One of the symbols of Bangladesh’s nobility and heritage is the Hotel Intercontinental Dhaka. It is not just a hotel, but a silent witness to the many ups and downs of Bangladesh’s history.
In the past, there was no need for hotels. Emperors, wealthy kings and wealthy landowners built neat, well-appointed inns for travelers and travelers from far and wide. Those people used to accept hospitality in these inns to spend the night safely.
The reigns and inns of these wealthy royal families have disappeared in the silent stream of time. The customs and traditions they created have also changed over the spiral of time. As a result, the stories of these inns have also been lost in the abyss of time. On the contrary, all the elite hotels have emerged as an alternative to free inns. The hotel in Bangladesh that has taken its place in the exciting pages of history and is still standing proudly is called Hotel Intercontinental.
Located in the heart of the capital Dhaka, Hotel Intercontinental is the first international five-star hotel in Bangladesh. It is operated under the Intercontinental Hotels Group (IHG), established in 1966. For a long time, it has been a center of special attraction for domestic and foreign tourists for its architectural style, world-class hospitality and historical importance.
The hotel was designed by architect William B. Tabler in 1966. The InterContinental Group managed the hotel from 1966 to 1983. After InterContinental, another international hotel service provider, ‘Sheraton’, took over the management. After 28 years, Sheraton relinquished the responsibility of the hotel in April 2011. Later, the local government company Bangladesh Services Limited took over the management of the hotel under the name ‘Ruposhi Bangla’. Later, two years after signing an agreement with InterContinental in 2012, its renovation work began in September 2014. The interior of the hotel was redesigned with innovation. Special importance has been given to local culture, heritage and Mughal architecture in the decoration of the hotel. After the renovation, it regained its original name ‘InterContinental’ in 2018.
The hotel has been renovated with a blend of modernity and local heritage. The main attractions include 226 luxurious, well-appointed rooms of international standard, two ballrooms and seven meeting rooms, various cafes and restaurants with local and international flavors, an Olympic-sized temperature-controlled modern swimming pool, a state-of-the-art gym and spa.
The role of this hotel in the great Liberation War of 1971 was very significant. During the war, it was declared a ‘Neutral Zone’. It was through the writings of British journalist Simon Dring that the world came to know about the massacre of Bengalis by Pakistani troops. Later, international media journalists and Red Cross officials would spread the news of the war all over the world from here. Many foreign journalists witnessed the horror of the dark night of March 25th from the windows of this hotel. During the Liberation War, the first guerrilla attack in besieged Dhaka took place at the Hotel Intercontinental. This guerrilla operation, which took place between 7:45 pm and 8 pm on June 9, 1971, under the leadership of Habibul Alam Bir Pratik, was called ‘Hotel Intercontinental: Hit and Run’. That operation was the first major guerrilla attack in the besieged Dhaka of 1971. It was not just an attack, but a strong message to the world that “Dhaka is not yet under the full control of the Pakistan Army.”
In addition, the contribution of this hotel to introducing Bangladesh’s tourism industry to the world is undeniable. It brightens the country’s image as the first choice of foreign heads of state, diplomats and VIP guests. In addition, it is playing an important role in the economy of Bangladesh by organizing various international seminars and business conferences.
New hotels are undoubtedly exciting for everyone. But nothing can compare with nobility. There is a lot of history associated with the Intercontinental Hotel. With the passage of time, the hotel has also gained a touch of modernity.
Time passes, and the story of Hotel Intercontinental continues to evolve. The hotel survives with pride. Intercontinental is not just a brick and stone establishment; it is a partner in the development and glory of Bangladesh. Its blend of elegance and tradition has earned it the status of one of the finest hotels in South Asia. It has stood as the custodian of Dhaka’s heritage for generations.
(Information collection and writing, Rakibul Islam Rafi)