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Amid a deepening governance crisis that has left one of the diaspora’s most vital institutions in a state of paralysis, the British Bangladeshi Community Coalition (BBCC) held an urgent press conference today at a venue neighboring the East London Mosque. Addressing a packed room of community leaders and journalists, prominent figures Shiraj Haque and Abdul Shukur Khalisadar issued a stark ultimatum: a total reset of the Bangladesh Centre London is no longer optional, but an unavoidable necessity to safeguard the institution's future.
The coalition’s statement paints a grim picture of a landmark organization currently crippled by constitutional failures, unresolved disputes, and a total absence of legitimate leadership. For an extended period, the Centre has struggled to fulfill its charitable and cultural purposes, leading to a profound erosion of public trust both within the UK and internationally. Speaking on behalf of the coalition, Abdul Shukur Khalisadar emphasized that the current state of dysfunction has brought shame and disrepute upon the British Bangladeshi community, striking at the very heart of their collective identity and charitable responsibility.
To rectify these long-standing failures, the coalition is demanding an immediate, independent public inquiry into the governance, financial management, and constitutional compliance of the Bangladesh Centre. This inquiry would include a comprehensive review of all financial dealings and trustee conduct over recent years. Beyond the investigation, the BBCC is calling for full transparency and the public disclosure of the Centre’s finances and operational decisions to meet charitable obligations and best practices.
A central pillar of the coalition’s demand is the immediate reopening and regularisation of the Centre's membership. Shiraj Haque noted that restoring inclusivity is the only way to return democratic participation and institutional legitimacy to the organization. To facilitate this, the coalition is urging the Bangladesh High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, in their capacity as the ex-officio Chairperson, to convene a General Meeting. This meeting would allow members to address the governance crisis collectively and lawfully, moving past the factional interests that have hindered progress for years.
The press conference concluded with a call for the establishment of accountable interim structures to stabilize the organization while constitutional order is restored. The speakers reiterated that these actions are not driven by personal vendettas or individual personalities, but by a shared responsibility to uphold ethical standards. As the community waits for further updates, the BBCC remains firm that the continued absence of accountability is no longer acceptable for a diaspora that deserves integrity and responsible leadership.
