We congratulate the three British-Bangladeshi women who secured election to the UK parliament in Thursday’s general election.
Even though they are British citizens, it is right that Bangladeshis should take an interest in celebrating their success. The long-shared history and close ties of our nations places a natural spotlight on the achievements and progress of the British-Bangladeshi community.
The milestone of seeing Rupa Huq and Tulip Siddiq succeed in smashing stereotypes and join the well-established parliamentarian Rushanara Ali in the House of Commons is certainly noteworthy. Of the three, Rupa Huq stands out for winning a rare success on the night for the Labour Party by actually taking a seat from the victorious Conservative Party rather than holding an existing one.
While all three share a common national heritage, party affiliation and years of hard work in grassroots politics, the trio are as diverse in their family backgrounds as the three very different London constituencies which they now represent.
It must be hoped that parts of the British media which relish in nurturing stereotypes and creating panic about British Muslims travelling abroad to join jihadists, will sit up and take note of the success story for integration represented by these three women MPs.
We wish all three more success in their careers ahead.
In a globalised world with more and more people of Bangladeshi heritage working abroad, it is only right that we should all welcome and hope to see more such success stories.