecting the community’s ongoing commitment to addressing contemporary challenges.[](https://emea01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.linkedin.com%2Fin%2Fansar-ahmed-ullah-38139617%2F&data=05%7C02%7C%7C14001e320f124db2571e08ddac19f710%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C638855949703558564%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=JLw%2FaCiV%2BwdeKidX1NfhSKztH0lda4BHEn9VVWgJqjc%3D&reserved=0)

4. **Cultural and Economic Contributions**: - **Brick Lane as ‘Banglatown’**: Brick Lane remains a cultural hub, known as the “curry capital of Europe” and a center for Bengali identity. Dr. Ullah’s work highlights its evolution from a site of struggle to a symbol of cultural fusion, with events like the London Bengali Film Festival (2023) showcasing Bengali arts.[](https://emea01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fbooks.openedition.org%2Fpulm%2F13525%3Flang%3Den&data=05%7C02%7C%7C14001e320f124db2571e08ddac19f710%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C638855949703574764%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=nBcfNrNF0fg1Vaic%2FRbaH2rsevZcdRiXtULnBP7lEGc%3D&reserved=0)[](https://emea01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.thedailystar.net%2Fauthor%2Fansar-ahmed-ullah&data=05%7C02%7C%7C14001e320f124db2571e08ddac19f710%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C638855949703591246%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=9RBmTa1Yjcg4eJMBvJ02OAEQXNt4o%2FVYW5Hi%2BuyaI9A%3D&reserved=0) - **Economic Engagement**: Recent parliamentary seminars, such as the 2023 “Economic Development and International Trade” event hosted by the Conservative Friends of Bangladesh, underscore the community’s role in fostering UK-Bangladesh economic ties. While Dr. Ullah is not directly mentioned, his advocacy aligns with these efforts to elevate the diaspora’s influence.[](https://emea01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.thedailystar.net%2Fauthor%2Fansar-ahmed-ullah&data=05%7C02%7C%7C14001e320f124db2571e08ddac19f710%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C638855949703607791%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=GxpRjpeAXTmBQR4hlx92PqRoGXqt0eMfbgm5Drmxwik%3D&reserved=0)

5. **Challenges and Controversies**: - **Religious Identity and Secularism**: The increasing prominence of Islam since the 1980s, driven by family reunifications and global political shifts, has created tensions with the community’s secular traditions. Dr. Ullah’s involvement with the Nirmul Committee, which challenges religious fundamentalism, reflects efforts to maintain secular Bengali identity.[](https://emea01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Ftrialbyjeory.com%2F2015%2F07%2F09%2Fguest-post-by-ansar-ahmed-ullah-a-neo-colonial-plot-between-the-white-left-and-islamists-to-halt-east-end-bengalis%2F&data=05%7C02%7C%7C14001e320f124db2571e08ddac19f710%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C638855949703624239%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=l2LX4I68vmfK0oBQDhcJtGgOEqXmZTTYop2ffqmwKso%3D&reserved=0)[](https://emea01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fbooks.openedition.org%2Fpulm%2F13525%3Flang%3Den&data=05%7C02%7C%7C14001e320f124db2571e08ddac19f710%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C638855949703640588%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=Vwdx6VwvLD5Ac5IUVCbb2q%2Bt%2FojWnlmCi61j%2B2H6C3g%3D&reserved=0) - **Misinformation and Militancy Concerns**: The Ansarullah Bangla Team (ABT), a militant group in Bangladesh, has no direct connection to Dr. Ullah or the UK Bengali community but shares a similar name, causing potential confusion. This group, implicated in attacks on bloggers (2013–2015), is unrelated to Dr. Ullah’s work or the Ahmadiyya Muslim Association’s Majlis Ansarullah, which focuses on spiritual and charitable activities. This distinction is critical to avoid misassociation.[](https://emea01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fansar.org.uk%2F&data=05%7C02%7C%7C14001e320f124db2571e08ddac19f710%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C638855949703653445%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=wp3JRjjxqTEIqon%2F5JsHkGZ%2BsX0KlbPaH1nQ5VMhX2o%3D&reserved=0)[](https://emea01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fen.wikipedia.org%2Fwiki%2FAnsarullah_Bangla_Team&data=05%7C02%7C%7C14001e320f124db2571e08ddac19f710%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C638855949703665476%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=zftytjxT5cnGH2mrNle1jN1KnVOrphzS%2FpyjuuFv7%2Bo%3D&reserved=0) - **Integration vs. Isolation**: Dr. Ullah’s 2015 critique warns against external forces that may hinder Bengali integration into mainstream British society, a concern echoed in ongoing debates about multiculturalism and identity politics in Tower Hamlets.[](https://emea01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Ftrialbyjeory.com%2F2015%2F07%2F09%2Fguest-post-by-ansar-ahmed-ullah-a-neo-colonial-plot-between-the-white-left-and-islamists-to-halt-east-end-bengalis%2F&data=05%7C02%7C%7C14001e320f124db2571e08ddac19f710%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C638855949703677644%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=CbhwvzRyltpAVYy5jkV8y%2BonV3sQTujvrVMolVoQ0bs%3D&reserved=0)

1. 1. 1. 1. Critical Analysis

- **Source Reliability**: Most sources, such as academic platforms (LAHP, ResearchGate) and community-focused sites (Swadhinata Trust, Shottobani), are reliable for historical and cultural details. However, Dr. Ullah’s 2015 article on Open Democracy, republished on Trial by Jeory, contains subjective claims about political collusion that require cautious interpretation due to their polemical tone.[](https://emea01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Ftrialbyjeory.com%2F2015%2F07%2F09%2Fguest-post-by-ansar-ahmed-ullah-a-neo-colonial-plot-between-the-white-left-and-islamists-to-halt-east-end-bengalis%2F&data=05%7C02%7C%7C14001e320f124db2571e08ddac19f710%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C638855949703689913%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=gQff5kE1JcSCl58ePBJmxrHSi%2FcA4vSAsCQ1X8Cke7I%3D&reserved=0) - **Gaps in Recent Data**: While Dr. Ullah’s contributions up to 2023 are well-documented, information on 2024–2025 activities is limited, possibly due to the recency of events or lack of public updates. For instance, his role in *Shottobani* as Contributing Editor includes coverage of Bangladesh’s Health Minister’s 2024 UK visit, but specific community impacts are unclear.[](https://emea01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fshottobani.com%2Fshaheed-minars-in-the-uk-and-europe&data=05%7C02%7C%7C14001e320f124db2571e08ddac19f710%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C638855949703702140%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=b9ZKO5qHlKdx8obQHA%2B2%2FeJlm9Vt3UDm8POMiy9%2BrQk%3D&reserved=0) - **Narrative Balance**: The narrative of Bengali progress in the UK often emphasizes resilience and cultural pride, but challenges like economic disparities, intergenerational tensions, and political corruption are less highlighted. Dr. Ullah’s work attempts to address these complexities, but broader sources sometimes romanticize the community’s history.

1. 1. 1. 1. Conclusion

Dr. Ansar Ahmed Ullah remains a central figure in preserving and advancing the Bengali community’s history in the UK. His work through the Swadhinata Trust, academic research, and public health initiatives continues to shape the community’s cultural and political landscape. Recent developments, from Shaheed Minar monuments to health and economic advocacy, reflect the community’s ongoing efforts to balance heritage with integration. However, challenges like religious-secular tensions and political controversies persist, requiring nuanced engagement. For further exploration, the Swadhinata Trust website (https://emea01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.swadhinata.org.uk%2F&data=05%7C02%7C%7C14001e320f124db2571e08ddac19f710%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C638855949703714003%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=ZulZfsZ3ovkuGn%2FvQidQjoFphMpGdA%2FuTW7yBHdy8YM%3D&reserved=0) and Bishopsgate Institute archives offer primary sources.[](https://emea01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fmuse.jhu.edu%2Farticle%2F384464&data=05%7C02%7C%7C14001e320f124db2571e08ddac19f710%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C638855949703725865%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=34Tvtd6DxmSw2EJm2p65znUJrKP15kYD7J11Qads9Rw%3D&reserved=0)