Immigrant communities in Rome. The Bangladeshi.
They mainly deal with commerce and catering, they offer themselves as domestic workers and carers, many run grocery stores, restaurants and small businesses that offer products and services both to their community and to the local population. This contributed not only to their economic stability, but also to the creation of ties with Roman residents.
The growing presence of migrants from Bangladesh in Rome has created a vibrant and active community that has enriched the cultural and social landscape of the Italian capital. This phenomenon is the consequence of Bangladeshis’ search for improved economic and life opportunities, which began mainly in the 1980s and 1990s, when many people left their country due to financial difficulties and policies for traveling to Europe. Initially, Bangladeshi migrants settled in other European cities, but over time, Rome has become one of the main destinations for the Bangladeshi community: there are almost 40,000 in the capital alone, concentrated mainly between the Esquilino district, Tor Pignattara and Pigneto.
The Bangladeshi community in Rome is known for its lively social and cultural life: events such as religious festivals, national celebrations and cultural events are important moments of aggregation. Among these, the Bengali New Year (Pohela Boishakh) and Muslim holidays such as Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha are particularly heartfelt and celebrated with great participation.
According to the lunisolar calendar, New Year’s Eve generally falls on April 14, but communities can set meeting days for different dates and last for days.
They mainly deal with commerce and catering, they offer themselves as domestic workers and carers, many run grocery stores, restaurants and small businesses that offer products and services both to their community and to the local population. This contributed not only to their economic stability, but also to the creation of ties with Roman residents.
In fact, the truncation in the language “Bangla” is now in common use to define a shop managed by someone from the Bangladeshi community.
“I’m leaving Bangla and getting some fruit,” says Piero.
There are numerous Bangladeshi associations and organizations active in Rome and they play a crucial role in keeping alive the traditions and values of Bangladeshi culture, while facilitating integration into Italian society.
The Bangladeshi community in Rome also faces several obstacles due to discrimination.
Giancane’s song “You are in a wonderful country” against racism and the unfounded cliché according to which immigrants would come to steal jobs begins like this: “Seafarers who go, wherever they like, but not here, to steal my I work in this jungle, and it shatters my dream of opening a bangla.”
Despite the problems that afflict all immigrant communities, Bangladeshi is one of the most integrated thanks to a dynamic and mutual process, which has proven to be capable of generating value for all members of society and is an example of how immigration can enrich a city not only economically, but also culturally and socially.
We recommend watching the film “Bangla” by the actor and director Phaim Bhuiyan, which tells the story of a young 22-year-old boy of Bengali origins, born in Rome and living in the Torpignattara district of Rome.
Image credit 1 from Phaim Bhuiyan’s Bangla film, Youtube
Image credit 2 Pixabay
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