Reported by Shohidul Islam, Westminster, London – 24 June 2026 – The Bangladesh Caterers Association UK (BCA), led by President Oli Khan MBE, Mitu Chaudhury and Tipu Rahman, convened a parliamentary discussion at Portcullis House hosted by Kevin Bonavia MP.
The meeting brought together Members of Parliament including Kevin Bonavia MP, alongside Apsana Begum MP and Rachel Hopkins MP, Baroness Pola Monzila Uddin together with industry representatives and stakeholders, to discuss the current state and future of Britain’s restaurant and hospitality sector—particularly the UK’s globally-recognised curry industry.
Also present Ex President Bca M A Munim OBE, Ex President Bca M Kamal Yakub, Senior Vice President of bca Faizul Haque, Suruk Miah, Moshud Ahmed, Manik Miah, Chef Online M A Munim Salik, Ex President UKBCCI Nazmul Islam Nuru, Ex President BBCCI Bashir Ahmed, Ex bca Senior Vice President Mahtab Miah, Abdul Hye OBE, Press and Publications Secretary Naz Islam, Deputy Secretary Nasir Uddin, Shamsul Alam Khan Sahin, Taraque Uddin, Dilwar Ahmed, Gulam Khan Nurani, Director UKBCCI Jomirul Islam Siraj, Abdus Sufhan, Kuddus Ali, Zakaria Chowdhury, Caterers Siraj Ali, Dr Farmer Ali, Eng Sadiqul Alam, Syed Phul Miah And others.
The session provided an opportunity for the BCA to engage directly with MPs on the key issues affecting businesses, share industry insight, and explore potential areas for collaboration to support long-term sustainability and growth.
Representatives highlighted a range of pressures facing restaurant businesses, including rising operating costs, workforce shortages, increasing energy bills, business rates, and food inflation. These challenges are having a significant impact on independent restaurants and small businesses across the UK.
Industry Perspectives
Oli Khan MBE, President of Bangladesh Caterers Association UK, said:
“The British curry industry is not only a major contributor to the UK economy but also an important part of Britain’s cultural identity. However, many businesses are facing severe challenges that threaten their long-term sustainability. We welcome opportunities for the industry to work in partnership with the Government to address staffing and cost challenges, to ensure the industry’s continued success.”
Mitu Choudhury, Secretary General of BCA, said:
"This parliamentary discussion meeting represents a vital opportunity to bring together policymakers and industry leaders to address the pressing challenges facing the Great British Curry industry. As a sector that has contributed significantly to the UK's economy, cultural diversity, and hospitality landscape for decades, it is essential that our concerns are heard and constructive solutions are developed.
“The BCA remains committed to working collaboratively with Members of Parliament and stakeholders to secure a sustainable and prosperous future for our industry."
Tipu Rahman, Chief Treasurer of BCA, said:
"The Great British Curry industry has been a cornerstone of the UK's hospitality sector for generations, contributing significantly to employment, local economies, and cultural diversity. However, businesses across the sector are facing unprecedented challenges, including rising operational costs, workforce shortages, and increasing financial pressures.
“This parliamentary discussion provides an important platform to engage with policymakers and seek practical solutions that will help safeguard the future of our industry. The Bangladesh Caterers Association remains committed to supporting its members and ensuring the longterm sustainability and growth of the sector."
Key Themes Discussed
- Rising costs for hospitality businesses, and potential support for the industry
- Workforce and skills shortages, particularly in recruiting experienced chefs
- Business sustainability and succession planning for family-owned SMEs
- Skills development and improving perceptions of careers in hospitality
- Opportunities for modernisation, including digital investment and productivity improvements
The BCA also highlighted the ongoing impact of VAT levels on hospitality businesses and the broader need to support investment and growth across the sector.
A Vital Industry
Participants emphasised the significant contribution of the curry industry to the UK economy, employment, tourism, and Britain’s cultural identity.
The discussion formed part of the BCA’s ongoing engagement with parliamentarians and stakeholders, ensuring that industry perspectives are shared and understood as part of wider conversations about the future of hospitality in the UK. Members of Parliament recognised the value of the industry and concerns raised in the meeting, and committed to continued work alongside the Association.
The Bangladesh Caterers Association (BCA), established in 1960, represents around 12,000 restaurateurs across the UK. It works with industry stakeholders, government bodies, and communities to support business growth, workforce development, and the long-term success of the hospitality sector.
