Communities come together in Tower Hamlets to commemorate the official recognition of Altab Ali Day

A ceremonial event was held on Wednesday (4 May) to mark the official and permanent recognition of Altab Ali Day by Tower Hamlets Council.

The event, which included a wreath laying, poetry readings, and speeches from invited dignitaries, took place in the park in Whitechapel which now bears Altab Ali’s name.

In 1978 Altab Ali’s senseless and racially motivated murder helped mobilise a profound and energetic anti-racism movement, engaging both the Bengali and wider communities to take a public stand against the hatred and racial intolerance which was rife in certain parts of London at the time.

The ceremony, hosted by Tower Hamlets Council, included speeches from the Mayor of Tower Hamlets, John Biggs, alongside representatives of the Altab Ali Foundation and Altab Ali Trust.

The Bangladesh High Commissioner also spoke, saying he was there ‘to pay homage to Altab Ali’, and that it was up to all of us to learn from the terrible events from 38 years ago.

Poetry readings were suitably eclectic for an area of London that celebrates its identity as a cultural melting pot, combining recitals from poets Salam Jones, Stephen Watts, and hip hop artist, Shay D.

The ceremony was followed by a panel discussion at the Kobi Nazrul Centre, with a dramatic performance, The Altab Ali story, staged at the Brady Arts Centre by the Swadhinata Trust, closing the day’s events.

Mayor John Biggs said: “Altab Ali’s murder and the subsequent demonstrations showed people they were not alone in suffering or fearing violence. We want to keep alive the important message of community cohesion; about standing united against racism.”