Mahmudul Hasan is not just a name, but a beacon of hope for rural tourism in Bangladesh. A journalist by profession and a visionary by passion, Mahmud’s journey from pen to purpose is a tale of innovation, perseverance, and an unwavering commitment to community. Growing up amidst the natural beauty of Moulvibazar—a heartland of tourism—Mahmud’s deep connection with his roots and an inquisitive mind led him to explore the uncharted territories of rural tourism.
While pursuing his university studies, Mahmud stepped into journalism in his home district. The profession gave him a platform to analyze and write about tourism extensively. His exploration of the tourism sector revealed the untapped potential of Bangladesh’s rural areas—rich in culture, tradition, and natural beauty. These insights gave birth to Bangladesh’s first-ever community-based travel network Ovigo.
From Journalist to Tourism Entrepreneur:
Mahmudul Hasan’s journalism career gave him an edge—he understood the structural challenges of the tourism industry and envisioned sustainable solutions. He undertook a 44-district journey to map out the strengths and pain points of the tourism landscape. Recognizing the appeal of rural heritage and diverse lifestyles, he embarked on a mission to create a bridge between urban travelers and rural communities.
In 2022, he initiated a pilot project of community-based tourism in the village of Bobarthal, Barlekha, under Moulvibazar district. This laid the foundation for Ovigo, which launched its Minimum Viable Product as a startup in 2023. Through Ovigo, Mahmud has transformed how tourists explore the countryside—offering them an escape from the chaos of urban life to a peaceful haven of nature and culture.
How Ovigo Works:
Ovigo operates with a simple yet impactful model: connecting travelers with rural communities. The platform enables tourists to stay in home-stays organized by local families and serving traditional Bengali cuisine prepared with love by locals. Also it offer Experience cultural performances, including folk music, dance, and crafts. Explore villages through guided tours led by trained local guides from Ovigo.
Ovigo has so far established five active communities in Sylhet, Moulvibazar, and Netrokona. These communities have become hubs for cultural exchange and mutual benefit. Tourists gain memorable experiences, while villagers receive both financial opportunities and recognition for their heritage.
Economic Impact and Community Upliftment:
Ovigo’s initiatives are directly benefiting around 75 families involved in providing home-stay and hospitality services. These families are now earning an average of 65,000 BDT per month. Moreover, 162 local youths have found employment as guides, further enhancing the rural economy. Each community generates an annual economic transaction of around 2.4 million BDT, significantly impacting the livelihoods of low-income families.
Additionally, previously overlooked destinations like Kolmakanda in Netrokona and Boberthhol in Moulvibazar have now gained recognition on the tourism map, thanks to Ovigo. These areas, once underdeveloped, are now thriving with new economic activities. The influx of tourists has also bolstered local agriculture, handicrafts, and transport services.
One of Ovigo’s standout achievements is the empowerment of rural women. Traditionally confined to household work, these women are now directly involved in the hospitality industry, earning their own income. This shift is not only improving their financial status but also elevating their social standing and confidence.
Also Ovigo aligns its initiatives with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to promote holistic development:
Ovigo actively contributes to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by driving meaningful social and economic change. By creating jobs and increasing the income of rural families, Ovigo significantly addresses SDG 1: No Poverty. Women’s empowerment is central to their mission—by involving women in the hospitality industry and enabling financial independence, Ovigo fulfills SDG 5: Gender Equality and SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth. The initiative provides dignified employment opportunities for both women and youth in rural areas, fostering inclusive development.
Additionally, Ovigo works towards SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities by revitalizing rural regions and transforming them into sustainable tourism hubs. Through eco-friendly practices that prioritize minimal environmental impact, Ovigo also aligns with SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production. By championing these goals, Ovigo is setting a precedent for sustainable tourism that drives both local and global impact.
Through these contributions, Ovigo is not only transforming rural tourism but also creating measurable social impact that aligns with global sustainability efforts.
The Vision Ahead
Mahmud believes that rural tourism has the potential to redefine Bangladesh’s economic landscape. With the right support, similar models can be scaled across the country, integrating villages into the national economy. By promoting rural destinations, Ovigo is not just creating jobs but also fostering a sense of pride among locals about their culture and environment.
Ovigo has proven that tourism is more than just leisure—it is a catalyst for sustainable development. Mahmudul Hasan’s journey is a testament to what innovation, empathy, and a deep-rooted connection to one’s community can achieve. Through Ovigo, he has shown that rural Bangladesh holds the key to a brighter and more balanced future.
Mahmudul Hasan, Founder & CEO of Ovigo said, “This is just the beginning. My vision is to establish community-based tourism in all 64 districts of Bangladesh, and then expand globally, inviting the world to experience authentic local lifestyles. Through this, we aim to create bridges between diverse cultures while empowering local people. We are also developing an AI-driven super app to revolutionize travel—a platform where travelers will find everything they need for their journey. In Bangladesh, our goal is to empower 50,000 travel businesses through innovative solutions. Especially close to our hearts is the AI-based safety feature designed for women travelers, encouraging them to explore the world more independently.”
“Together, my team and I dream of building a better travel ecosystem that inspires meaningful connections and sustainable growth” added Mr. Mahmudul.
Ovigo has already secured support from the Government of Bangladesh to bolster its initiatives, particularly through the ICT Division backing the development of their tech solutions. However, as an impact-driven startup, Ovigo faces significant funding constraints that limit the scale and speed of their work. “We are working to tap into Bangladesh’s $4.2 billion travel market, and with proper funding, we can accelerate the development of more communities,” says Founder Mahmudul Hasan.
While government support for technological advancement is a step in the right direction, Ovigo’s efforts to establish sustainable tourism communities require broader backing. “We need NGOs to step forward and help us develop the communities themselves, and we’re actively seeking Angel investors and Venture Capital funding to take our vision to the next level,” Mahmudul adds.
The combination of government backing and external investment could unlock unprecedented opportunities for Ovigo, enabling them to revolutionize the travel industry in Bangladesh while ensuring social and economic impact across rural areas.
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