Association News

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BANGLADESH ASSOCIATION NEWS

Association Services

During the past eighteen months the Association have organised a wide range of new services based upon information taken from members of the community in surveys between October and December 2006. These have included a Supplementary School for children aged 11-16, Computer and IT training for adults, ESOL Citizenship classes, ESOL English classes, Driver Theory Training and English language discussion classes for adults (to develop some English ability). The last three are running now. Sadly, regardless of the fact that members of the community have said they want such services, places have not been taken and valuable money has been wasted offering free services that too few people bother to use; regardless of the fact that many would benefit. It is a problem because funding for projects is becoming harder to come by and so free services are likely to become a thing of the past. So why don't the community use the facilities? You can tell us why on our website at

www.bangladesh-association.org/your_views.html

In September and October this year the Association will be going out amongst the community to conduct surveys again to try and establish what the community needs and wants. But running services will be different with some services becoming chargeable unless the uptake is better. If you want to complete the surveys now you can find them on our website at www.bangladesh-association.org/your_views.html

Fee's for visa exemption stamp !!

We would like to inform all of our clients that Bangladesh High Commission at London from 1 June 2008 changed the rules for Visa Exemption Stamp. Previously, they used to charge a one off fee of £32 per passport and there were no fee's for renewal. Following the recent changes, now £32 will also be charged every time you renew your passport.

We only find out when some of our clients applied for No Visa Stamp and they were informed by Bangladesh High Commission's Consular Service officer to pay for subsuquent fee's. Bangladesh High Commission deemed it not necessary to circulate amongst people. We would like to request you to pass on the message to your friends and family members.

Birth and Death Registration

If you are a Bangladeshi Citizen and living in the United Kingdom then you need to apply for your birth and death registration to the Bangladesh High Commission by the end of 2008. You will be required to produce your birth certificate to receice

various service such as, opening a bank account, to apply for Export and Import License, for tax Indentification Number (TIN), to apply for planning permission, vehicle registration number, to apply trade license, national ID card and many other services.

To avoid dissapointment we advise every one who holds a Bangladeshi passport to apply for Birth Registration. At the Association we have application forms for registration which you should fill out and take to the Bangladesh High Commission in London. You can also download this form from www.bhslondon.com. If you need further information please contact us. We can help you to complete the application forms. Fee's for registration are as follows:

a. Birth Registration £3

b. Correction £12

c. Birth Certificate £6

Jobs Update

Bangladesh Association in partnership with Employment links are organising a workshop which will give you the opportunity to find out about Cabot Circus

Jobs, get information and advice on applying for jobs, find out about different courses and learning opportunities and DVD presentation on Cabot Circus.

Please come and find out more and enjoy a coffee and refreshments at Bangladesh Association, 539 Stapleton Road on Wednesday 9 July at 12.30 - 2.30pm. For further information please contact Bangladesh Association on 0117 9511491 or Edwina on 0117 9145475.

Avon & Somerset Police Authority

Would you like the police to be accountable to you for the delivery of the services they provide?

If so, then become a 'independent member' joining five other members along with nine councillor

members. Each member is required to commit around 10hours a week, a basic allowance of £8,970 and expenses are payable. The main criteria is that you must be over 18, have lived or worked within the area covered by the authority for a minimum of 12 months and must not be otherwise disqualified.

For further information/application contact Police Authority 01275 816377 or visit www.aspola.org.uk, email policeauthority@avonandsomerset.pnn.police.uk or write to: The chief Executive, Avon and Somerset Police Authority, Valley Road, Portishead, BS20 8JJ.

EGM Update

At an Extraordinary General Meeting on Wednesday 21 May, called by the committee of the Association, a proposal was presented to the membership that the Association should become a company limited by guarantee. This is to ensure that the Association would fit with the generally perceived model of how 'best practice' can be achieved and maintained for the future, to ensure that the constitution is modernised to ensure the Association continues to serve the community in the best possible way and to enhance opportunities to attract funding for services to the community.

The proposal was accepted unanimously. The present officers will set up the new company and at the AGM this summer a new committee will be elected to head the new company whilst the old association will cease to trade. The new company will be called 'Bangladesh Association Limited' and will continue to be referred to as the 'Bangladesh Association'. Services will remain the same and, god willing, develop further to support the community.

Community Picnic

Dreaming of a long lazy day by the sea, then join the Association on its summer trip to Bournemouth on Tuesday 5th August 2008 and get a taste of the continent on the South coast of England. Bournemouth is renowned for its seven miles of golden beaches, beautiful parks and gardens. Watch out for mailing in July for further details.

Diary/ Events

At Bangladesh House unless otherwise stated.

9 July - Cabot Circus Job fair at Bangladesh House 12.30 - 2.30 pm

5 August - Community Picnic - Community Picnic at Bournemouth.

Driver theory training at Bangladesh House, Mondays between 10.00 - 12.00 until end of July.

30th July - AGM at the Bangladesh Association.

29th August - Immigration Surgery at Bangladesh Association.

For confidential advice on all issues of UK Immigration, nationality & Asylum law.

Drop - In = 11.00am - 1.00pm

Appointments Only = 2.00pm - 4.00pm

To book an appointment call Global Immigration Solutions on 08707 602641.

NOTICE

The news on this page is available in Bangla from our newsletter, a copy can be found on the newsletter page.