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• A new beginning for the Westminster Muslim and Bangladeshi Association

A new beginning for the Westminster Muslim and Bangladeshi Association

The newly-formed Westminster Muslim and Bangladeshi Association (WMBA) recently celebrated a fresh way of working. At a launch party on the 12 July, they officially marked their merger of two former organisations: Pimlico Bangladeshi Association and the Westminster Muslim Welfare Trust.

The launch party was held at Millbank Spice restaurant in Vauxhall. Many high-profile guests came along to show their support, including Hussain Mohammed Ershad, the former president of Bangladesh, Mark Field, Conservative MP for Cities of London and Westminster and Anne Mallinson, deputy Westminster mayor. It was a celebration of working together; and the new partnership which will see the two organisations pool their resources in order to find better ways of helping the Bangladeshi community.

Shaista Miah, Chairman of the WMBA, said: "We felt that if we merged then we could put our resources together and serve the community better. On behalf of my organisation and trustees, I would like to thank CityWest Homes for all their help and support, especially Maria Gillies, Mark Hoyland, Debbie Clancey and Olive Nakachwa. This is a very proud moment for us all.

“I am delighted to support and sponsor the Bangladeshi community. Britain is a great example of how all race and colours can live together peacefully. We’re making a different world and at WMBA we want to continue that.”

WMBA offers many services to the local community it serves. As well as citizenship classes and women's development sessions, they hold a number of events throughout the year, including a winter festival, celebrations of Bangladesh's independence and an annual cricket match against the police at Lord's. They are also looking for new premises for their members to worship in south Westminster. Members of the association currently choose between worshipping at home, visiting the London Central Mosque in Regent's Park or attending one of three smaller centres available to them in south Westminster, including the WMBA headquarters at Dryburgh Hall, Pimlico.

Darren Levy, director of customer services, CityWest Homes, was present for the launch. He commented: “The relationship we have with this inspirational organisation, which continues to forge valuable links with the community they serve, is getting stronger and stronger. I’m grateful and privileged to be here today.”

The evening was a great success and all those present extended their full support for the merger. The WMBA have already done much to help their local community and the merger can only make them stronger.

Former president of Bangladesh, Hussain Mohammed Ershad, said: “I wish them all the best. Two organisations have been brought together and if I can be any use to the WMBA then I’m happy to be contacted. I am proud and happy to have always been by their side.”