A welcome to the 18th BCA Gala Dinner and Awards and a reflection on the association's 65-year legacy.
It is an honour and a pleasure to welcome you to the 18th Bangladesh Caterers Association Gala Dinner and Awards Ceremony as we celebrate the restaurants and chefs leading twenty-first-century food and drink while recognising the BCA's proud 65-year legacy.
For more than six decades, the BCA has stood as the voice of our industry, championing excellence, innovation, and community spirit. Tonight, we honour the achievements of our members while also reflecting on the extraordinary journey that has brought us here.
Yet, we cannot ignore the reality of the challenges our restaurants face. Rising government taxes, cuts to benefits, and the continued pressure of high consumer prices are hitting businesses hard. Many of our members are struggling to keep their doors open, despite their unwavering commitment to serving their communities. Our restaurants are more than just places to eat — they are cultural institutions, community hubs, and vital employers. They deserve recognition, protection, and support.
We call on the Government to engage with us meaningfully, to understand the day-to-day realities of running our businesses, and to provide the policies and support needed to prevent further closures. The BCA will continue to be relentless in this mission, ensuring our industry not only survives but thrives.
At the same time, we remain focused on the future — building stronger ties with colleges and universities, creating opportunities for home-grown talent, and fighting for more flexibility in recruiting skilled chefs who can help us sustain and grow our industry for generations to come.
As valued members of the BCA, you are part of something extraordinary. Our collective strength, unity, and determination are what make this organisation thrive. Please encourage others to join us as we continue to protect, promote, and enhance our profession.
Finally, I want to thank my colleagues at the BCA for their tireless efforts in making this evening possible. Tonight, we celebrate not only our finalists and winners, but also 65 years of heritage, resilience, and achievement. Here's to the next chapter of our journey together.
Thank you for your continued support and for joining us on this special anniversary year. Congratulations to all our finalists — and may tonight be a night to remember.
Transcribed from the 2025 BCA Awards programme. Line breaks and clear scan errors have been normalised for readability.