Rana Taslim Uddin is a prominent leader and spokesperson for the Bangladeshi community in Portugal, where he has lived for over 35 years.

M.Z.I. Dalton Zahir | TT Desk:: Rana Taslim Uddin is a prominent leader and spokesperson for the Bangladeshi community in Portugal, where he has lived for over 35 years. He is not the national leader of Bangladesh; rather, he is a leading activist and representative for the approximately 60,000 Bangladeshi immigrants residing in Portugal. The government of Bangladesh should introduce a pension scheme for the Bangladeshi immigrants, working abroad, because this is very essential for ensuring a bit source of dependence in their old ages, said Rana Taslim Uddin, a Bangladeshi diaspora and leader of Bangladeshi community in Lisbon, Portugal.

Staying in Europe for over 35 years, the highly experienced and popular leader, Rana Taslim Uddin made the remarks in an interview with Travellertimes.net in Lisbon .

He said Bangladeshis have remarkable contributions behind the development of attractive infrastructures as well as in economic growth of today’s rich and beautiful Portugal.

“The labor of people of my country is engaged with today’s big cities, the metro, big breezes, culverts and major construction here in Portugal. They have worked here, during their youth life they engaged their labor for all these, although they were paid a little bit but there have no way to neglect the contribution of my people”, Rana Taslim added.

He also said “I tell all these openly in mainstream Portuguese media, they get surprised how this man tell this, and that’s why I am much talked here, much criticized as well as a man of love”.

Replying to a query, he said currently there have at least 15 million Bangladeshi expatriates living in many countries across the world. We can divide this number 15 million into two parts as like one is immigrant and the other is diaspora and among them those the diasporas never want anything from the country rather they want to give something to their motherland.

Those who are expatriates they want something from the Bangladesh and the government should meet their demands. I must mention that those who come abroad for a limited period or contractually, the government should have some schemes for them, most of those who go to Middle East countries and send lion share of their earning to Bangladesh.

Rana Taslim Uddin feels that the government of Bangladesh also should pay attention to the remittance fighters.

“I know that the government has already undertaken a good number of initiatives but they are not sufficient, it needs to be much more. I will say that introducing a pension allowance is very essential for those who move to Middle East countries, Malaysia or other similar countries having employment through which they can rest assure that they will get something from the government during their old age” he added.

“At the same time there should have some facilities for the children of those people. This will create a sort of assurance for them during their old age. Another important thing is to prevent the people those who come abroad aimlessly because every year a number of people die in the Atlantic and Mediterranean Sea on their way to come to Europe”.

He feels that the government has to control this at any cost, for this the agencies involved in inspiring these type of risky move, have to be controlled very strictly. This will require effective campaign program, at the same time opening free training centers for those who intend to come to Europe through these risky ways so that they can come after necessary training, that can help them coming abroad legally, contribute to the country and ultimately can make the country’s image bright in abroad.

I believe that this is a basic area, the government to pay due heed. You know it’s not that only Bangladeshis are moving abroad as immigrants, rather people from around the world move to other countries as immigrants.

Human beings are now moving like birds. People from all over the world are moving from here to there in different parts across the globe. Suppose, here in Portugal, we find a lot of people coming from different countries including India, Pakistan, Nepal, Srilanka, mostly from the Asian sub-continent.

Side by side we find immigrants from Philippines, Thailand, Malaysia, South Korea, but in terms of the day to day activities we own identify ourselves as Bangladeshis through our own deeds but not others. I know that almost half of the Pilipino people live in abroad, specially females who does narrow jobs like cleaning, household works coming outside of the country, but they have demands because they understand courtesy and norms.

You will find people of no other countries practice politics coming abroad,    except only Bangladesh who start doing political activities of different political parties of Bangladesh, sometimes create chaos and that goes to the notice of the concerned government agencies of that particular country.

If the government fails to control Dallals (Brokers) it will not be possible to stop this practice. According to the rules at Bangladesh Election Commission there have no permission to do political practices in abroad, a law was passed in this regard a few years back during the regime of past government, but the partisan political leaders, inspire this practice through their activists abroad so that in future they can take advantage when they move there, but I believe that this practices should be stopped.

I can share you the reality here in Portugal that Portuguese government never want any sorts of political involvement of any foreigners here. Portugal is completely a civilized country, they rather expect everyone to do social or humanitarian works like welfare association.

Our people never try to understand that if occurrence happen then the responsibility will go upon the government of this country to handle or settle this. When a women conceive in this country, the government takes all the responsibility for her care and necessary treatments till the birth of the child. So the government will not allow any negligence or irresponsible to this child after the birth, but our people do not understand this.

If our government or our political leaders strongly say that no political practices will be allowed by Bangladeshis in abroad, then it’s possible to stop.

I have dual citizenship, my Portuguese friends accuse me whether I am a Bangladeshi or a Portuguese? If you are a Portuguese you will be in favor of Portugal but you always support Bangladeshis, then I reply them that my Bangladeshi community is first of all to me because Bangladesh is my origin, my blood, my skin, my culture so this is completely mine.

Replying a query about the popular image, Mr. Rana Taslim Uddin has been able to gain among Bangladeshi community in Portugal, he said it’s very simple, if people do not hanker after preserving his personal interest then automatically an acceptability will be created, when he will work selflessly then people irrespective of party affiliation or opinion will come to him.

You will find no one against me among the Bangladeshi community people here in Portugal, although many of them are supporters of different political parties in Bangladesh, because I am not in favor of anyone personally rather I work for everyone who needs my support. I go everywhere who invite me or call me, but without any of my personal benefit, I do not take even a cup of coffee from anyone to work for them.

I believe that this the secret, this is the way how I could build my acceptability or position and I will advise the next generation to follow this ways to create their popular image in the community.

I have been here in Portugal for the last 35 years, and my image was not build in a day, it was possible due to my philanthropic works for long days. I have to work with the people of administration or Police department of Portugal always, so they also know about me very well. You will be surprised to know that I am controlled by Portuguese Police for the last 25 years.

In terms of bringing discipline in managing immigrants abroad, Rana Taslim said “let me tell about Portugal as I am staying here, what I believe that people who come to this country must obey and respect the laws of this country or wherever he goes. If he respect law he must maintain road discipline, follow driving rules, business rules and only then he will be able to attract notice of people of this country very positively.

Another important thing is that people of our country live here for long years but do not learn the language of this country, they do not acquire basic knowledge about doing business here legally, they only count how much money they could save in the banks every month but they will fail if any authority seek accounts how it was earned and deposited.

You know lots of irregularities, committed by Bangladeshi people, were detected in recent years. It shown that people are doing business but they do not know how to follow the legal ways or maintain accounts for meet the requirements of the government agencies concerned.

So message is that be it business or a job or anything else, you must have proper knowledge about the legal issues, compliance and related things otherwise you will fail to survive here.

You see, how many people have the ability to come to Europe from Bangladesh? There have some people who can come spending like 25,000, 30,000 US Dollar, with visas named Kangaroo Visa, Packet Visa, Flying Visa, and for this people need no skill, no quality only you are to pay money to the agencies and they will reach you to the destination. Even there have examples to process visa by using false seal or certificates of relevant Embassies. So we can’t do all these, we tried to resist them.

Regarding his long years stay in Portugal and his struggle to establish himself in Europe, Rana Taslim said the story of human life is a story of struggle.

Actually the total lifespan of human being is a mixed story of happiness, pain and sufferings. None of we can’t say that our life is completely a bed of roses. My life as well is consists of agonies and afflictions and also some of happiness but my afflictions are kept subdued as I have to work a lot for mitigating troubles of many others.

I have to listen to the stories of sufferings of people every day, I can realize their pain, even if my family men give me pain it seems less to me as I feel others pain from my heart.

You know people are suffering a lot, in terms of their family issues, financial, so listening to them actually I forget about my own pains in my personal life.

I was a man independent thinking while I was living in my country Bangladesh. Although I did not pass long time in Bangladesh. I stayed in Dhaka for only 17 to 18 years. During my brief stay in Dhaka I was involved with left politics. While I was trying to move outside I had to face a lot of trouble that gave a feeling to not come to association of people when I will go abroad.

 And then while I came to this country Portugal there were only five Bangladeshi people here. You know, ‘Rome was not build in a day’, for me, as you want to know, today’s Rana Taslim Uddin was not built in a day, it was possible through a lots of sacrifice, dedication, fight I had to build this society for Bangladeshi people here day by day.

Today I believe that Bangladeshi people are doing very well in Portugal. I was telling in a TV interview recently that the quantity of investment Bangladeshi people made here, was not possible by people by any other country, because many people from other country are doing job but our people are investing here. By investing here our people are contributing to the economy of this country, they are the partners of Portugal’s economy.

Portugal became independent in the year 1974, came to democracy from a dictatorship rule, and after only 16 years of liberation of this country I came to Portugal. It means I am also a part of the independence of this country. Independence means not complete freedom, freedom means economic liberation and freedom in every aspects in the society, and I believe that I and my Bangladeshi community are partners of the economic freedom of this country, what the Portuguese people should not forget.

The labor of people of my country is engaged with today’s big cities, the metro, big breezes, culverts and major construction here in Portugal. They have worked here, during their youth life they engaged their labor for all these, although they were paid a little bit but there have no way to neglect the contribution of my people. I tell all these openly in mainstream media in this country, they get surprised how this man tell this, and that\s why am much talked here, much criticized as well as a man of love.

Now there have 1.5 million migrants including Bangladeshis which was only 300/400 before 10 years, I want say that whoever comes from wherever, all should have a target to love and respect Portugal as a country, respect its rule and to learn the culture and language of this country and integrate themselves with the people of this country only then this Portugal will become the country of all of us.

Rana Taslim Uddin is a prominent leader and spokesperson for the Bangladeshi community in Portugal, where he has lived for over 35 years. He is not the national leader of Bangladesh; rather, he is a leading activist and representative for the approximately 60,000 Bangladeshi immigrants residing in Portugal. 

Profile and Background

Rana Taslim Uddin
 has served as a certified translator and interpreter for the Portuguese Ministry of Justice since January 1995. His expertise is critical for bridging linguistic gaps in legal and security contexts within the South Asian community in Portugal.

Professional Scope

• Judicial Bodies: He provides interpretation services for the Portuguese Judicial Courts and the DIAP (Department of Investigation and Prosecution).
• Security Forces: He is a key language expert for all major Portuguese police forces, including:
  • PJ (Polícia Judiciária).
  • PSP (Polícia de Segurança Pública).
  • GNR (Guarda Nacional Republicana).
• Public Sector: His work extends to various public sector entities across “Greater Portugal,” assisting with official documentation and immigrant integration. 

• Early Life & Arrival: Born in Bangladesh, he was an active political opponent of the military regime in the early 1980s. After fleeing his home country, he spent time in Hong Kong, Macau, and Thailand before arriving in Lisbon in December 1991.
• Professional Career: He serves as a Bengali translator for the Portuguese Ministry of Justice and various police forces, including the PSP, GNR, and PJ. He has also been a local business owner in the Martim Moniz area.
• Family: He considers himself a “Lisboeta” (resident of Lisbon) and has raised children who were born in Portugal.

Leadership Experience in Portugal

Since the early 1990s, Uddin has been a central figure in organizing and advocating for the Bangladeshi community

• Community Founder: Founded the Bangladesh Community of Lisbon in 1992, just one year after his arrival.
• Religious Leadership: Serves as the President of the Islamic Center of Bangladesh and the Baitul Mukarram Mosque in Lisbon.
• International Roles: Holds the position of Vice-President of the All European Bangladesh Association (AEBA).
• Advocacy: Acts as a frequent spokesperson in Portuguese media (such as CNN Portugal) on issues regarding immigration laws, nationality rights, and police relations

Relationship with Portuguese Authorities

Uddin frequently engages with the Portuguese government and media to represent community interests: 

• Government Liaison: He has appealed to the Portuguese government for changes in immigration policy and has addressed the impact of new nationality laws.
• Public Presence: He is a key contact for Portuguese officials and journalists during events involving the South Asian community in Lisbon, particularly in the Martim Moniz and Intendente neighborhoods. 

#Rana #Taslim #Uddin’s
 achievements center on his long-term leadership and integration of the Bangladeshi community in Portugal. Since arriving in 1991, he has transformed a community of fewer than ten people into a recognized group of over 60,000 residents. 

Community Founding & Leadership

• Founder of the Bangladesh Community of Lisbon (1992): Established the first formal organization for Bangladeshi immigrants just one year after his arrival.
• Religious Infrastructure: Founded the Islamic Center of Bangladesh and the Baitul Mukarram Mosque (operational since 2006), providing essential religious and social support.
• International Representation: Serves as the Vice-President of the All European Bangladesh Association (AEBA), representing regional interests at a continental level.
• Diplomatic Advocacy: Continues to lead efforts requesting a Portuguese consulate in Dhaka to facilitate safer and more efficient migration processes.

Social Impact & Urban Transformation

• Revitalization of Martim Moniz: Credited with bringing “light” and commercial life to the Mouraria and Martim Moniz districts, turning areas once associated with crime into vibrant multicultural hubs.
• Health & Integration: Partnered with the Bengalisboa Community Health Project to promote immigrant integration into the Portuguese National Health Service.
• Public Spokesperson: Acts as the primary voice for his community on national platforms like CNN Portugal and SIC Notícias, advocating against xenophobia and for fair nationality laws. 

Professional Contributions

• Judicial Support: Works as a specialized Bengali translator for the Portuguese Ministry of Justice and national police forces (PSP, GNR, and PJ), facilitating legal and security operations.
• Local Governance: Has served as an elected member for the Santa Maria Maior Parish Council (Junta de Freguesia), directly participating in Portuguese local government. 

Rana Taslim Uddin
 is recognized as a leading expert in intercultural mediation and community integration in Portugal, drawing on his academic background from Bangladesh and decades of experience in the Portuguese judicial and social systems.

Academic Background

• University of Dhaka: He completed his higher education at the University of Dhaka in Bangladesh before moving to Europe in the early 1990s.
• Multilingual Expertise: He is proficient in at least six languages, including Bengali, Portuguese, English, Hindi, Urdu, and Spanish. 

Areas of Expertise

His knowledge profile is built on the intersection of legal, religious, and social integration: 

• Judicial Interpretation & Translation: He serves as a long-term Translator and Interpreter for the Portuguese Ministry of Justice. His expertise is frequently utilized by the Portuguese police (PSP, GNR, PJ) and the judicial courts for cases involving South Asian dialects and cultural nuances.
• Immigration Law & Policy: As a community spokesperson, he is an expert on the Portuguese Nationality Law and the practical impacts of immigration policies on integration. He frequently provides expert commentary to major news outlets like CNN Portugal on these topics.
• Community Health Integration: He is a key partner in the Bengalisboa Community Health Project, where he provides the cultural and logistical knowledge necessary to integrate Bangladeshi immigrants into the Portuguese National Health Service (SNS).
• Islamic Community Leadership: His expertise extends to religious governance as the President of the Islamic Center of Bangladesh and the Baitul Mukarram Mosque, where he mediates between Islamic traditions and Portuguese secular laws.

Strategic Educational Contributions

• Vocational Training: He has actively advocated for and helped develop Portuguese language and vocational courses specifically designed for South Asian immigrants to improve their employability in Lisbon.
• Social Mediation: He acts as a “bridge” between the local government (such as the Santa Maria Maior Parish Council) and the community, helping to resolve urban and social conflicts through dialogue. 

Language Portfolio

He is specialized in translation and interpretation for several key languages: 

• Translation: English, Portuguese, and Bengali.
• Interpretation: Hindi and Urdu. 

Role in Crisis Mediation

Beyond literal translation, Uddin often acts as a cultural mediator during legal incidents. For example, he has been a primary contact for authorities during police operations in the Martim Moniz and Benformoso areas, helping to clarify legal rights and calm tensions between the community and the state

Rana Taslim Uddin’s business history is defined by his transition from a local merchant to a dedicated community leader and legal professional. Before shifting his focus entirely to his work with the Ministry of Justice, he was a prominent entrepreneur in the Martim Moniz area. 

Early Commercial Ventures

• Feira Popular (Lisbon): Upon his definitive arrival in Portugal with his family, he began his commercial career at the Feira Popular. Alongside his wife, he sold various gift items from mid-afternoon until midnight while raising their young son.
• Costa da Caparica: He briefly owned a shop in Costa da Caparica, though he reportedly lost this business during a period of transition when he traveled back to Bangladesh.
• Regional Expansion: He expanded his retail presence to the Babilónia Shopping Center in Amadora and also opened a store in Almada. He eventually exited these ventures, specifically noting that he closed one shop because it sold alcoholic beverages, which did not align with his religious beliefs. 

The Martim Moniz Era

Uddin is most recognized for his role in the commercial revitalization of the Martim Moniz and Rua do Benformoso axis. 

• Multiple Storefronts: At the peak of his commercial activity, he managed six different shops in the Martim Moniz district.
• Economic Transition: Following the global economic crisis between 2010 and 2013, he made the strategic decision to close all his retail businesses.
• Current Professional Focus: Since closing his stores, he has worked exclusively as a certified translator for the Portuguese judicial and police forces, while maintaining his leadership roles in community associations. 

Advocacy for Ethical Business

As a leader, he now advocates for the economic integrity of his community:

• Combating Illicit Activities: He has publicly denounced the use of “souvenir shops” by certain groups as fronts for money laundering, urging authorities to ensure businesses in the area remain transparent and legal.
• Business Training: He has collaborated with local authorities to promote vocational training and language courses so that members of the Bangladeshi community can “improve their businesses” and integrate more effectively into the Portuguese economy. 
• Rana Taslim Uddin is considered an iconic figure and the primary leader of the Bangladeshi community in Portugal. His “icon” status is tied to his role as a pioneer who facilitated the growth of a community from six individuals in 1991 to over 60,000 today.
• Visual Portrait
• Rana Taslim Uddin is frequently seen in Portuguese media and at community events as the face of the Bangladeshi diaspora.
• Iconic Leadership Roles
• Voice of the Community: He is the “go-to” figure for the Portuguese government and media (such as CNN Portugal) on all matters related to South Asian immigration and integration.
• Architect of Martim Moniz: He is an icon of the commercial transformation of the Martim Moniz and Rua do Benformoso areas, often called the “Father of the Community” for his role in establishing businesses and cultural spaces there.
• Religious Figurehead: As President of the Baitul Mukarram Mosque, he serves as the spiritual icon for Bengali Muslims in Lisbon, mediating between their religious practices and the Portuguese state.
• Legal “Bridge”: His 30-year career as a Translator for the Ministry of Justice has made him an iconic intermediary between the Portuguese legal system and immigrant populations.
• Public Identity
• Uddin’s public image is that of a multicultural diplomat. He often appears in official settings representing the Bangladesh Community of Lisbon to discuss national policy, police relations, and the rights of foreign residents.
• Rana Taslim Uddin
   is a frequent guest on Portuguese television and in national newspapers, where he is consistently portrayed as a bridge-builder and the primary representative for the Bangladeshi community. His media presence focuses on peaceful integration, the economic contributions of immigrants, and the revitalization of Lisbon.
• Key Positive Media Themes
  “Bringing Light” to Lisbon: In a major feature by Mensagem de Lisboa, Uddin describes how the Bangladeshi community “brought light” to the Martim Moniz and Intendente areas. He highlights how these neighborhoods transitioned from high-crime zones to vibrant tourist and residential hubs through immigrant entrepreneurship.
  Advocate for Integration: On CNN Portugal, he frequently discusses the positive desire of the community to obtain Portuguese nationality and their pride in contributing to the country’s social fabric.
  Clarifying Misunderstandings: He is often invited by TVI and SIC Notícias to provide context on internal community matters, ensuring the public understands that incidents (like political friction within the community) do not reflect hostility toward Portuguese society.
  Defense Against Disinformation: Trusted outlets like Observador and Polígrafo have published “Fact-Checks” defending him against viral fake news, confirming his commitment to following Portuguese laws and his 35-year history of peaceful integration. 
  
  Recent Major Appearances
  
  Media Outlet 
  Topic of Discussion
  Key Message
  Expresso
  Police operations in Martim Moniz
  Called for human rights and respectful treatment of documented workers.
  CNN Portugal
  Nationality Law Changes
  Expressed the community’s hope for fair and efficient integration.
  RTP
  Tackling Xenophobia
  Appealed to the government to improve security while protecting immigrants from racism.
  SIC Notícias
  Immigration Rules
  Warned about the risks of new regulations forcing workers into illegality.
  Rana Taslim Uddin maintains a deeply positive and emotional connection to 
• Portugal, often describing it as his true home. His perspective on the Portuguese people and his place in the country is defined by several key sentiments:

A “Double Love” for Two Homelands

• Lisbon as Home: While he maintains a love for Dhaka, he explicitly states that his “homeland is now here” in Lisbon.
• The “Lisboeta” Family: His children were born in Portugal and identify as “Lisboetas”. He has stated they cannot imagine living anywhere else and considers Portugal to be their land.
• Final Resting Place: He has expressed the profound wish to be buried in Portugal, signifying his ultimate commitment to the country. 

Perception of the Portuguese People

• Welcoming and Supportive: He describes Portuguese people as “supportive and welcoming of those who come from outside”.
• Distinguishing People from Politics: When faced with xenophobic rhetoric, he has defended the broader population, stating, “The Portuguese are not like that,” and emphasizing that such racism is a new and uncharacteristic phenomenon in the country.
• A “Country of Peace”: He views Portugal as a nation of peace, democracy, and freedom, and has expressed shame that certain groups might try to spoil these values. 

Integration and Contribution

• “Bringing Light”: One of his most iconic statements is that the Bangladeshi community “brought light” to the Martim Moniz and Intendente areas, transforming them from dangerous zones into vibrant, multicultural commercial hubs.
• Historical Connection: He often uses the metaphor of Vasco da Gama’s arrival in Bengal in 1498 to argue for an “open door” policy, noting that his ancestors welcomed the Portuguese then, and Portugal should remain open now.
• Pride in Nationality: He has publicly stated his pride in being Portuguese/European and notes that many in his community share the desire to fully integrate by obtaining Portuguese nationality.

Rana Taslim Uddin
 has lived in Portugal for over 35 years and identifies himself as a Portuguese and European citizen. 

Advocacy for Nationality Rights

As a leader, he has been a vocal expert on the evolution of Portuguese citizenship laws:

• Critic of Strict Reforms: He has publicly addressed the 2025 Nationality Law reforms, which increased the residency requirement for naturalization to ten years for most nationalities.
• Impact on Integration: He warned that making the path to citizenship longer might discourage integration, leading some immigrants to consider leaving for countries with faster processes.
• Promoting Choice: He notes that while many in his community view citizenship as a vital goal for full integration, others feel content living in Portugal as permanent residents, citing the country’s safety and climate as reasons to stay regardless of passport status. 

Personal Identity

• “Portugal is My Home”: Despite his deep roots in Bangladesh, he considers Portugal his primary home and has stated that he intends to remain in the country for the rest of his life.
• Generational Integration: He often highlights that his children are born and raised in Lisbon, making them “fully Portuguese” and deeply connected to the city.
• Legal Standing: His long-term role as a translator for the Ministry of Justice underscores his status as a trusted, naturalized member of the Portuguese administrative and judicial landscape

Economic & Urban Development

• Revitalization of Martim Moniz: He is credited with leading the transformation of the Mouraria and Martim Moniz districts from neglected, high-crime areas into thriving commercial hubs. By encouraging Bangladeshi entrepreneurs to open shops and restaurants, he helped create a “micro-economy” that now attracts significant tourism. [1, 3]
• Employment & Entrepreneurship: He has facilitated the creation of thousands of jobs within the South Asian community, emphasizing that these businesses pay taxes and contribute directly to the Portuguese Social Security system. [2, 5]
• Trade Advocacy: He has consistently pushed for a Portuguese Consulate in Dhaka to formalize trade and labor migration, arguing that a legal, organized development path benefits both the Portuguese economy and immigrant safety. 

Social & Judicial Contributions

• Judicial Pillar: For 30 years, his work with the Ministry of Justice has been a vital contribution to the Portuguese state. By providing expert translation for the PJ, PSP, and courts, he ensures the legal system functions fairly for non-Portuguese speakers. [4, 6]
• Public Health Integration: Through the Bengalisboa project, he contributed to the development of health literacy programs, ensuring the community understands and uses the National Health Service (SNS) correctly, which reduces emergency room strain.
• Cultural Diplomacy: He serves as a “social mediator” for the Santa Maria Maior Parish, helping the local government resolve urban conflicts and promote multicultural harmony through dialogue.

Institutional Leadership

• Islamic Center of Bangladesh: He oversaw the development of the Baitul Mukarram Mosque, providing a stable social and spiritual anchor that prevents the marginalization of young immigrants.
• European-Level Advocacy: As Vice-President of the All European Bangladesh Association (AEBA), he contributes to policy discussions on how the diaspora can support development in both Europe and Bangladesh.

Rana Taslim Uddin’s family life is deeply rooted in Portugal, representing a bridge between his Bangladeshi heritage and his Portuguese identity.

• Pioneer Move: When he settled in Lisbon in 1991, he did so with his wife and young son. They were among the very first Bangladeshi families to establish a permanent life in the city .
• “Lisboeta” Children: His children were born and raised in Lisbon. He frequently emphasizes that they are fully integrated, speak Portuguese as their first language, and identify as “Lisboetas” .
• Early Struggles: In the early 1990s, he and his wife worked side-by-side at the Feira Popular, selling gift items from 3:00 PM until midnight while balancing the demands of raising a young family.
• Total Commitment: He has stated that his children “cannot imagine living anywhere else,” and he views Portugal as the final home for his entire family, even expressing the wish to be buried in Portuguese soil . Rana Taslim Uddin has both a son and a daughter who are central to his identity as a naturalized Portuguese citizen. He frequently uses them as examples of successful integration in his media interviews. 
• Identified as “Lisboetas”: He proudly refers to them as “Lisboetas” (Lisbonites) because they were born and raised in Lisbon.
• Education and Career: While specific names are often kept private to protect their identity, he has shared that they are fully integrated professionals who speak Portuguese as their primary language.
• Cultural Identity: According to Uddin, his children “cannot imagine living anywhere else” but Portugal. He views their success as his greatest accomplishment, representing the second generation of a community that started with only six people in 1991.
• Family Beginnings: His son was very young when the family first arrived in 1991, often spending time with his parents while they worked their first jobs at the Feira Popular in Lisbon. 

Rana Taslim Uddin’s future plans are focused on cementing the legacy of the Bangladeshi community in Portugal through institutional stability, diplomatic expansion, and urban integration.

1. Diplomatic & Legal Advocacy

• Portuguese Consulate in Dhaka: His primary long-term goal is to convince the Portuguese government to open a full consulate in Bangladesh. He believes this is essential to ending “mafias” and illegal human trafficking, allowing workers to arrive with proper visas and dignity .
• Nationality Law Reform: He plans to continue lobbying for fairer citizenship paths, arguing that the current 10-year residency requirement for some groups hinders the integration of productive tax-paying residents .

2. Community Infrastructure

• Mosque Expansion: As President of the Islamic Center of Bangladesh, he is working to ensure the Baitul Mukarram Mosque remains a sustainable center for social support, education, and spiritual guidance for the next generation [4].
• Cultural Preservation: He aims to balance “Portuguese identity” with “Bengali roots” by promoting language and cultural programs for the children of immigrants born in Lisbon .

3. Urban & Economic Vision

• Martim Moniz Revitalization: He continues to work with the Lisbon City Council on the future of the Martim Moniz square. His vision is to maintain it as a multicultural commercial hub that is safe, clean, and welcoming to tourists .
• Ethical Entrepreneurship: He plans to lead initiatives that help small business owners transition from simple retail to more specialized services, encouraging professional training and Portuguese language fluency .

4. Personal Legacy

• Retirement in Portugal: Unlike many first-generation immigrants who plan to return to their home country, Uddin has stated his intention is to remain in Lisbon for the rest of his life and eventually be buried there, solidifying his status as a permanent part of Portuguese history

Social Media & Digital Presence

He maintains a significant digital presence where he shares current news and community updates: 

• Official Facebook: His page, RANA Taslim Uddin – Portugal, serves as a digital archive of his media appearances and community leadership milestones.
• LinkedIn: His professional profile lists his long-term tenure with the Ministry of Justice as a translator, which is a frequently cited part of his public identity.

RANA Taslim Uddin – Portugal,

Personal profile of Rana Taslim Uddin

Though born in Bangladesh, Laxmipur of greater Noakhali, at the age of five, moved to Azimpur, Dhaka (Capital) as the father was working there. Rana Taslim Uddin is the eldest of four siblings of a middle class family. He completed his secondary and higher secondary education from the Dhaka University arena, the heart of Capital’s educational activities.

From 1984 on, joined political movement against the autocratic Government and soon became the General Secretary of the student wing of a Political Party.

From 1987 to 1988 Rana engaged deeply on writing in newspapers against the autocratic Government which earned him fame and popularity. In the devastating flood of 1988, Rana distributed clothes and essential foods to the flood affected people in Kamrangir Char of Dhaka and called an urgent meeting of the journalists on flood situation from part of his Party. These gained him much popularity among political leaders in Dhaka. He completed his Graduation Degree from The University of Dhaka in Political Science with a combination of English, Bangla and Sociological studies.

In 1989, the political situation was much deteriorated and internal collisions among political parties like Awami League, Chatra League, Jasod increased which led Rana leave Bangladesh for Hong Kong.

From 1989 to 1991 Rana tasted a bitter taste of unsettled immigrant life wandering through China, South Korea, Thailand, Taiwan and Macao.

In the end of 1991, after living a short while in London, came to Lisbon. That time, only six Bangladeshis were living in Lisbon.

In June of 1992 when the number of Bangladeshi increased to twelve, he launched Bangladesh Community of Portugal with them becoming the Secretary General.

In 1993, when the Portuguese government passed an extraordinary general declaration for accepting immigrants, there entered 183 Bangladeshis in Portugal from all over the Europe. Rana opened his helping hands for his fellowmen working as a part the honorary consulate of Bangladesh in Porto. As a result, his fellowmen started calling him the Ambassador of Bangladesh as an accomplishment. Though, all 183 people got residency in Portugal eventually.

In 1994, Rana obtained Portuguese citizenship and started his own company “Portubangla International Commerce Limited” in which was the first company from a Bangladeshi entrepreneur in Portugal. He travelled around 35 countries as business tours. As the expatriates from Bangladesh started growing more in Portugal, he engaged himself on helping fellow Bangladeshis and started working in Portuguese administration which earned him name and fame and popularity.

Since 1995, Rana has been working in Portuguese Judicial Tribunal, Police Office, Detective Branch, Border Guard Office and Investigation Bureau as a translator of Bangali-English-Portuguese-Hindi language.

In 1996, Rana married Fauzia Talukder hailed from Bogra – Bangladesh and took her to Portugal in 1998 to live together.

In The World Trade Fair in Lisbon on 1998 held in Orient National Park, Rana did a huge work where he made 600 Bangladeshis enter into the fair free of charge with the help of Honorary Consular of Bangladesh and the Expo Director.

In 1999 when UNESCO declared that 21^st February will be commemorate “International Mother Language Day” then Rana created an Organization “Bangladesh Portugal Cultural Association” to express & share with Portuguese mainstream people about Bangla language and culture and he was two times President of this organization.

In 2000 after visiting Bangladesh Islamic Centre of Oxford, he called for the community members on a get together and created Bangladesh Islamic Centre, Lisbon with Baitul Mukarram Jaame Masjid and became the chief Councilor of it. Afterword this Mosque known as a greatest Mosque in Lisbon & got popularity. Now a days where almost 1500 people praying in every Jumma Salat.

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In 15 March 2003 Rana greeted and gave the reception of Portuguese President George Sampaio in Martim Moniz where majority Bangladeshis are living and presented him the first Bangla Grammar written by a Portuguese in 1919 at Calcutta University, India.

In 2006 after performing Hajj, the community leaders made him the President of Bangladesh Islamic Centre, Baitul Mukarram Mosque which he is till now holding. Recently, after several meetings Rana made a protocol with Lisbon Municipality to build a Bangladesh Islamic Centre, Baitul Mukarram Mosque Complex in Martim Moniz, which costing around nine Million Euros.

In 2007 he joined Portuguese Socialist Party. The same year he created a company of his own- Tasfa International Commerce Lda.

In 2011, Rana participated in the community election as a President candidate which he failed as some miscreants did not want him to be elected for previous jealousness.

In 2012, with 30 countries of European Bangladeshi expatriate immigrants whose are living in Europe made a gathering to build an organization “All European Bangladesh Association – AEBA”. The convention held in Athens – Greece where the committee selected RANA Taslim Uddin as a Vice President of the Association.

In 2013 September, Socialist Party of Lisbon nominated Rana to participate the Municipal Election and as a candidate he became a councilor of the Santa Maria Maior parish. The same year, he signed a protocol with the President of Lisbon Municipality on Bangladesh Islamic Centre – Baitul Mukarram Mosque new project.

In 2014 Rana became the delegate of Socialist Party Lisbon downtown & become an active worker of party. The same year RANA Taslim Uddin participated the meeting of interfaith & inter religious held in Lewis ham, Great Britain by Europe Council of European Union on behalf of Lisbon Municipality.

In 2015 he established Portugal Bangladesh Friendship Association – PBFA to create the cultural, literature and language interaction between two countries for being a friendship bridge.

In 2016 Rana joined grand conference of Bangladeshi expatriate in kualalumpur – Malaysia and become an executive member of World Bangladesh Organization.

In 2017 Rana Taslim got nomination for the election of Lisbon Municipality from Santa Maria Maior, the election 1^st October, the second time he become a Councilor.

In 2018 Rana Taslim elected an executive member of number 10 position of 18 members of the local ward of Portugal Socialist Party – PS

In 2021 Rana was a candidate of Local Govt. Municipal Parliament Member of Lisbon and defeated.

Rana is a prolific writer too. He wrote about 300 poems, more than a dozen of short stories, and lots of essays on different topics which have been published on different newspapers. He was a journalist of Saptahik Barta (Weekly Barta), while was in Dhaka. He wrote a novel Cactus, which is to get published. He made more than 30 Televisions interviews in different Medias of Portugal-Bangladesh and more than hundred interviews of different newspaper in Portugal and Bangladesh.

Rana is working with 14 organizations of mainstreams in Lisbon Municipality. Rana is the happy father of a son and a daughter. He is living with his family in Lisbon downtown last 27 years.

Rana Taslim Uddin

Lisbon – Portugal

E-mail: rana.portugal@hotmail.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ranapt91

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/ranaportugal

AEBA: http://www.aebaonline.com/

Updated: December 2021

Interview & Profile Edited by

Ahammad Parvej Khan TT BD Desk:

M.Z.I. Dalton Zahir | TT Europe Desk :