The Bangladesh Caterers Association honoured leading chefs, restaurants and community figures at the BCA Awards 2025 held on Sunday at the Park Plaza Westminster Bridge Hotel in London, the organisation said in a press release on November 9.
The ceremony, attended by ministers, parliamentarians and community leaders, recognised contributions to British Bangladeshi cuisine and hospitality – a sector described as central to the UK’s multicultural food landscape.
Bangladesh High Commissioner to the United Kingdom Abida Islam attended the event as chief guest, while Bangladesh Caterers Association President Oli Khan MBE chaired the ceremony.
A keynote address was delivered by UK Member of Parliament for Feltham and Heston Seema Malhotra, who also presented an award.
Other distinguished guests included UK Member of Parliament for East Ham Sir Stephen Timms, UK Member of Parliament for Stevenage Kevin Bonavia, UK Member of Parliament for North Northampton Mike Reader, Member of the Scottish Parliament for Lothian Foysol Choudhury MBE MSP, former Southall MP Virendra Sharma, former MP Keith Best, Baroness Sharon Taylor OBE, Ealing Central and Acton MP Rupa Huq, London Deputy Mayor Howard Down and NRB Bank Chairman Iqbal Ahmed OBE.
The awards recognised 12 chefs and 13 restaurants, alongside regional honours for 12 chefs and 12 restaurants across the UK. Special accolades were presented to M A Muquim for leadership in the British Bangladeshi catering sector and to Baroness Sharon Taylor OBE for advancing diversity and community engagement.
Bangladesh Caterers Association President Oli Khan MBE said the Bangladeshi catering industry has been a backbone of British multicultural life for more than five decades, shaped by resilience and passion.
Bangladesh Caterers Association Secretary General Mitu Chowdhury said the sector continues to strengthen the UK economy while preserving heritage and flavour, adding that the BCA remains committed to supporting restaurateurs and chefs.
BCA Awards 2025 Convener Atik Rahman BEM said the event brought together professionals driving innovation and service, crediting sponsors and partners for their support.
Bangladesh Caterers Association Chief Treasurer Tipu Rahman said the industry has contributed to UK employment, communities and culture for 65 years, celebrating entrepreneurship and culinary achievement.
Chief guest Bangladesh High Commissioner to the United Kingdom Abida Islam said the industry exemplifies the positive impact of the diaspora, upholding Bangladeshi culinary heritage while enriching Britain’s social and economic fabric.
The programme closed with a formal dinner featuring South Asian cuisine and cultural performances reflecting shared Bangladeshi and British heritage.
The Bangladesh Caterers Association, founded in 1960, is the oldest and largest organisation representing British Bangladeshi catering businesses, supporting thousands of restaurants and hospitality professionals nationwide.
For media queries, the statement provided contact details: Ali Babar Chowdhury at 07538480189 and [email protected].
