IPSWICH Bangladeshi Foundation is today celebrating after raising more than £14,000 for cyclone victims. The foundation - headed by community leaders and restaurant owners in the town - aims to raise money to give to charitable causes in Ipswich.

IPSWICH Bangladeshi Foundation is today celebrating after raising more than £14,000 for cyclone victims.

The foundation - headed by community leaders and restaurant owners in the town - aims to raise money to give to charitable causes in Ipswich.

Boshor Ali, of the foundation, said: “Funds raised will provide for the suffering and the under-privileged in all walks of life, for those of faiths as well as those with none.

“Various events are to be held throughout the year. Part of the funds raised at these events will be passed to the Mayor's Charity Fund.

“The remaining money will accumulate to contribute to a final large scale fund raising event each year in Ipswich. The Ipswich Bangladeshi Foundation aims to be able to respond wherever disaster strikes.”

The Ipswich Bangladeshi Foundation held a launch event and fundraising dinner in the Grand Hall at the Corn Exchange.

More than 300 guests were entertained with music and dance and a three course Indian meal.

Mr Ali added: “The chief guest speaker was the Channel S TV personality Rizwan Hussain who spoke of his recent experiences in southern Bangladesh visiting the areas worst affected by November's cyclone.

“A representative from Muslim Aid attended the event to collect proceeds from the evening which will go directly to relief aid for the cyclone victims.”

The Bangladeshi community in Ipswich and Suffolk has raised much of the money at a series of special meals over the year.

Many of the curry houses across the area are owned and managed by people from Bangladesh - and their events have been well-supported by their regular customers.