DHAKA: Ruposhi Bangla Hotel, the largest five-star hotel of the country, is going to be laid off soon as intercontinental, one of the leading international hotel chains, due to renovation work for the next two years.
The authorities concerned have already given their final consent to take over its operation in the country.
In this regard, on February 19, Intercontinental would sign final agreement in the presence of civil aviation and tourism minister M Faruk Khan.
The deal will be effective for 30 years and can be extended, depending on performance in each expansion period spanning over five years.
It will take two years for major renovation and during the renovation work, the hotel will remain off.
Earlier, the civil aviation and tourism ministry approved the appointment of Intercontinental to manage and operate the hotel.
BSL signed a letter of intent (LOI) with the Intercontinental on July last year and after LOI signing BSL informed journalist that final agreement will sign within a couple of month.
A high official of the tourism ministry, wishing anonymity, said after LOI signing Intercontinental given tough conditions to the owner of Ruposhi Bangla.
BSL sources said the Intercontinental gave one condition for completing the renovation of hotel’s rooms, kitchens, conference rooms, bathrooms, lobbies and bars.
Finally BSL gave consent to bring a major renovation in the Ruposhi Bangla Hotel.
In 2009, Starwood, the mother company of hotel Sheraton, also gave same conditions for further extension of the contract and finally, BSL didn’t agree with the Starwood as it decided to terminate all employees of the hotel during renovation.
This time BSL agreed because no one will be terminated who worked for Ruposhi Bangla. During renovation everyone will get job in other branches of Intercontinental in the world.
Intercontinental had run the state-owned hotel before Sheraton took over management in 1983.
Sheraton wrapped up its operations in Bangladesh after a long stay for 27 years, and BSL took over operations and management on May 1, renaming it Ruposhi Bangla.
Starwood Hotels and Resorts that operated under the brand name of Sheraton had a 25-year deal with BSL that expired on December 31, 2008.
The company had since extended its contract nine times--three months each time.
BDST: 2020 HRS, FEB 15, 2012
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