Bhaluka, a burgeoning town in Mymensingh, is poised for remarkable growth with the implementation of ambitious projects by Best Holdings Limited (BHL).
These initiatives, which encompass a luxurious five-star hotel, upscale housing, a prestigious international school, and a private economic zone, aim to enhance the area’s infrastructure and provide modern amenities for residents and visitors. With a substantial investment of Tk3,500 crore, covering approximately 850 acres of land, these ventures are expected to generate significant employment opportunities.
One of the prominent developments is the Marriott Bhaluka, an opulent hotel operated by Marriott International, USA. Strategically located along the Dhaka-Mymensingh highway near Mawna, the 228-room property will cater to business travelers and foreign visitors. Bhaluka is home to a multitude of industries, including textiles, garments, ceramics, pharmaceuticals, and float glass, making it a thriving commercial destination. The entire area will be transformed into a vibrant township, featuring branches of eight banks, 120 showrooms, and two cineplexes, as highlighted by BHL Chairman Amin Ahmad in an interview with the private online news media.
Apart from the Marriott Bhaluka hotel, BHL is also undertaking the construction of The Muslin, a luxury resort under the Marriott International’s prestigious Luxury Collection brand, situated in Mamarishpur, Bhaluka.
Ahmad’s motivation for investing substantial funds into luxury hospitality and education in Bhaluka, an upazila located 50 kilometers away from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, stems from the need to address the lack of quality accommodations and leisure facilities for the growing number of international visitors. He conducted extensive research to ensure that these upscale ventures in Bhaluka yield returns faster than similar projects in Dhaka.
Ahmad’s commitment to development extends beyond the hospitality industry. He is currently establishing Haileybury Bhaluka, a high-end residential school with a capacity of 1,000 students, in collaboration with Haileybury UK, renowned for its excellence in education. The school is set to open this year, with a British principal appointed to oversee its operations. Ahmad has invested Tk700 crore in this globally reputed educational institution.
With a vision for sustainable and transformative projects, Ahmad’s contributions to Bangladesh’s private sector have been remarkable. He began his business career as a contractor in the late 1980s and subsequently ventured into his own infrastructure projects, achieving notable success with Le Meridien Dhaka. The construction of Marriott Bhaluka, designed for frequent business and recreational travelers, is nearing completion and is scheduled to open in December. Additionally, Ahmad is developing The Muslin Luxury Collection, a Tk1,385 crore luxury resort that will be launched in 2024, covering a vast 57-acre expanse. Furthermore, he plans to construct 100 luxury villas on 30 acres of land, valued at approximately Tk450 crore, which will be sold to individuals and managed by Marriott International.
Ahmad’s interest in the hospitality sector was sparked by his strategic acquisition of 850 acres of land in Bhaluka 16 years ago. This valuable asset, given the scarcity and potential complications associated with land acquisition in Bangladesh, provided him the impetus to dream big. Presently, Ahmad is dedicated to developing his ambitious projects, encompassing infrastructure, education, healthcare, real estate, private economic zones, food and agriculture, and industrial ventures, all situated on this expansive land. Furthermore, he envisions the establishment of a 1,000-bed hospital in Bhaluka, for which he seeks an international chain partner.
Despite his remarkable achievements, Ahmad remains humble and instills a similar lifestyle in his children, who have chosen teaching careers over indulging in the empire he has built over the years.
