MONICA ALI’S widely praised first novel, Brick Lane, is on display in the window of Eastside Books on the famous street of the same name in East London. But this is not a place where the author is welcome, and plans to film scenes locally for the forthcoming film adaptation may have to be scrapped.

The novel tells the story of Nazneen, an 18-year-old Bangladeshi woman who is sent to the area for an arranged marriage to an older man, Chanu. She scandalises her community when she cheats on him.

Hostility to Ali’s novel, which prominent figures in the community claim is insulting and offensive, is in danger of boiling over if film crews turn up. A group of businessmen has organised a campaign against any attempt to film on Brick Lane. There is talk of petitions, protests and even a hint that violence could break out. “There will be some resistance. The younger generation is very hostile and militant,” said Nurul Islam, 75, a local historian. “We will not tell anyone to ‘go and break that camera’ or anything like that. But there will be demonstrations and sometimes demonstrations can turn into violence.”

The anger stems largely from derogatory remarks made by the character Chanu about people from the Sylhet district of Bangladesh. He describes Sylhetis, who make up the majority of Britain’s Bangladeshi population, as unhygienic, uneducated and uncivilised.

The protesters allege that the views represent those of Ali, who was born in Bangladesh but has lived in Britain since she was aged 3. The author says that it is infantile to confuse the views of a fictional character with her own.

The campaign is being led by Abdus Salique, a shop owner and restaurateur and member of the local Labour Party. Mr Salique, 53, has lived in the area for 37 years and says that he will resist any attack on his community. “Monica Ali says this is fiction but I believe she has targeted our community. Perhaps she thought that being controversial would help sell her book. The Bangladeshi community wants nothing to do with this film.”

Mahmoud Rauf, 59, an accountant, said: “Monica Ali has done an injustice to this community. Our culture prizes respect for our elders. She has ignored that tradition for her own commercial benefit.”

A spokesman for Ruby Films, which is making Brick Lane, said: “We have maintained constant contact with members of the local community, some of whom are involved in the film. When there is a finished product, we will be happy to open a dialogue with anybody who has concerns regarding the film that they have seen.”

Authors, including Salman Rushdie, signed a letter this week in support of the film.

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