IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group), the world’s largest hotel group by number of rooms, and Bangladesh Services Limited (BSL) announce the signing of a 30-year management agreement for the InterContinental Dhaka.

The hotel, currently operating as the Ruposhi Bangla Hotel, will initially be managed as the Rupushi Bangla Hotel before closing for an extensive renovation to upgrade it to InterContinental brand standards. The re-opening of the hotel, due in 2014, will mark InterContinental’s re-entry to Bangladesh.

Situated in a prime location in the capital city, the hotel will feature large guest rooms, an all day dining restaurant, two specialty restaurants, a deli, bar and InterContinental Club Lounge. Business facilities will include a business centre, ballroom, convention centre and multiple meeting rooms. Guests will also be able to relax and enjoy the hotel’s health club, spa and pool.

Chris Moloney, Chief Operating Officer, South West Asia, IHG said,“Dhaka has all the right prospects to continue growing as a business and tourist destination, so we’ve invested a great deal of time and effort to bring the InterContinental brand back to Bangladesh. Following an extensive renovation, InterContinental Dhaka will once again take its place in the heart of the city, welcoming business and leisure travellers from around the world.”

With a population of around 15 million, Dhaka continues to be the primary growth engine for Bangladesh’s economy. The expanding middle class population and the city’s key financial and commercial centres have put Dhaka on the map as an emerging tourist destination.

There are 170 InterContinental Hotels & Resorts in more than 60 countries around the world, with an additional 58 hotels in the global development pipeline.