Bangladeshi British Columbians
| Total population | |
|---|---|
| 3,740 (2021)[1] 3,105 in Greater Vancouver[2] | |
| Regions with significant populations | |
| Vancouver (city proper) | 935 |
| Languages | |
| Bengali • English | |
| Religion | |
| Predominantly Islam; minority Hinduism | |
| Related ethnic groups | |
| Bangladeshi Canadians • Bengali Canadians | |
Bangladeshi British Columbians are residents of British Columbia, Canada, of Bangladeshi origin or descent. Most live in the Lower Mainland, particularly Metro Vancouver. According to the 2021 Canadian census, 3,740 people in British Columbia reported Bangladeshi ethnic origin.[1]
History
Migration from the Bengal region to British Columbia began in the 1960s. The first known permanent Bengali settler in the Lower Mainland was materials engineer Dr. Asoke Chaklader, who arrived in 1960 to join the University of British Columbia.[3] The 1970s saw increased arrivals due to family reunification and the aftermath of the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War. Growth slowed in the 1980s–1990s but resumed in the 2000s with skilled workers in technology and healthcare.[3]
Demographics
The community is highly educated; many early migrants held postgraduate degrees in engineering, medicine, or IT.[3][4] The majority are Muslim, with a Hindu minority, and most speak Bengali at home.[3]
Culture and community
Bangladeshi British Columbians celebrate Pohela Boishakh (Bengali New Year), Eid, and Durga Puja. Community members have organised rallies in Vancouver in response to political developments in Bangladesh, including the 2024 student protests.[5]
Notable people
See also
References
- ^ a b "Census Profile, 2021 Census – British Columbia". Statistics Canada. August 2, 2024. Retrieved November 13, 2025.
- ^ "Census Profile, 2021 Census – Greater Vancouver". Statistics Canada. August 2, 2024. Retrieved November 13, 2025.
- ^ a b c d Bhattacharyya, Supriya (2019). An Oral History of Bengali Immigrants in British Columbia: 1960–2017 (MA thesis). Simon Fraser University. Retrieved November 13, 2025.
- ^ Ullah, A. K. M. Ahsan (2018). "Development of Bangladeshi immigrant entrepreneurship in Canada". Journal of Entrepreneurship in Emerging Economies. 10 (3): 357–375. doi:10.1177/0117196818810096.
- ^ "Bangladeshis in Vancouver react to PM's downfall after protests". CBC News. August 7, 2024. Retrieved November 13, 2025.