Dhaka: Bangladesh International Hotel Association (BIHA) convened its first discussion and introductory meeting with its newly appointed Administrator Md Shajebur Rahman, Deputy Secretary, Ministry of Commerce, on September 13 at Pan Pacific Sonargaon Dhaka.

The session was attended by association members and hotel representatives. During the meeting, members outlined the key challenges facing the sector, raised concerns regarding past activities of BIHA, and underscored the necessity of holding a proper and impartial election to ensure the association’s effective functioning in accordance with the law.

In his remarks, Administrator Md Shajebur Rahman emphasized that his primary objective is to conduct a free, fair, and transparent election within the next 120 days. To this end, he instructed that all relevant information, documents, accounts, and credentials of BIHA be formally submitted to his office to ensure a smooth transition and orderly election process. He further called upon members for their constructive cooperation and positive support in achieving this objective.

Notable industry figures present at the event included HM Hakim Ali, Managing Director of Agrabad Hotel; Khaled Ur Rahaman, Managing Director of Golden Tulip Dhaka; Ahmed Hossain, Director, Fars Hotel and Resort Ltd; Harikesha Wijesekera, Vice President of Gateway Hospitality, The Way Dhaka; Asif Ahmed, Acting General Manager, Pan Pacific Sonargaon Hotel; CS Gavriel, General Manager, Le Meridien Dhaka; Mohammad Monirul Islam Khan, FCS, from Radisson Blu Dhaka and Chittagong; Monir Hossain, Head of HR, representing BRAC Services Ltd; Syed Ashraful Hasan, Head of HR and Admin, representing Best Western Plus Maple Leaf Hotel; Md Ahsanul Hossain, HOD S&M, Sayeman Beach Resort and Peninsula Chittagong; and Rashed Mahmud, Managing Director of Grace Cox Smart Hotel and Grace 21.