BakarKhani A legendary bread

The sad love story between Aga Bakar and Khani Begum inspired the naming of the bread BakarKhani.   Aga Bakar a general in Chittagong during Nabab Siraj-ud-daulah's reign , madly fell in love with a beautiful dancer, Khani Begum.  Another official, Jainul Khan, abducted Khani Begum as he had an eye for her at the same time. 

As Aga Bakar rescued Khani, Jainul fled resulting a rumor that Aga Bakar assassinated Jainul and hidden his dead body. Eventually, both Khani Begum and Aga Bakar were arrested. Aga Bakar was sentenced to death and put in a cage with a tiger.  Strong in his will and love, Aga Bakar killed the tiger and escaped.  In the meantime, Jainul abducted Khani one more time and killed her. 

It is said that Aga Bakar immortalized his love for Khani Begum and her memory through this specially prepared bread by naming it 'Bakar-Khani'. There are few variations of localized bakarkhani in Bangladesh.  Bakarkhani in Dinajpur is a doughy, thick bread with morobba pieces.  Bakarkhani from Sylhet and Chittagong is paratha like bread soaked in syrup.The legendary Old Dhaka bakarkhani is firm, puff pastry like biscuit. Mr Rajesh Kaul is an Indian businessman based in Dhaka

---By Rajesh Kaul