Md Shakawath Hossain, Chief Executive Officer of Unique Hotel & Resorts PLC, has received the prestigious Who’s Who Bangladesh Award 2026 in the Professionals category, recognising his leadership and contribution to the country’s hospitality and tourism sector.

The award was handed by State Minister of Information and Broadcasting Yasser Khan Choudhury today at the Who’s Who Bangladesh 2026 Award Ceremony in Dhaka.

A total of 12 individuals and one institution were honoured at the event for excellence in their respective fields.

Among other recipients were Prof. Dr. GKM Mustafizur Rahman, Vice Chancellor of Gazipur Agricultural University, in the field of Agriculture; Ms. Farida Akter Popy, popularly known as Babita, prominent film actress of Bangladesh, in the field of Art and Culture; and Mr. Shahidul Alam, founder of Drik, who received the Lifetime Achievement Award.

The ceremony was attended by dignitaries, professionals and prominent figures from across the country.

Shakawath Hossain has been credited with strengthening Bangladesh’s hospitality industry through his leadership at Unique Hotel & Resorts PLC, which owns major brands such as The Westin Dhaka, Sheraton Dhaka and HANSA - A Premium Residence. His strategic direction has contributed to improving service standards, promoting sustainable practices and supporting tourism growth.

Reacting to the recognition, Hossain said the award reflects the collective efforts and dedication of his team, reaffirming his commitment to further advancing Bangladesh’s hospitality and tourism sector.

This recognition marks another milestone in Md. Shakawath Hossain’s distinguished professional journey. Previously, he was honored with several notable accolades, including Tourism Face of South Asia by South Asian Travel Awards, Best Hotelier of Bangladesh at the Hi-Aim Conference in Nepal, Best Hospitality Icon at the American Curry Awards, Hospitality Business Professional Award by TOAB, and Most Awarded Hotelier of 2024 by BIHA. He is also recognized 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.

Who’s Who is regarded as an essential directory of noteworthy and influential individuals from all walks of life across the UK and worldwide. Published annually since 1849, Who’s Who is considered a leading source of biographical data, featuring more than 33,000 globally distinguished individuals from fields such as agriculture, art and culture, academia, social welfare, and sports.

The Who’s Who Bangladesh Award Ceremony, organized in Dhaka for the fifth time, recognizes individuals and institutions who have made meaningful contributions to society through excellence, leadership, innovation, and service. Md. Shakawath Hossain’s achievement stands as an inspiration for professionals in Bangladesh’s hospitality and tourism industry.