Leicester
Bangladeshi marriage in Leicester
Leicester in numbers
Leicester had 86,443 Muslim residents at the 2021 Census, 23% of everyone living there. That is about 3.6 times the England and Wales average of 6.5%.
The Census also counted 7,055 residents of Bangladeshi heritage in Leicester (1.9% of residents), about 1.8 times the England and Wales average of 1.1%. Of the 96 council areas we cover in England and Wales, it ranks 9th for this group. This is the Census ethnic group, which counts people of all faiths, though most British Bangladeshis are Muslim.
86,443
Muslim residents
23%
of Leicester
7,055
of Bangladeshi heritage
3
mosques listed below
Source: ONS Census 2021 (tables TS030 religion, TS021 ethnic group and TS012 country of birth), usual residents.
Muslim life in Leicester
Leicester has one of the most diverse Muslim communities in the UK, with large Gujarati Indian, Pakistani, Somali, and Bangladeshi populations. The city's Jame Masjid on the site of the old Conduit Street swimming baths is one of the largest mosques in Europe. Evington Road is known for its halal restaurants. Leicester was the first city in England where less than half the population identified as White British.
Mosques in Leicester
- Jame Masjid Leicester (one of the largest in the UK)
- Masjid Umar (Evington)
- Leicester Central Mosque
Areas with large Muslim communities
Bangladeshi marriage in the UK
Bangladeshi migration to Britain has roots in the Sylheti community of north-eastern Bangladesh, with large numbers arriving from the 1970s onward. Many initially worked in the restaurant and garment industries. Tower Hamlets in East London became the heart of the British Bangladeshi community, while sizeable populations also grew in Birmingham, Oldham, and Luton.
Bangladeshi marriage customs in the UK often include the Paka Dekha (formal meeting), exchange of gifts, the Gaye Holud (turmeric ceremony), the Nikah, and the Bou Bhaat (wedding feast hosted by the groom's family). British Bangladeshi families tend to be closely involved in the matchmaking process, with compatibility in religious practice, family background, and regional origin being important considerations.
Languages often spoken at home: English, Bengali, Sylheti.
How it works in Leicester
- Step 1
Create a free profile
Tell us about your faith, family and what you want in a spouse. You must be 18 or over and live in the UK.
- Step 2
Find people near you
Set your filters to Leicester or the wider area, plus sect and background, then send a like or a short compliment.
- Step 3
Talk with your wali involved
Chat opens once they accept. Invite your wali to get copies of the messages you send, and report or block anyone in one tap.
Questions about Bangladeshi marriage in Leicester
How many Bangladeshi Muslims live in Leicester?
The 2021 Census counted 7,055 residents of Bangladeshi heritage in Leicester, 1.9% of residents. This is the Census ethnic group, which counts people of all faiths, though most British Bangladeshis are Muslim. The same Census recorded 86,443 Muslims in the area.
Is UK Muslim Marriage free for Bangladeshi Muslim singles in Leicester?
Joining is free and you can browse, like and chat with matches without paying. Optional Silver, Gold and Diamond memberships start at 99p a week and give you more likes, compliments and profile boosts. Memberships renew until you cancel, and you can cancel any time in the app.
How are profiles checked?
Our team reviews every new profile and photo before other members can see it. Members can also upload a UK photo ID and a selfie, which we check by hand, to get a Verified badge. You can report or block anyone from their profile or your chat.
Can my wali or parents be involved?
Yes. You can invite your wali, a parent or another guardian from the app. If you choose, they get an email copy of each message you send, so Bangladeshi Muslim families can stay involved from the first conversation.
Bangladeshi marriage in other cities
Other communities in Leicester
See also Muslim marriage in Leicester and Bangladeshi marriage across the UK.
Looking for a Bangladeshi spouse in Leicester?
Create a free profile in a few minutes. Every profile is reviewed, and your wali can be involved from day one.