EastHands Launches National Heritage Project to Preserve Over 100 Years of Bangla Newspaper History in Britain

 

London, 9 October 2026 – EastHands International Charity has officially launched a 12-month research and heritage project to preserve the history of Bangla newspapers and journalism in Britain and share this important legacy with future generations.

The project, supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund and local business partners, was officially launched at a press conference at the London Bangla Press Club office on Friday, 9 October 2026.

The project will explore more than a century of Bangla journalism in Britain through research, a book, a documentary, a digital archive, oral history interviews and public exhibitions.

The event opened with a welcome address by Nobab Uddin, Chair of EastHands Charity. Saiyem Chowdhury, Heritage and Research Coordinator, then presented the project’s written statement. Project Manager ASM Masum gave a video presentation explaining the main activities and plans.

Preserving a valuable part of British Bangladeshi history

The history of Bangla newspapers in Britain goes back more than 100 years. Initial research has identified Satyabani, published in 1916, as an important historical reference point.

Over the decades, Bangla newspapers have played an important role in recording the experiences of the British Bangladeshi community, including migration, the fight for equal rights, anti-racism campaigns and the history and memories of Bangladesh’s Liberation War.

However, many valuable newspapers, photographs, documents and other historical materials remain in private collections. Some are at risk of being lost or damaged because they have not been properly preserved. The memories and experiences of older journalists, editors, publishers and readers are also at risk of disappearing.

The project aims to collect, research, verify and preserve these valuable records before they are lost, making them accessible to researchers, students and the wider public.

Six key areas of work

The project will focus on six main activities:

1. Research and publication: Produce a book documenting the history and development of Bangla newspapers and journalism in Britain.
2. Digital archive: Create a free, publicly accessible digital archive of historical newspapers, photographs, documents and other materials for people in Britain and around the world.
3. Documentary film: Record the lives, experiences and contributions of pioneering Bangla journalists, editors and publishers through a documentary.
4. Oral history: Interview and record the memories of former journalists, editors, publishers, readers and other people who have played a part in the development of Bangla journalism in Britain.
5. Permanent preservation: Work towards depositing collected historical materials with the Tower Hamlets Local History Library and Archives for long-term preservation.
6. Public exhibitions: Organise two exhibitions in London and Birmingham, alongside video presentations, to share the research and discoveries with the public.

Support from the journalism and community sectors

The launch was attended by EastHands Trustee Bablul Hoque and a number of journalists, community representatives, writers and cultural figures.

Speakers who welcomed the project and expressed their support included journalist Syed Nahas Pasha, BBC journalist Moazzem Hossain, London Bangla Press Club President Tareq Chowdhury, journalist Mahbub Rahman, former Press Club President Muhammad Jubair, Desh editor Taysir Mahmud, poet and travel writer Dilu Naser, and Press Club General Secretary Akramul Hussain.

During the question-and-answer session, journalists Rahmat Ali, Azizul Ambia, Afzal Hossain, Alaour Rahman Shaheen, Enam Chowdhury, Saju Ahmed and Zainal Abedin shared their views, suggestions and advice on the project.

Other attendees included EastHands representatives Ahad Chowdhury Babu, Poly Rahman, Saleh Ahmed, Hasnat Chowdhury and Mohammad Kinu.

Their participation reflected the importance of bringing together journalists, researchers, community organisations and members of the public to protect this shared heritage.

A shared responsibility for future generations

EastHands believes that preserving the history of Bangla journalism is not only about saving old newspapers. It is also about recognising the people, struggles and achievements that helped shape the British Bangladeshi community.

At a time when digital media and mobile journalism are changing how news is produced and shared, it is important to protect the historical records that explain how Bangla journalism developed and the role it played in community life.

EastHands is inviting volunteers, journalists, researchers and members of the public to support the project. Anyone who has old Bangla newspapers, photographs, letters, publishing records or other relevant historical materials is encouraged to get in touch and help preserve this important legacy.

Together, we can ensure that the history and contribution of Bangla newspapers in Britain are preserved, celebrated and passed on to future generations.

About EastHands

EastHands International Charity is a registered charity in England and Wales, working to support communities and preserve cultural heritage.

For further information or to get involved:

Email: easthandsuk@gmail.com

Website: www.easthands.org