DHAKA : Md. Shakawath Hossain, Chief Executive Officer of
Unique Hotel & Resorts PLC, the owning company of The Westin Dhaka,
Sheraton Dhaka and HANSA – A Premium Residence, has received the Best
Sustainable Tourism Initiative of the Year Award at the first-ever Bangladesh
Tourism Award 2026 for his copyrighted intellectual property, “Shakawath’s Six
Control Points for Food Cost Optimization.” Organised by the Bangladesh Tourism
Board under the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism (MOCAT), the programme
was held at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Center in Sher-e-Bangla
Nagar, Dhaka, as part of World Tourism Day 2026. The award was handed over to
Shakawath by the chief guest, M. Rashiduzzaman Millat, MP, Minister for Civil
Aviation and Tourism, a press release said.
The Bangladesh Tourism Award 2026 recognised excellence
across 16 categories covering tourism, hospitality, innovation and
sustainability. Awards were given to selected individuals, organisations and
initiatives for their contributions to the sector. Among the distinguished
attendees were Abul Kalam Azad Siddique, MP, Chairman of the Parliamentary
Standing Committee on the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism; Fahmida
Akhter, NDC, Secretary of the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism; Barrister
Mutasim Billah Faruqui, Chief Executive Officer of the Bangladesh Tourism
Board; and Md. Shamimuzzaman, Chairman of the Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation.
The presence of ministers, Members of Parliament, senior government officials,
tourism leaders, academicians and industry professionals made the programme a
significant national gathering for Bangladesh’s tourism sector.
The Six Control Points framework was recognised as a
breakthrough for the hospitality and tourism industry, introducing an effective
and practical approach to food cost optimization that reduces food wastage,
delivers cost savings and promotes the responsible use of resources. An
original contribution by Md. Shakawath Hossain, the framework bridges academic
theory with practical application and has delivered proven results. Following a
rigorous review, the judging panel unanimously determined that “Shakawath’s Six
Control Points for Food Cost Optimization” is a pioneering sustainable
initiative worthy of national recognition.
“This award marks a significant milestone for the Six
Control Points initiative and reflects its contribution to sustainable
hospitality. We are working to take the framework nationwide across
Bangladesh’s hospitality sector and explore opportunities for its future
adoption across international hotel and restaurant chains.” said Shakawath.
With over 25 years of professional experience, Shakawath
leads Unique Hotel & Resorts PLC. Under his leadership, the company
continues to contribute to Bangladesh’s premium hospitality sector through
operational innovation, service excellence and sustainable business practices.
Beyond his corporate role, he is actively involved in various industry
associations and professional organisations. He also serves as an Adjunct
Faculty Member at the Department of Tourism and Hospitality Management,
University of Dhaka, where he is currently pursuing a PhD in the same
discipline. He also holds MPhil and MBA qualifications in the same field.
Through his continued engagement in academia, research and professional
development, he is working to build industry capacity, shape future hospitality
leaders and inspire the younger generation to contribute meaningfully to
Bangladesh’s tourism and hospitality industry.
This latest honour adds another notable achievement to Shakawath’s professional journey. His previous recognitions include Tourism Face of South Asia at the South Asian Travel Awards 2024, Best Hospitality Icon at the American Curry Awards 2025, Tourism Leadership Excellence Award 2026 and Who’s Who Bangladesh Award 2026. Beyond his corporate achievements, he is known for his contributions to tourism education, research and policy development. He is recognised as the only Bangladeshi hotelier who simultaneously serves as an industry practitioner, academician and researcher, and is a Capstone Fellow of the National Defence College.
