BHA Celebrates 35 Years of Building Homes and Strengthening Communities

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Updated: 14 hours ago

16 September 2026 | London

Bangla Housing Association (BHA) celebrated its 35th Anniversary on 16 September, bringing together residents, partners, supporters, Board members, staff and community leaders to mark 35 years of providing homes and strengthening communities.

Chair Nazim Rahman welcomed guests and reflected on BHA’s journey, while Chief Executive Bashir Uddin introduced anniversary messages from the Mayor of Hackney and other well-wishers, followed by the special drama Bangla Housing – A Home to Call Our Own.

The drama used humour and the story of a “telephone wedding” to highlight the housing challenges faced by a Bangladeshi family in the 1990s, before showing how BHA has helped families find safe and secure homes and supported the wider community through housing, health and community development.

A special tribute was paid by Vice Chair Ahmed Hussain to Mohammad Saleem Siddiqui, recognising his role in helping establish BHA in 1991 and his 35 years of dedicated service as its longest-serving Board Member. A commemorative crest was presented to him in recognition of his contribution.

Dame Meg Hillier MP praised BHA’s long-standing contribution to local communities and highlighted the importance of community leadership and partnership working. Deputy Mayor Cllr Dylan Law spoke about Hackney’s housing pressures and the importance of collaboration between the Council and housing associations to improve housing and support local communities.

Closing the evening, Shaheen Mahtabuddin thanked residents, partners, volunteers, staff, researchers and supporters for their contribution to BHA’s 35-year journey. She also thanked Bashir Uddin and the staff team for organising the celebration and looked ahead to the next 35 years.

The evening concluded with a buffet dinner and networking, as guests continued to share memories, celebrate BHA’s achievements and look forward to its future.

Happy 35th Anniversary to Bangla Housing Association!