Chefs cook up new culinary association

Tony Khan

The first ever Bangladesh Chef Association will be founded tomorrow at the Hotel Regency, Dhaka, reflecting the upsurge in culinary skills among the country's chefs.
The association will aim to promote the interests of chefs and develop culinary knowledge in the country.
“There is an urgent need to form an association for the betterment of the hospitality business and our community,” said Tony Khan, executive chef of the Radisson Water Garden Hotel.
“Although the hotel industry is growing rapidly, there has been a dearth of institutional facilities in the local culinary industry,” he said.
Last week The Daily Star highlighted the progress of local chefs, several of whom hold top positions at the country's five star hotels, formally a preserve of foreigners. The increasing number of hotels and restaurants has created a strong market for chefs.
A 14-member committee has already been formed with Tony Khan as president of the association and Ahmed Hussain, executive chef of Dhaka Regency and Mr. Gerard, executive chef of The Westin Dhaka vice presidents.
Tony Khan said the association would apply to the ministry of social welfare for registration and the membership would be open for all chefs working in the country.
“Globally there are many types of associations which deal widely with chefs rights and develop skills,” he added.
Currently around 1000 chefs, including several hundred in five star hotels, are working in Dhaka, he said.