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Eric Pickles attends an awards ceremony to celebrate British Bangladeshi achievements

Eric Pickles has given credit to some of the most successful and influential British Bangladeshi people at an awards ceremony in East London.

This was published under the 2010 to 2015 Conservative and Liberal Democrat coalition government
Eric Pickles at a podium

Eric Pickles speaking at the British Bangladeshi Who's Who event

In a speech to more than 400 members of the British Bangladeshi community, the Secretary of State recognised the many contributions that Bangladeshis have made to British society and beyond. He also emphasised the importance of everyone, from every community, feeling that they can get involved in their local neighbourhood.

The Communities Secretary said:

“The Bangladeshi community plays an active role in every sphere of British life and those being awarded tonight are a real inspiration.

“As well as the individuals being recognised tonight, Bangladeshi people across the country are more likely than any other ethnic minority group to be involved in local decision-making bodies. In other words, Bangladeshi people are asking, not what their local area can do for them, but what they can do for their local area. Commitment like that - that readiness to get involved - is always to be applauded, and has never been more vital than today.

“British Bangladeshis will continue to be an important part of the fabric of this country and it’s a pleasure to celebrate today the outstanding achievements of the community”.

Appearing as chief guest at the launch of this year’s edition of the British Bangladeshi Who’s Who publication, Mr Pickles spoke alongside Rushanara Ali, the first ever MP of Bangladeshi origin, and the Bangladeshi High Commissioner, Dr M Sayedur Rahman Khan.

Photographs of the event are available from the DCLG Flickr channel

Published 15 October 2010