Since February 2026, the Pan Pacific Sonargaon Dhaka has been under the leadership of General Manager Dibakar Dominic D’Souza. A veteran of the luxury hospitality industry, D’Souza’s career has taken him from Luxembourg and the United States to China, Qatar, and Japan. Regarding his new mission in Bangladesh, D’Souza asserts, “I'm here to elevate the whole luxury scene in Dhaka”.

A Landmark of Grandeur and Facilities

Situated on a sprawling 8-acre estate, the Pan Pacific Sonargaon remains a premier destination for both business and leisure. The property features 278 well-appointed guest rooms and luxurious suites, complemented by diverse dining options such as the Cafe Bazaar buffet and the high-end Jharna restaurant. D’Souza notes that the hotel provides a unique atmosphere for its guests: “If you go to our pool area… it feels like a resort. When you sit down by the pool, it’s like you’re in another country.”

The hotel also boasts the largest swimming pool and fitness centre in the city’s hotel scene. Unlike traditional hotel gyms, this facility was specifically designed with high-performance athletes in mind. D’Souza explains, “This was designed to cater to the BCB group—the Bangladesh Cricket Board—where we host a lot of international players.”

A "People-First" Leadership Philosophy

Guided by core values of integrity, respect, teamwork, and creativity, D’Souza has implemented a "people-first" leadership style. He believes the foundation of a five-star experience starts with the staff, stating, “I take care of the people in the hotel, which then develops into a sustainable long-term relationship with the guest. Once you know your employees are well looked after, they will strive to do their best every day, and that’s what grows the business.”

This philosophy translates into “intuitive service”, as D’Souza explains, “without the guest needing to say it, the deed is done”. He emphasises, “This is how we really create that emotional connection with the guest upon arrival because that's the first touch point that will go a long way throughout the stay with us”.

Pioneering Innovation and Culinary Excellence

Innovation is a central pillar of the hotel's new strategy. D’Souza is determined to set new benchmarks, asserting, “I don't want us to be followers. I want to be the inventor.” This spirit is evident in the hotel’s recent "firsts," such as being the first in Dhaka to offer paninis and homemade doughnuts. The hotel also recently launched “Aqua Zumba” sessions to engage the community.

The culinary calendar is equally ambitious, featuring the Thai Food Festival and an upcoming Middle Eastern festival. To support the aviation sector, the hotel recently revived “Airline Night” for the first time in 16 years.

Strategic Horizons: Aviation Growth and the Future of International Delegations

Looking ahead, the hotel is positioning itself to leverage the opening of the Third Terminal in December 2026. Owned by the Ministry of Civil Aviation, the Pan Pacific plans to secure a branded luxury lounge within the terminal. D’Souza describes the vision as a concept similar to lounges for first-class flyers: a vision to put the Pan Pacific Sonargaon name back on the map.

While the hotel currently serves as a trusted venue for diplomatic travel through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), D’Souza is preparing for a future of even larger international gatherings. He highlights a major worldwide leadership group slated for 2027, where the Pan Pacific is a top contender for hosting. As the definition of luxury evolves, D’Souza remains focused on the fundamentals: “Luxury is discreet. Privacy is luxury… knowing a guest by name, that's luxury.”