*Founding Chair of the Committee for Bangladeshis’ Rights in the UK [CBRUK]
*Founding Author of the CBRUK Constitution 29 July 1989
*Organiser of the CBRUK Campaign for the release of the protesters 40+ arrested on 15 July 1989
*Organiser of the CBRUK Demonstrations outside
the Arbour Square Magistrates Court London E1
[since moved and renamed Thames Magistrates Court in Bow London E3]
the Wells Street Magistrates Court London W1
the Horseferry Road Magistrates Court London SW1
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World Exclusive Original ACTION DOCUMENTARY
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CAMPAIGNING FOR JUSTICE for Mr Esmoth Ali and Mr Watir Ali
attacked on Sunday 09 July 1989 in their flat in the Flower and Dean Walk
[alongside Brick Lane London E1]
HOW WE BLOCKED THE BETHNAL GREEN ROAD
on Saturday
15 July 1989
[The A1209 known as Bethnal Green Road]
Junction of
the Wilmot Street and the
Bethnal Green Road
This sit-down in the Bethnal Green Road was not planned.
But I had to make the decision to do the sit-down in a matter of seconds.
Why?
Because a real deadlock had been reached in the protest demonstration.
The Metropolitan Police were not showing any signs of releasing the protesters that they had arrested.
The ONLY reason why the protesters had been arrested was for the police to “deter”the demonstration!
Totally peaceful, lawful and legitimate protest march from Altab Ali Park through Brick Lane and into Bethnal Green Road.
And the main demonstration was looking very angry, frustrated.
Considering that the arrests were NOT even about the main demand we had been making – that the murderous attacker/s of Mr Esmoth Ali and his relative Mr Watir Ali should be found by the Police and action taken against the those, the deadlock needed to be
broken.
Looking at the main body of the demonstrators and listening to what almost everyone was saying, I knew that a PEACEFUL way needed to be found. Very fast!
If none was found, then the agitation among the demonstrators was bound to get worse very quickly.
So I took hold of the loudspeaker and resumed my earlier speeches with one surprise.
Read more.
I said WORDS to the effect that the police were not looking for a peaceful end to the protest and all WE WANTED was for the protest to end peacefully.
We must take the initiative and get across to the police that we did indeed think they had made unnecessary arrests and that they must let those go.
Until the Police do that, WE WILL BLOCK THIS ROAD!!
and we sit down!
Everyone in the demonstration sat down as soon as I had said the words.
[To be continued]
Khoodeelaar! the East London 'No to Crossrail hole Bill' Campaign 