From Sylhet to Spitalfields: Bengali Squatters in 1970s East London – Book Launch

Posted on 23/03/2023

We celebrated the publication of From Sylhet to Spitalfields  with a packed out event at Bishopsgate Institute, London on Tuesday 14 March 2023.

Author Shabna Begum discussed the book and the hidden history of the Bengali squatters’ movement with a Bengali squatter activist Muhammad Gulam Yahya, Tribune Magazine industrial correspondent Taj Ali, Lecturer Dr Aminul Hoque, and Lawrence Wishart Books Editor Jumanah Younis.

The evening was a joyful celebration of Shabna’s hard work in telling stories from her community, and exploring how the history of the Bengali squatters’ movement can inform present-day housing struggles. 

Order your copy of From Sylhet to Spitalfields here.