From Sylhet to Spitalfields: Bengali Squatters in 1970s East London

This book explores the Bengali community's contribution to a little-known episode of East End history, using oral history interviews and archival research, and how it can inform present-day housing struggles.

Format: Paperback / softback
Publication date: 10 March 2023
Publisher: Lawrence & Wishart Ltd

The Bengali Housing Action Group (BHAG) was established by a group of squatters with the assistance of the Race Today collective. They set up support and vigilante groups to protect their community. This book explores the contribution of the Bengali community to this lesser-known episode of East End history and how it can inform contemporary housing struggles through oral history interviews and archival research.

The Bengali community in the East End of London played a significant role in a little-known episode of history during the late 1960s and early 1970s. In response to the growing housing crisis and lack of affordable housing, a group of squatters formed the Bengali Housing Action Group (BHAG). BHAG organized support and vigilante groups to protect their community from eviction and displacement.

Using oral history interviews and archival research, this book examines the contribution of the Bengali community to this episode of East End history and how it can inform contemporary housing struggles. The book highlights the resilience and determination of the Bengali community in facing discrimination and social exclusion, and how they used their collective power to fight for their rights to housing.

One of the key themes of the book is the role of community organizing and collective action in the fight for housing justice. BHAG's support and vigilante groups were a response to the lack of government intervention and the indifference of mainstream institutions to the housing crisis. The community members came together to build networks of support, share resources, and provide mutual assistance to those in need.

The book also explores the historical context of the Bengali community's arrival in the East End and the challenges they faced in finding affordable housing. The community was largely made up of immigrants from East Bengal, who had come to London in search of work and a better life. However, they faced discrimination and social exclusion from the mainstream white British community, which made it difficult for them to find housing and access social services.

Despite these challenges, the Bengali community remained strong and resilient. They used their cultural and linguistic heritage to build a sense of community and solidarity, and they organized themselves to fight for their rights to housing. BHAG's support and vigilante groups were a manifestation of this collective power and determination.

The book also raises important questions about the role of the state and mainstream institutions in addressing housing inequality and social exclusion. It highlights the need for more comprehensive and effective policies to address the housing crisis, including the provision of affordable housing, rent control, and social housing.

In conclusion, this book provides a valuable insight into the contribution of the Bengali community to a little-known episode of East End history and how it can inform contemporary housing struggles. It highlights the power of community organizing and collective action in the fight for housing justice and the need for more comprehensive policies to address housing inequality and social exclusion.

Weight: 304g
Dimension: 140 x 216 x 23 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781913546748