Press Release Date: 15th September 2014 Oral History of Bangladeshis in Greater Manchester Project deposited to Oldham Local Studies & Archive. Handover the 50 Video Documentaries and other materials of the “Oral History of Bangladeshis in Greater Manchester to Oldham Council Local Studies and Archives, on Monday 15th September 2014 at 3.30pm at the Oldham Local Studies and Archives, Union Street, Oldham, Lancashire. On 15th September 2014, Tigers International Association—TIA has handed over 50 documentaries of “Oral History of Bangladeshis’ in Greater Manchester” project to Oldham Local Studies and Archives a department of Oldham Council. The project which took over five years and collected the oral accounts of first generation Bangladeshis in the Manchester area was supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund and undertaken with support from the Manchester Metropolitan University and many other individuals and organisations. As well as conducting over 50 personal accounts, the project gathered vital information on the life and times of early immigrants and will prove an invaluable resource for both the community and as an educational resource for years to come. This is one of the most significant pieces of work undertaken within the BME communities and it is hoped that the project will pave the way for similar projects so that the rich history and the footsteps of early immigrants will become imprinted in the fabric of their adopted cities and country. The ‘Oral history of Bangladeshis in Greater Manchester’ project captured the history of Bangladeshis since 1940 – 1970 for future generations to share. The video documentaries containing the interviews are in the Bangla language and supported by separate transcriptions in English. TIA is also hoping to hand over the history book publication to the local library. The early settlers in Greater Manchester from the Indian subcontinent can trace their roots back nearly 100 years. The first wave of migrants in sizeable numbers from Bangladesh came in the 1950’s. It’s over 60 years and since then many of those early migrants are no longer with us. As they have passed, so have their experiences, hardships and successes. Ten years ago a group of professional people at Tigers International Association – TIA - developed this project which captured accounts of the lives and experiences of some of that first generation early settlers into the area, with the aim to preserve them in local archives, so that future generations could see how the experiences of the past first generations had helped to shape their lives. The main aim was to obtain valuable information and keep it alive and with it the memories of so many who have helped to make this area rich, vibrant and a dynamic place to live. TIA put together a team of dedicated people, researchers to find people with an interesting tale to tell. We found many. Sadly, we could only work with a limited number of people. Over a period of 3 years, we spoke to more than 50 people about their life, early days, experiences, hardships and much more. They gave us an insight which was eye opening, fascinating, and full of happiness, sadness, hardship, hope and aspiration. To undertake this very demanding piece of work, we worked with a range of agencies that supported us in a variety of ways including The Manchester Metropolitan University, local voluntary organisations, businesses and volunteers. We captured the conversations in video format and they have been Archived and captured in DVD form so that they are preserved for years to come. They have already proven to be an excellent tool for our youngsters to learn about their past and an educational tool for everyone in Manchester who is interested in tracing the rich diversity of the people of this area. All this has been made possible by the volunteers who have worked tirelessly on this project. Their commitment was a fitting testimony to those they were researching, interviewing and working with. We will work with schools, libraries and other organisations so that this resource will reach large audiences and that these experiences can be shared and appreciated. It is hoped that similar projects will spring up elsewhere so that the rich history of Bangladeshis’ in Britain can be truly captured, shared and celebrated. A short presentation was organised jointly with Oldham Local Studies & Archive and Tigers International Association – TIA. A delegation from TIA headed by Alhaj Mustak Ahmed Rouf Mustafa – Project Manager & Executive Director, Essam Mahbub – Videographer, Monsur Ahmed – Director, Shammi Akter – Admin Worker, Muklesur Rahman and Jamilur Rahman. Archive Officer Joanne Robson & Alhaj Mustak Ahmed Rouf Mustafa – Project Manager & Executive Director singed and agreement. The Roger Ivens – Local Studies Officer said it a unique project and the local community would be able to know the history & culture of First Generation Bangladeshi community settled in the greater Manchester area. Alhaj Mustak Ahmed Rouf Mustafa – Project Manager & Executive Director, said it was part of the commitment to have the resources available to get access by general public. Therefore we have deposited one set containing 50 video documentaries to Oldham Local Studies & Archive. TIA is also planning to deposit another set to Manchester University Archive in the near future. For further details please Mr Mustak Ahmed Mustafa Chairman of Tigers International Association on 0161 620 8787 or 0773 951 5821.
Posted on: Wed, 17 Sep 2014 14:48:15 +0000
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