DHAKA, March 13, 2024 (BSS)-In commemoration of International Women's Day- 2024, ATJFB in collaboration with Biman Bangladesh Airlines today awarded 10 distinguished women for their exceptional contributions to the development journey of Bangladesh's aviation, tourism and leisure sectors. 

Aviation and Tourism Journalists Forum of Bangladesh (ATJFB) and the National flag carrier, Biman hosted a seminar titled "Women Empowerment in Aviation and Tourism Sector" and the award giving ceremony this afternoon at the Samson H. Chowdhury Hall, Dhaka Club here.  

The seminar aimed to highlight the crucial role of women in these industries and promote gender equality and empowerment. 

Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Muhammad Faruk Khan, MP, joined the event as the chief guest and handed over the 'ATJFB AviaTour Women's Icon Award 2024' to the awardees in three different categories- Aviation, Tourism and Aviation Journalism.

In his speech, Faruk Khan termed the award a unique one and hoped that this award will continue in coming years and his ministry will extend all possible assistance for this.

“I really like to say that whenever women get any opportunity, they step ahead... I believe this award will bring more women in the aviation and tourism sectors,” he said. 

Jatiya Press club president Farida Yasmin, MP, Civil Aviation and Tourism Secretary Md. Mokammel Hossain, Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) Chairman Air Vice Marshal M. Mafidur Rahman, Biman Bangladesh Airlines CEO and Managing Director Shafiul Azim, Bangladesh Tourism Board (BTB) CEO Abu Tahir Muhammad Zaber, Jatiya Press Club General Secretary Shyamal Dutta, ATJFB President Md Tanzim Anwar and its acting General secretary Baten Biplob were present at the event, among others. 

'ATJFB AviaTour Women's Icon Award 2024' awardees are- Biman Bangladesh Airlines Flight Attendant Farhana Islam Nusrat, its Aviation Trainer Rashida Kabir Chowdhury, Aeronautical Engineer Samia Halima Kabir and Pilot Captain Tasmin Doja, NHTTI Culinary Tourism Head Zaheda Begum, ShareTrip CEO- OTA Entrepreneur Sadia Haque; Afsia Jannat Saleh for leadership, Manowara Hakeem Ali for Tourism Entrepreneurship, and Nadira Kiran for Aviation Journalism.