Lord Lieutenant saluted by Bangladeshi community

They used to recruit able-bodied men to fight for the militia.

But while Lord Lieutenants no longer rally the troops, Greater Manchester’s personal representative for HRH King Charles did greet a group doing battle for Britain recently - Oldham’s Bangladeshi community!

Mrs Diane Hawkins DL was formally welcomed to her role by senior members of a coterie that has added exponentially to the cultural and economic life of the borough since the 1970’s.

Plus, the charity champion, who devotes her time to schools and youth groups, also got an education into how Bangladeshi businesses are helping Oldham’s post COVID recovery – by drawing closer links between the two countries.

“We have come a long way since members of our community first moved here, some to work in the cotton mills, others to escape the War of Independence with Pakistan,” said Amin Babor Chowdhury, who led the salutations.

“Restaurants, clothes shops and other service industries initially sprung up, but now people of Bangladeshi heritage have risen to important posts within our borough and are charged with an energy to make life better here – and in our former homeland.

"It’s been quite a journey from what people used to call The Para (wards in Oldham where South Asian people settled together of safety) to being a part of this wonderfully rich and diverse community.”

Although only an independent country for a relatively short time, Bangladesh has made huge strides and is predicted to become a trillion dollar economy, with its flair for technology making it one of the most improved economies in the world.

This has had a knock-on benefit for Oldham, with graphic design, data management and digital marketing companies able to increase their spread to South Asian countries.

Bangladesh’s emergence has had education, social change and charity at its core, and these values are reflected here in Oldham.

Amin is famed for his work pounding the streets in his 100-mile challenges to raise money for good causes.

He added: "HM King Charles has been involved with British Asian communities for many years and founded the British Asian Trust.

"Also, after becoming the King, he invited the South Asian community for a reception at the Palace of Holyrood House, Scotland.”

The special welcoming event was held at Bangladesh House in Manchester, with members of the GMBA (the Greater Manchester Bangladesh Association) also in attendance.

The Lord Lieutenant Diane Hawkins appreciated the dinner in her honour, and said: “It was great conversation, company and food and a pleasure to join so many members of the Bangladeshi community.’’

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