Shakawath Hossain wins Bangladesh Tourism Award

Md. Shakawath Hossain, chief executive officer of Unique Hotel & Resorts PLC, has received the Best Sustainable Tourism Initiative of the Year Award at the first Bangladesh Tourism Award 2026 for his copyrighted intellectual property, “Shakawath’s Six Control Points for Food Cost Optimization”.

The award was organised by the Bangladesh Tourism Board under the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism as part of World Tourism Day 2026. The programme was held at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Center in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, Dhaka.

The award was handed over to Shakawath by Chief Guest M. Rashiduzzaman Millat, MP, Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism.

The Bangladesh Tourism Award 2026 recognised excellence in 16 categories covering tourism, hospitality, innovation and sustainability. Individuals, organisations and initiatives were honoured for their contributions to the sector.

Among those attending 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 Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation.

Shakawath’s Six Control Points framework was recognised for introducing a practical approach to food cost optimisation aimed at reducing food waste, lowering costs and promoting responsible use of resources.

According to the organisers, the framework bridges academic theory with practical application and has delivered results in the hospitality sector. Following a review, the judging panel selected the initiative for 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,” Shakawath said.

With more than 25 years of professional experience, Shakawath leads Unique Hotel & Resorts PLC, the owner of The Westin Dhaka, Sheraton Dhaka and HANSA – A Premium Residence.

He also serves as an adjunct faculty member at the Department of Tourism and Hospitality Management at the University of Dhaka, where he is pursuing a PhD in the same discipline. He holds MPhil and MBA qualifications in the field.

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.