Both the docks and religion have both played a major role in the formation of the Bangladeshi community in London. Bangladeshis first settled in London from the 1920's, some as sailors, some to work in the burgeoning catering industry. They were responsible for opening the first Asian restaurants in the country. This explains the large variety of restaurants, especially around Spitalfields and the East End.

The Bangladeshi community in London is only a couple of generations old, yet the culture thrives. Brick Lane has been dubbed Bangla Town. The Bangladeshis are proud to be known as a community renowned for their events, be it in dance, drama, music but especially in religious festivals. About eighty per cent of Bangladeshis are Muslim; Hinduism follows this at sixteen percent. The other religions include Buddhism and Christianity. See below for a comprehensive list of Bangladeshi national holidays.

Below is a beginner's guide to the Bangladeshi community.

Cuisine, jobs within the community, national dress, family structure, marriages, death

December: Ramadan (Muslim) (subject to lunar calendar). A 30-day fasting period is celebrated at the end with a feast where gifts are exchanged.

21 February: Shaheed Day or Matrtyrs Day. This is a Remembrance of those whose lives were sacrificed to save the Bengali language.

26 March: Independence & National Day. Commemorates Bangladesh becoming a sovereign nation, and the fight to achieve independence.

14 April: Bengali New Year (Pawhela Boishakh) April: Buddha Purnima (Buddhist) (subject to lunar calendar).

30 April: Muharram (subject to lunar calendar).

30 June: Eid-e-Miladun-Nabi (subject to lunar calendar).

15th August: National Mourning Day (subject to lunar calendar). August: Janmastami (Hindu)(subject to lunar sightings). This is a celebration of the birth of Krishna.

10 October: Durga Puja (Dashomi) (Hindu). Ten-day festival associated with vanquishing demons. People wash their vehicles, and decorate with leaves and flowers.

October: Diwali (Hindu). For Bengalis this is a time to worship Goddess Kali or Durga. This occasion is celebrated to dispel the darkness from the world.

16 December: Victory Day (Bijoy Dibosh). This day remembers the armed forces of Pakistan formally surrendering to the allied forces of Bangladesh and India.

18 December: Shab-e-Barat (Muslim) (subject to lunar sighting).

25 December: Christmas (Christian)