Bangladesh has officially joined the global network of sustainable tourism with the launch of the Green Key Programme, one of the world’s leading international eco-labels for the hospitality and tourism sector. The ceremony took place on October 29, 2025 at the Dhaka Regency Hotel & Resort, organized by Probha Aurora—the sole national operator of Green Key Bangladesh—in collaboration with the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) Bangladesh Chapter. The event marked a significant step towards introducing internationally-recognized sustainability standards for Bangladesh’s hotels, resorts and tourism establishments.

Green Key promotes environmentally responsible practices through rigorous criteria that cover energy and water efficiency, waste reduction, community engagement, environmental management and staff/guest awareness. Green Key Certified establishments join a network of over 8,000 sites across 90+ countries, making Green Key one of the most geographically widespread tourism certificates in the world.

The ceremony was inaugurated by Emeritus Prof. Dr. M. A. Sattar Mandal, Professorial Fellow of BIDS, Emeritus Professor of Agricultural Economics & former Vice-Chancellor of Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU), who emphasized the importance of integrating sustainability into tourism operations and praised the organizers for their leadership. The session was chaired by Shahid Hamid, FIH Chairman of PATA and Executive Director & Managing Director (Current Charge), Dhaka Regency Hotel & Resort. The event was hosted by Syed Ghulam Qadir, a leading eco-tourism expert, representing PATA and Green Key.

Chairperson, Shahid Hamid, FIH in his address, he said, “It’s time we work collectively to introduce eco-label certification in our tourism and hospitality sector. If we neglect these issues, it will bring darkness to our future. When I first learned about Green Key, I realized that someone had to take the initiative to bring this global programme to Bangladesh. That realization inspired us to take this pioneering step as PATA and Dhaka Regency to create a greener and more impactful future.”

Chief Guest Emeritus Prof. Dr. M. A. Sattar Mandal, in his remarks stated, “Green Key as an eco-label certification in the tourism and hospitality sector marks an important milestone for Bangladesh. Dhaka Regency Hotel and Resort has taken a pioneering step in this process. I firmly believe today’s event signifies a major shift toward sustainable tourism practices. Tourism is not a charity it must be treated as a profitable, environmentally conscious business. When we create a pollution-free and conducive environment, it benefits both the people and the industry.”

Mr. Finn Bolding Thomsen, International Green Key Director, was present as the Guest of Honor. To further highlight the global relevance and future potential of Green Key in Bangladesh, we are delighted to hear his insights and perspectives. He stated, “The Green Key certification is based on strict conformity with environmental criteria verified by external auditors and decision-making entities. I am delighted to see Green Key Bangladesh become part of this global movement. It is particularly encouraging that Dhaka Regency Hotel is already on its way to certification a fantastic achievement. From our research, we know that reducing water, energy, and waste not only helps the planet but also reduces operational costs. Eco-certifications like Green Key also help engage youth and build broader awareness of sustainability in tourism.”

International guests joined online, including Dr. Sanskriti Menon, Board Member of the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) and Senior Director at the Centre for Environment Education, India; and Dr. Jagat Mungraj, National Coordinator of Green Key India. They shared valuable insights on the global and regional relevance of sustainable tourism and commended Bangladesh’s commitment to international best practices. For your reference, one of the flagship programmes of the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), the world’s largest environmental education organization, is the Green Key Programme.

Ms. Masuma Moriom, National Consultant at the UNESCO Dhaka Office (representing the Office of the UN Resident Coordinator as well), delivered an important address as special guest. Ms. Mushfiqua Hasan Stuti, a member of the Green Key Bangladesh Team, presented findings from the feasibility study, highlighting the readiness of Bangladesh’s hospitality sector to adopt sustainability standards aligned with FEE’s global framework. Dr. Aftab Uddin, Green Key Jury Board member and Advisor to Probha Aurora, delivered the welcome remarks and explained the significance of Green Key in Bangladesh. Mr. Mohidul Hoque Khan, Member of the Green Key Jury Board and Advisor to Probha Aurora, recognized the Dhaka Regency Hotel & Resort for its ongoing compliance process and highlighted its potential to become Bangladesh’s first certified Green Key establishment.

The event was attended by prominent representatives from government, academia and the private sector, including but not limited to: Architect Salma A. Shafi; Ms. Amineh Adelnia (virtually from Austria); Md Momenul Islam (Director, Bangladesh Meteorological Department); Dr. K. M. Azam Chowdhury (Assoc. Professor & Director, Intl. Centre for Ocean Governance, University of Dhaka); Prof. Mahmud Hossain Faruquee (Bangladesh University of Health Sciences); Dr. Md Ruhul Amin Sarker (National Coordinator-Ext. Engagement, World Vision Bangladesh); Khabirul Haque Kamal (Country Director, VSO Bangladesh); Roufa Khanum (Asst. Director, C3ER, BRAC University); Tasfin Fahad (ESG Analyst, ESG & Sustainable Finance, BRAC Bank); Samia Afrin Shetu (Asst. Professor, Dept. of Tourism & Hospitality Management, University of Dhaka); Syed Shafat Uddin Ahmed Tomal (Sustainable Tourism Educator; Committee Member, Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change); Prof. Abu Noman Faruq Ahmmed (Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University); Md Shakhawath Hossain (Project Director, EatSafe Project, GAIN Bangladesh); Rezwan Maruf (Area Commercial Champion, IHG SWA – Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan & Sri Lanka, InterContinental Dhaka); Harunur Rashid (Founder & CEO, aviation.com.bd); Md Moniruzzaman (Asst. Professor, World University of Bangladesh); Prof. Dr. Santus Kumar Deb (Dept. of Tourism & Hospitality Management, University of Dhaka); Rahmat Ali (Head of Sales & Marketing, Bangladesh China Friendship Conference Center); Mohammad Hafijul Islam (Bangladesh Poribesh Andolon); Asif Abdullah (Sr. Executive Sales & Marketing, Hotel Bengal Blueberry); among others.

In his closing remarks, Mr. Bidhan Chandra Pal, Founder and Managing Director of Probha Aurora and National Operator of Green Key Bangladesh, expressed gratitude to all partners and participants. He noted that this milestone marks the beginning of a long-term transformation toward responsible, eco-conscious and globally competitive hospitality in Bangladesh.

The event concluded with an open discussion and networking session, during which representatives from various sectors explored collaboration opportunities to promote sustainability in Bangladesh’s tourism and hospitality industry.

From now on, the programme will be fully implemented across the country, and all interested tourism and hospitality institutions are encouraged to apply via the official Bangladesh Green Key website: www.greenkeybangladesh.org.