My friend Toufique Imrose Khalidi was curious, open-minded and forward-thinking

I was deeply saddened by the passing of my dear friend, Toufique Imrose Khalidi.

Toufique was a pioneering journalist and editor who played an important role in shaping digital journalism in Bangladesh. But beyond his professional achievements, I will remember him as a friend -- someone with whom I could share ideas, have frank conversations and, sometimes, challenge the conventional way of thinking.

One conversation around 2007 remains particularly memorable to me.

At the time, I suggested to Toufique that bdnews24.com should introduce a recipe page featuring my recipes.

He looked at me and said: “But this is a news site.”

I understood his point. Recipes were not what people traditionally associated with a news organisation.

So, I explained my thinking.

bdnews24.com was reaching Bangladeshis not only inside Bangladesh but around the world. For Bangladeshis living overseas, I said, food was much more than food. A recipe could bring back memories of home. It could connect parents with children, families with their traditions, and Bangladeshis abroad with the tastes and culture of their homeland.

Toufique listened.

He did not dismiss the idea simply because it was different from traditional news.

Instead, he gave it a chance.

“Recipe a Week” was launched, featuring my recipes, and it went on to become a successful feature of bdnews24.com for many years.

Looking back, I believe that small conversation captures something important about Toufique.

He was a serious journalist with a clear understanding of the importance of news and journalism. But he was also curious, open-minded and willing to explore new ideas when he believed they could genuinely serve his readers.

That quality mattered.

Good journalism is not only about reporting what is happening. It is also about understanding people -- their interests, their lives, their memories and the things that connect them.

Food was one of those connections.

For me, “Recipe a Week” was therefore more than a recipe page. It became a small bridge between Bangladesh and Bangladeshis around the world.

And I will always remember that it began with a simple conversation between two friends.

I feel privileged to have shared that conversation with Toufique -- and even more privileged to have called him my friend.

His passing is a great loss to Bangladesh’s media landscape and to the many people who knew, respected and worked with him.

Bangladesh has lost a pioneering journalist.
I have lost a friend.

Rest in peace, Toufique.

You will be remembered with affection, admiration and respect.

[Tommy Miah, MBE is a British chef of Bangladeshi origin. He is the owner of Raj Restaurant]