Little Bangladesh, Los Angeles

History

Little Bangladesh was officially designated by the City of Los Angeles in 2010.^[1] It is the cultural and culinary hub of LA’s Bangladeshi community.^[2]

Designation of the neighborhood as “Little Bangladesh” caused some friction with some Korean-Americans in Los Angeles, who wanted the area named as a part of Koreatown. In 2009, City Councilman Tom LaBonge opposed the neighborhood designation, and instead suggested the community erect a statue at a local park and consider neighborhood designation sometime in the future.^[3] After neighborhood leaders organized residents for more than a year to lobby the Los Angeles City Council, Little Bangladesh received its official designation in 2010. Signage marking the area was installed in 2011.^[2]

Geography

Little Bangladesh is four-block area along 3rd Street between Alexandria and New Hampshire Avenues.^[4] It is a tree-lined residential community that also includes restaurants, shops and art galleries. ^[5] The neighborhood is surrounded by Koreatown.

Demographics

The 2000 census showed a Bangladeshi population of 1,700 in Los Angeles County.^[3] In 2010, the South Asian Network, a cultural and advocacy group with an office nearby, estimated the Bangladeshi population in the area at more than 20,000, based on a community mapping project it did in 2005. Community leaders have identified the area as having a lower- to middle-income population.