The Whitechapel Station & Brick Lane Arch in London Tube will now have new Bengali signage to mark the importance and contribution of the Bengali community in East London, and as part of celebrations to mark 50 years of Bangladesh’s independence. Contrary to media reports, this is not the first time that the name of a Tube station in London has been displayed in Bengali. It was always there. This is a renewed installation.
In an appeal to the Mayor of London, John Biggs, Mayor of Tower Hamlets wrote, "Whitechapel is at the heart of the Bangladeshi community. Bilingual signs have been installed at Southall and replicating this at Whitechapel would be welcomed to mark the culture of British Bangladeshis and reflect the rich heritage and diversity."
John Biggs tweeted, “Delighted to see bilingual signs now installed at Whitechapel station - in both English and Bangla funded by Tower Hamlets Now. Thanks to everyone who has worked on this campaign with us, and to @SadiqKhan for helping us to make it happen.”
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee tweeted, “Proud to note that the London Tube Rail has accepted Bengali as a language of signage at Whitechapel Station, signifying the increasing global importance & strength of the 1000-year old language Bengali. It underlines that the diaspora should work together in common cultural directions. It is a victory of our culture and heritage.”
According to Bangla Mirror, “In addition, following repairs, the Council has reinstalled Brick Lane Arch as Banglatown Gate. The original Brick Lane Arch was designed by Meena Thakor in association with Anne Thorne Architects in 1997 and put up by fundings from the Bethnal Green City Challenge.”
Sadiq Khan, Mayor of London told Asian Voice, “London’s diversity is its greatest strength. The revamped signs at Whitechapel station recognise and celebrate the vital contribution Bangladeshi Londoners have made in shaping the community in Tower Hamlets and throughout our city. I’m delighted that they have been installed ahead of Bangladesh Independence Day on Saturday 26th March.
“Whitechapel is an iconic part of the city which will soon see the arrival of a new London icon - the Elizabeth line. Once open, passengers will be able to travel from Whitechapel station to Paddington in just 15 minutes. The new line is one of the world’s most advanced railways and will play a crucial role in the city’s recovery from the pandemic, transforming travel across London and the South East.”
