Md. Shakawath Hossain, CEO of Unique Hotel and Resorts PLC (The Owning Company of The Westin Dhaka, Sheraton Dhaka & HANSA- A Premium Residence), received the prestigious award “Best Hospitality Icon” at the first-ever American Curry Awards 2025, held on Saturday, May 24. The award was presented by Senator Sheikh Rahman of Georgia, USA at the renowned Terrace on the Park in Queens, New York. The ceremony celebrated excellence in the global culinary and hospitality industries, bringing together prominent leaders and innovators from around the world.
Organized by Khalil Group of Industries USA and Asha Group USA, The American Curry Awards is a distinguished international platform acknowledging remarkable contributions to the hospitality and culinary arts. The event honored achievements in eighteen categories, with a focus on participants from the USA, Canada, the UK, and Asian countries. Among the honorees, Md. Shakawath Hossain was recognized as the Best Hospitality Icon, an accolade highlighting his exceptional leadership and transformative influence on the hospitality industry in Bangladesh. Notably, his innovative work in developing theories and practices on Food Cost Optimization. His expertise was further recognized through his role as an Official Judge at the Chefs Culinary Cup Korea 2024 and 2025.
Shakawath’s recognition also stems from his numerous national and international accolades, including winning the Asian Curry Award 2021, an exclusive honor by the Asian Catering Federation, UK; being
named the Tourism Face of South Asia at the South Asian Travel Awards (SATA) 2024; and receiving the Best Hotelier of Bangladesh award at the Hotel Industry Architecture, Interiors & Management (HI-AIM) Conference 2024 at Kathmandu, Nepal.
Md. Shakawath Hossain is the only Bangladeshi hotelier who is an industry practitioner, academician, and researcher, currently pursuing a PhD in Tourism and Hospitality Management at the University of Dhaka.He also serves as an Adjunct Faculty at Dhaka University. Beyond his corporate and academic achievements, Mr. Shakawath plays a significant role in both global and national industry organizations, serving as the Chief advisor of the Chef’s Federation of Bangladesh, Director of the World Tourism Network (WTN) Dhaka Chapter and Director of the Tourism and Hospitality Industry Skill Council (ISC) Bangladesh and many more.
This recognition as Best Hospitality Icon at the American Curry Awards celebrates Md. Shakawath Hossain’s unparalleled leadership and groundbreaking contributions, serving as a testament to his visionary impact on the hospitality industry. It marks a proud moment for Bangladesh, showcasing the growing prominence of its hospitality sector on the global stage.
