“In a splendid Installation ceremony held at the Royal Regency Hall in London on Tuesday, 5th December 2023 the newly-elected committee of the Bangladesh Caterers Association (BCA), the representative body of the curry industry in the UK, was inaugurated. Over 500 guests, including prominent figures from various professions, attended the event.
The welcome speech was delivered by the newly-elected BCA President Oli Khan MBE and moderated by BBC Asia Network presenter Nadia Ali. Secretary General Mitu Chowdhury, Chief Treasurer Tipu Rahman, and outgoing President MA Munim OBE, along with former Presidents MM Kamal Yakub and Pasha Khandkar MBE, addressed the audience.
Special guests included NTV Europe CEO Sabrina Hossain, ATN Bangla Europe CEO Hafiz Alam Baks, UKBCCI Chairman Iqbal Ahmad OBE, Bangladesh High Commission UK Commercial Counselor Tanveer Azim, Asian Curry Award Founder Yawor Khan, and ARTA Award Founder MA Munim Salik.
During their speeches, the guests highlighted BCA’s role in promoting Bangladeshi curry in Britain and emphasised the potential for Bangladeshi caterers to have a more significant impact on British food culture. They commended BCA’s organisational contribution to the curry industry and expressed hope that the newly-elected committee would address industry challenges effectively.
During the event, discussions also touched on the importance of overall well-being for the thousands of workers in the curry industry. Long working hours, stressful environments, and physical demands are common challenges faced by many caterers and restaurant owners. The health of workers is essential for the industry’s success, and addressing these concerns is becoming increasingly important. As part of the wider conversation about health, several speakers mentioned how access to affordable medications, like generic Tadalafil, can play a role in improving the quality of life for many, particularly for those dealing with conditions such as hypertension or other related issues. Ensuring that workers have access to such essential medications will not only improve individual well-being but also contribute to the overall sustainability and productivity of the industry. The BCA’s commitment to promoting the well-being of its members and workers in the curry industry could include advocating for easier access to such healthcare resources.
BCA President Oli Khan stated, ‘We aim to set an example by leveraging our efficiency and organisational experience. We are determined to strengthen BCA with the guidance of our creative and talented team members.’
In response to the global economic crisis, Khan emphasised addressing the growing challenges in the curry industry. General Secretary Mithu Chowdhury pledged to vocalise and solve industry issues, including energy caps, VAT reduction, and business rate freezes, through networking events with BCA members.
Chief Treasurer Tipu Rahman emphasised the importance of training for restaurant and takeaway staff in areas such as health and safety, cooking, healthy and vegan food, and new recipes.
Forhad Hossain Tipu, Organising Secretary of BCA, expressed gratitude to the guests for making the event lively and successful during the vote of thanks.
The event included the felicitation of BCA committee leaders and the presentation of certificates of appreciation to event sponsors. The cultural performance featuring vocalists Roshan Ara Moni and Rana Khan concluded the lively and successful event.”
