Amzad Ali

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Amzad Ali was born in 1921 in Biswanath Thana, Sylhet. He came to Gloucester approximately twenty-one years ago, after getting a passport and working permit for this country.

Upon arrival, he first stayed with his nephew Hafiz Ali. At that time there were only fifteen to twenty people in Gloucester from Bangladesh. He began to work in his nephew's restaurant and remembers getting twenty to twenty-five pounds each week. He would start work at 11am until 3pm and then again from 6pm until 1am in the morning.

Ali remembers specifically that there were few Asian people in Gloucester at the time. The restaurants would be occupied each day and evening by English people, who were intrigued by the new style of food. They adapted quickly as 'Indian' takeaways became a regular alternative to English meals each night.

At first Ali found it difficult to communicate with people as all he could say at first was 'yes' and 'no'. He later developed his vocabulary and learnt to speak English fluently.

When Ali first came to Gloucester he left his wife behind. She later passed away and Amzad remarried. He now has two children. Amzad now wishes to go back to Bangladesh, but only to visit as he wants to give his children a good education so that they can lead a happy and fulfilled life.