PRIME Minister Tony Blair and opposition leader William Hague have sent congratulatory messages to an East Lancashire Asian welfare group as it celebrates its 20th birthday.

Hundreds attended Burnley and Pendle Bangladesh Welfare Association's party at the Daneshouse community centre this week, marking two decades of service to the area's largest Muslim community.

A special souvenir brochure has been published to mark the occasion. And national leaders have joined in with messages to the community development organisation, which has flourished despite often being embroiled in controversy.

In his letter, Mr Blair sends his warmest wishes and adds: "The Bangladeshi community is an essential element in Britain's multi-cultural society and I would like to take the opportunity to salute its unique contribution to modern Britain."

Conservative leader Mr Hague apologises for not being able to attend the celebrations, but adds: "Anyone who has come in contact with the BWA will know that their supporters have worked extremely hard over the last 20 years to provide support and better quality of life to Bangladeshi residents, not only living, working and growing up in Burnley and Pendle but right a cross the North West."

Other messages came from High Commissioner of Bangladesh Mahmood Ali, East Lancashire MEP Mark Hendrick, Chief Constable of Lancashire Pauline Clare and the leaders of Lancashire county and Burnley councils.

In the souvenir brochure, long-serving honorary member Norman Gregson, says that despite factionalism and personality cults, the organisation had achieved a great deal over the years.

"Without factionalism we could have achieved a great deal more for the benefit of the entire Bangladeshi community."

He adds: "Let's hope that our 21st celebrations will not be overshadowed by extensive floods and loss of life in Bangladesh and and another year of community division.

"One community is a strong community."

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