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24 September 2014
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Voices: Our Untold Stories »Asian Stories
Amzad Ali

Amzad Ali

Amzad Ali was born in 1921 in Biswanath Thana, Sylhet. He came to Gloucester over 20 years ago, after getting a passport and working permit for this country.

Amzad Ali remembers when 'Indian' restaurants were a novelty in Gloucester

Upon arrival, he first stayed with his nephew Hafiz Ali. At that time there were only 15 to 20 people in Gloucester from Bangladesh.

He began to work in his nephew's restaurant and remembers getting £20 to £25 each week. He would start work at 11am until 3pm and then again from 6pm until 1am in the morning.

Ali remembers specifically that there were few Asian people in Gloucester at the time.

Intrigued

The restaurants would be occupied each day and evening by English people who were intrigued by the new style of food. They adapted quickly as 'Indian' takeaways became a regular alternative to English meals each night.

At first Ali found it difficult to communicate with people as all he could say at first was 'yes' and 'no'. He later developed his vocabulary and learnt to speak English fluently.

When Ali first came to Gloucester he left his wife behind. She later passed away and Amzad remarried. He now has two children.

Amzad now wishes to go back to Bangladesh, but only to visit as he wants to give his children a good education so that they can lead a happy and fulfilled life.

» See 'The Bangladeshi Community'
» See 'The Asian Community'

This article is user-generated content (ie external contribution) expressing a personal opinion, not the views of BBC Gloucestershire.
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