On 24^th December 2022, at the Bangla Para Restaurant, Forest Gate, east London, the members of the executive committee of the Bangladesh Probashi Kallyan Parishad (BPKP) met to celebrate their campaign success and to show appreciation to the Bangladeshi government in the UK and Bangladesh, as well as inform the community in the UK through various media outlets.

On 18^th December, the Bangladeshi government announced via various media outlets that the 2^nd and 3^rd generation of British-Bangladeshis in the UK can now apply for a Bangladeshi passport via the Bangladesh High Commission, London through their parent’s rights. This had stopped in 2020.

However, through various campaigns and communications with the Bangladesh Foreign Minister, Dr A K Abdul Momen, also the Patron of BPKP, and working closely with H.E Ms Saida Muna Tasneem, the High Commissioner of Bangladesh, this U-turn was possible. Having a Bangladeshi passport is the first step in having rights in Bangladesh. The rights to seek assistance from the administrations for land and assets, apply for a National ID card and assign the Power of Attorney to sell or acquire land and assets in Bangladesh.

At the gathering, the Chairman of BPKP, Mr Ashikur Rahman was elated in front of various media outlets and his comrades. “This was a long and hard campaign from our organisation. We have worked closely with H.E Ms Saida Muna Tasneem and Hon’ble Foreign Minister and our Patron, Dr A K Abdul Momen. And it seems that they have retaken a pragmatic approach.” Said Mr Rahman.

“I’d like to give our heartfelt appreciation to the Bangladesh government, Home Affairs Ministry, Foreign Ministry and all the media outlets and other campaign organisations for this fruitful outcome.” Added Mr Rahman.

Additional comments of support and appreciation were also shared by all those present, including Senior Vice Chair, Jahangir Khan, Treasurer Abdul Halim Choudhury, International Affairs Secretary Shah Mumin, Parvez Qureshi BEM, Cllr Foyzur Rahman, Manikur Rahman, Shamima Mita, Dr Syed Mashuk Ahmed, Joynal Khan, Zain Miah, Abu Tarek Chowdhury, Pritom Gosh, Nazir Ali, and Secretary Mayen Uddin via video call.

BPKP is a campaign organisation that works for the betterment of the non-residential Bangladeshis in the UK and Europe. BPKP is working with the Foreign Minister to get a globally recognised NRB Celebration Day, as well as resolving the airport harassment issues, National ID Card and the “Save Our Property” campaign amongst other things. Should you wish to get involved and become a member please contact Mayen Uddin Ansar at info@bpkp.org