0ver the past weekend, l attend the celebrations of Brick lane mosque in the heart of the East End. Where l was asked to say a few words along the following lines; 

This building has huge history for London, having been a church, synagogue and now a mosque over the past few hundred years. Showing the diversity of faiths in London today and in the past as well. 

Brick lane became the centre of Bangladeshi community in the teeth of opposition in 1976 when many Bangladeshi could not even walk along Brick lane because of the attacks by fascists. 

So let us not forget those founding members huge contribution at those difficult times.

It has also been at the centre of many peoples lives, including my own families, during the life, death and marriage. I had the funeral of father here 16 years ago and more recently prays for my mums recovery at hospital.  

So long may it continue to be at the centre of Bangladeshi community and continue to have a huge place in our family lives.