AshrafuzzamanUzzal
Global Travel Strategist | Cultural Diplomat | Author |
Expedition Leader | Founder, Bangladesh Travel Writers Association
Visionary. Trailblazer. Storyteller. These are not just wordsโthey are defining characteristics of AshrafuzzamanUzzalโs decades-long journey across borders, cultures, and disciplines. With a distinguished track record that bridges experiential tourism, cultural diplomacy, and leadership in global travel narratives, Uzzal stands as one of South Asiaโs most impactful voices in the travel and adventure landscape.
Driven by a bold vision to promote Bangladesh on the global map through storytelling and immersive travel experiences, AshrafuzzamanUzzal has founded and scaled multiple ventures over the past 25 years. As the Founder & President of the Bangladesh Travel Writers Association (BTWA), he has cultivated a community of over 200+ certified travel writers, many of whom have gone on to represent Bangladesh in international forums, exhibitions, and cultural missions.
Under his leadership, BTWA has evolved into a cornerstone of Bangladeshโs tourism and literary sectors, hosting eight national travel carnivals, curating exhibitions in global cities like Bahrain, Italy, and Mexico, and spearheading international collaboration projects such as Fam Trips to Sri Lanka, Thailand, Malaysia, and India.
In 2006, Uzzal founded Delta Outdoors, a leading travel company that operates 40+ curated tours annually, both domestically and internationally. With a skilled team of 10 professionals, Delta Outdoors has become a trusted name in adventure tourism, ecotourism, and cultural expeditions. Uzzalโs signature approach combines logistical precision with immersive storytelling, ensuring that every journey goes beyond sightseeing to create deep, memorable& meaningful experiences for travelers.
Few individuals in the world can claim to have crossed an entire continent by bicycle. Uzzal is among them. In 2012, he completed a tandem bicycle expedition across the United States, covering all 12 continental states in just 67 days. Even more remarkably, he conducted a world tour by bicycle in 1997, spanning 19 countries in 10 months, a feat sponsored by prestigious cultural institutions like Alliance Franรงaise and the Goethe-Institut. These expeditions elevated his reputation & positioned him as a symbol of human endurance, sustainable exploration& intercultural understanding.
His remarkable cycling journeys have earned him a place in historyโthe Library of Congress in Washington D.C.has archived his published books, recognizing them as valuable contributions to global travel literature.
As a recognized thought leader, Uzzal has been invited to share his insights at various global summits and conferences. Highlights of his speaking engagements include:
- World Tourism Conference, Kuala Lumpur (2007)
- SAARC Youth Camp, India (2008)
- United Nationsโ 50th Anniversary Conference, Kolkata (1995)
- International Youth Forum, Seoul
- Religious Youth Service Program, New Delhi (1993)
- Participate in UNGA New York in 2011 & 2012
- Clinton Global Initiative (CGI) in New York, 2012
- ASEAN Tourism Forum in Johor Bahru, Malaysia 2025
- Southern MICE program in Sri Lanka, 2024
- IAVE conference in Seoul, South Korea, 2002
His thought leadership has further been amplified through media interviews, YouTube talk shows, and panel discussions, where he passionately discusses post-COVID tourism, cultural preservation, and the future of sustainable travel.
As an author, editor, and cultural curator, AshrafuzzamanUzzal has significantly contributed to Bengali and South Asian travel literature. His books reflect his deep observations, reflective thinking, and commitment to preserving cultural narratives. Key publications include:
- เฆญเงเฆฐเฆฎเฆจเงเฆฐ เฆเงเฆฐเงเฆเฆพเฆคเฆพ (VromonerKherokhata)ย โ Editor
- เฆธเฆเงเฆเง เฆธเฆพเฆเฆเงเฆฒ เฆ เฆเฆฐเฆพเฆงเงเฆฏ เฆชเงเฆฅเฆฟเฆฌเง (Songi Cycle O Aradhya Prithibi)ย โ Author of the first-ever cycling book published in Bangladesh after liberation.
- เฆเฆฌเฆ เฆชเงเฆฐเงเฆฌ เฆเฆซเงเฆฐเฆฟเฆเฆพ (And East Africa)ย โ Author
- เฆญเงเฆฐเฆฎเฆจเงเฆฐ เฆชเงเฆฐเฆเฆพเฆชเฆคเฆฟ (Vromoner Projapoti)ย โ Editor
- Experience Bangladeshย โ Editor (featuring a foreword by
Nobel Laureate Prof. Muhammad Yunus)
- Pakistan: From Summit to the Seaย โ Introduction Author
- Bangladesh: A Pictorial Journeyย โ Concept & Acknowledgement
- Beautiful Bangladeshย โ Published by theย Bangladesh Embassy in Mexico
- Glimpses of Bangladeshย โ Published by theย Bangladesh Embassy in Bahrain
- Celebrating Colors of Bangladesh – Published by theย Bangladesh Embassy in Italy
His personal archive includes over 1,500 travel-related books in Bengali, reflecting a lifelong dedication to collecting, preserving, and promoting regional travel literature.
AshrafuzzamanUzzal’s work has earned widespread recognition from both national and international organizations:
- Certificate of Appreciationย โ United Nations World Peace Association (2022)
- Recognition for Bilateral Contributionsย โ Republic of Korea (2021)
- Awardย โ World Bankโs Connect4Climate initiative
- Awardย โ Kolkata Travel Writers Forum, India (2017)
These honors affirm his influence not only in tourism but also in environmental advocacy, cultural diplomacy, and international cooperation.
In 2025, Uzzal was selected as a Judge for the Travel Writers Award, a testament to his authority in evaluating travel narratives and shaping the future of travel journalism. Beyond judging, he actively mentors aspiring writers, travelers, and entrepreneurs, often emphasizing ethical tourism, environmental responsibility, and cultural empathy in his mentoring sessions.
AshrafuzzamanUzzalโs academic and professional training spans a diverse range of disciplines, enhancing his multifaceted leadership style:
- Bachelor of Arts, Tejgaon College, Dhaka
- Spanish Language Certification, BRAC Institute of Languages (2013)
- Elementary Photography Course, Dhaka (1992)
- Air Travel Agency Operations, Dhaka (1994)
- Participation in multipleย international workshopsย across Korea, India, and Bangladesh focused onย youth leadership,ย volunteerism, andย photography
A passionate network-builder and social contributor, Uzzal holds memberships in numerous respected organizations:
- E-Cab (E-Commerce Association of Bangladesh)
- Bangladesh Photographic Society (BPS)
- Young Tourist Club Bangladesh (YTC)
- Rotary Club Sonargaon, Dhaka
- Safety Assistance for Emergencies (SAFE)
- Tour Operators Association of Bangladesh (TOAB)
- Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA)
These affiliations demonstrate his commitment to collaboration, volunteerism, and community based development.
AshrafuzzamanUzzal is more than a travelerโhe is a global ambassador of cultural empathy, sustainable exploration, and human connection. With every journey, book, or initiative, he has moved the needle forward for Bangladesh on the global stage. His lifeโs work reflects an unwavering dedication to not just visiting placesโbut to understanding, documenting, and uplifting them through meaningful action.
As Bangladesh continues to rise in global tourism rankings, voices like Uzzalโs are vital. His strategic insights, unmatched field experience, and powerful storytelling ensure he remains a pioneering force in the future of travel, adventure, and cultural diplomacy.