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Abdur Rouf

The jute industry in Dundee attracted Abdur Rouf to Scotland along with much of the Bangladeshi community.
Jute played a key role in the Bangladeshi economy but, given the lack of mills, the country faced problems trading raw jute.

In the early 1970s Dundee developed a breakthrough in production and raw jute was exported to the city. At its peak the industry employed over 50,000 workers and the city also offered a degree in jute technology – the only degree of its kind in the world.

"Like the majority of Asians I had not planned to stay in Scotland for more than a few years, in my case, to complete my studies," explains Abdur.

"However, given the political events during the independence of Bangladesh, all my ties were severed and I was forced to abandon my education. I was told that it was not safe and impossible for me to return to my country and I was forced to become a political migrant. I was stranded in Scotland, couldn't afford my rented accommodation and ended up on the street with a single suitcase.

"I had to build a life from scratch, working in pubs and restaurants as a waiter in order to survive but didn’t tell my family back home as I was too embarrassed. Lots of people from Bangladesh became stranded in Scotland under the same circumstances as me and lost their money and independence. It was frustrating as we had a great life in Bangladesh, where we lived in luxury."

Abdur worked hard and built up his career in Dundee and is now the owner of the Dil Se restaurant in Dundee and Balaka restaurant in St Andrews. As regional president of the Bangladesh-British Chamber of Commerce, Abdur works hard to maintain strong links between Dundee and Bangladesh.

In 1998 he invited the Prime Minister of Bangladesh to visit the city and he also played an active role in forging links between Ninewells Hospital and the health board in Bangladesh which has vastly improved the country's child mortality. Up to thirty doctors a year now receive training at Ninewells.

He adds: "I visit Bangladesh every six weeks to look after land I inherited from my family and, although Bangladesh is my home, I am a proud Dundonian. I owe a lot to the city, which has adopted me and offered me endless opportunity. My three sons were born here and Scotland is very much their home."