The Swadhinata Trust, a London-based secular Bangla community group, actively promotes Bangla history and heritage among young people. Established in November 2000, the Trust offers a range of educational programs, including seminars, workshops, exhibitions, and academic literature, to young Bangladeshis in schools, colleges, youth clubs, and community centers across the United Kingdom.
The Swadhinata Trust’s mission is to ensure that Bangladesh’s history and culture are accurately represented as an integral part of Britain’s historical narrative and, consequently, the contemporary world. Recognizing the absence of comprehensive documentation and social data that accurately portray Bangladeshi heritage, historical presence, and achievements internationally, the Trust has identified a critical need to address this gap. By doing so, the Trust aims to combat the sense of marginalization, low self-esteem, and alienation that can arise among young people, particularly those belonging to a minority ethnic community within wider society. This marginalization can, in turn, limit their participation and contributions to mainstream culture.
The Swadhinata Trust aims to establish a cultural center primarily focusing on culture, research, and education to promote Bangla culture for a broader audience. Swadhinata proposes developing a series of income-generating projects to support its activities further. Initially, it will operate as a community-based, ‘not-for-profit’ business, selling educational materials, providing teaching and consultancy services to statutory, voluntary, and community sector agencies, and eventually expanding nationwide. Additionally, Swadhinata envisions establishing an archival facility dedicated to preserving the history of Bangladeshis in Britain, complementing its educational initiatives. Furthermore, Swadhinata proposes exploring local history tours that highlight the presence of Bangladeshis in Tower Hamlets, expanding its academic activities beyond traditional educational programs.