The
Department of Tourism and Hospitality Management (THM) of the World University
of Bangladesh (WUB) successfully organized a high-impact seminar titled “Eco-Innovation and Women Entrepreneurs:
Redefining the Future of Tourism and Hospitality” on January 27, 2026,
at 11:00 AM. The event was held at the Founding Treasurer Morsheda Choudhury
Auditorium, WUB.
The
primary objective of this seminar was to inspire and encourage female students
to become eco-friendly young entrepreneurs in the fields of tourism and
hospitality, while also motivating male students to embrace sustainable
business practices. The event brought together academic leaders, industry
experts, and over 120 aspiring scholars to discuss the intersection of
environmental innovation and leadership.
Dr. Rubina Hossain Farouq, President of the SEED Foundation and the
Bangladesh Federation of Women Entrepreneurs (BFWE), graced the event as the
Keynote Speaker. In her comprehensive address, she emphasized that
eco-innovation is no longer a choice but a necessity for global
competitiveness, especially as Bangladesh navigates its post-LDC transition.
"Women entrepreneurs are not just beneficiaries of growth; they are the
primary drivers of innovation and environmental resilience in the tourism economy,"
Dr. Farouq stated.
The
seminar was chaired by Professor Dr. M.
Nurul Islam, Pro-Vice Chancellor of WUB, who attended as the Chief
Guest. In his speech, he highlighted the university's commitment to nurturing
creative and socially conscious professionals. As a token of appreciation, the
Chief Guest handed over a commemorative crest to the Keynote Speaker.
Special
Guest Prof. M. Moqbul Hossain,
Controller of Examinations, shared his insights on the importance of
entrepreneurship in achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The
seminar was presided over by Professor
Mohammed Nasimul Azim, Head of the Department and Director of THM dept,
WUB. "Our department is currently mentoring a significant number of female
scholars who are destined to become the architects of a green and inclusive
hospitality industry," he remarked. In his concluding remarks, he
highlighted the department's strategic vision in aligning academic curricula
with global sustainability goals and thanked the dignitaries for their invaluable
presence.
The
program was moderated and coordinated by Md. Abdul Latif Mahmud, Assistant Professor and Coordinator of the
Department of THM. In his opening remarks, he noted that the seminar serves as
a platform to bridge the gap between theoretical learning and the practical
demands of a "green" global market. Other faculty members of the THM
department, including Sara Murtaza,
Md. Morsalin, and Pulak Sarker, were also present to
support the event.
The
event concluded with an interactive Q&A session where students engaged with
the keynote speaker on topics ranging from green financing to international
market positioning. The seminar ended with a group photograph with the
dignitaries, marking a significant milestone for the department’s 2026 academic
calendar.