The 2021 UK census recorded over 652,500 people of Bangladeshi descent residing in the UK. After the 2021 UK census, thousands of Bangladeshis came to the UK with their families on care visas, work permits, and student visas.

Daily Dazzling Dawn also understands that more than 1 million Bangladeshis living in the country are Bangladeshis from Europe, British Bangladeshis of the second and third generation. There are at least thousands of families in the third and fourth generations of Bangladeshis in Britain. This figure also includes students and workers. The large number of Bangladeshis who have come to Britain as European citizens after getting European passports are not Bangladeshi on their identity documents. A large number of Bangladeshis from European countries, including Spain, Italy, Greece, and Germany, came to Britain with their families after getting the passports of those countries. Besides, although no one has the correct statistics, it has been reported from various sources that around 50,000 Bangladeshis without valid residence or work papers are living in Britain.

• Bangla is a significant language in London, with a high concentration of speakers, especially in Tower Hamlets.
•  There are a number of people of Bangladeshi origin that have gained European citizenship, and then moved to the UK. There is also a number of undocumented people.
• Bangla is the second most spoken language in London. The information from an article published in City lit is from 2019.

Determining the precise number of Bangladeshis living in the UK is complex, as it involves differentiating between those of Bangladeshi descent and those holding Bangladeshi citizenship, alongside the challenges of undocumented populations. However, we can provide a detailed overview of the British Bangladeshi community, drawing from reliable sources.

This number encompasses individuals born in the UK with Bangladeshi heritage, as well as those who migrated from Bangladesh.

Factors Affecting Total Numbers:

It's important to acknowledge that the actual number of people with Bangladeshi heritage in the UK may be higher.

This is due to factors such as:

Individuals of Bangladeshi origin who have obtained citizenship in other European countries and then moved to the UK. These individuals may not be recorded as Bangladeshi in UK statistics.

• Undocumented individuals living in the UK, whose numbers are difficult to ascertain.
• Therefore, while figures of close to 1 million are sometimes reported, they are very hard to confirm.

Geographic Distribution

• The British Bangladeshi community is heavily concentrated in Greater London, particularly in boroughs like Tower Hamlets, Newham, and Camden.
• Tower Hamlets, in particular, has a significant Bangladeshi population, contributing to the area's distinct cultural character.
• Outside of London, notable Bangladeshi communities exist in major cities such as Birmingham, Manchester, and other urban centers across the UK.

Generational Growth

• The British Bangladeshi community is one of the youngest and fastest-growing ethnic groups in the UK, indicating a strong and ongoing presence.
•  Second, third, and even fourth-generation British Bangladeshis are contributing to various aspects of British society.

Historical Context

 Migration Waves:

• The history of Bangladeshi migration to the UK dates back to the mid-20th century, with early migrants primarily originating from the Sylhet region of Bangladesh.
• Economic opportunities and the pursuit of a better future were key drivers of these migration waves.
• The strong connection to Sylhet remains a significant cultural link within the community.

Cultural and Economic Contributions

 Cultural Enrichment

• British Bangladeshis have enriched the UK's cultural landscape through their distinctive cuisine, traditions, and language.
• The Bangla language is a significant presence in London, particularly in areas with high concentrations of Bangladeshi residents.

  Economic Impact

• British Bangladeshis have made substantial contributions to various sectors of the UK economy, including business, entrepreneurship, and professional services.
• Many British Bangladeshi citizens are active in British politics.

Social Integration

 A high percentage of British Bangladeshis are British citizens, indicating their integration and participation in British society.

Language

• Bangla is a very common language in London.
• Tower Hamlets has a very high concentration of Bangla speakers.
• There are many people that consider Bangla their first language.

Conclusion

The British Bangladeshi community is a vital and dynamic part of the UK's diverse population. While pinpointing an exact total number is challenging, the 2021 census provides a solid foundation for understanding the community's size and distribution. Their cultural and economic contributions, coupled with their growing presence, demonstrate their integral role in shaping modern Britain.