Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh Chairman (CAAB) Air Vice Marshal Md Mostafa Mahmud Siddiq praised women’s growing role in aviation sector during ATJFB AviaTour Women’s Icon Award ceremony.

Speaking on Saturda, at a Gulshan community club auditorium, CAAB Chairman expressed honour to be present among aviation and tourism professionals during holy month of Ramadan.

“I believe this get-together is form of festivity that will increase our friendship and unity”, he said.

Air Vice Marshal Siddiq acknowledged three years of support from Aviation and Tourism Journalists Forum of Bangladesh (ATJFB) to civil aviation sector.

“You have been supporting us for past three years. This support should continue in future as well”, he told forum members.

CAAB Chairman attended event where ten women received awards recognising outstanding contributions across aviation, tourism and hospitality sectors. Recipients included female pilot, cabin crew professionals, sales and marketing executives, aviation entrepreneur, instructor, and public relations manager.

State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism M Rashiduzzaman Millat handed over honours to recipients as chief guest. Women are now playing increasingly important roles in Bangladesh’s aviation sector as pilots, air traffic controllers, aviation engineers, cabin crew, and airport managers.

“I wish you all best for coming days and upcoming holy Eid. All the best for ATJFB”, CAAB chairman concluded his remarks.

ATJFB President Tanzim Anwar explained that the organization was established 14 years ago because aviation and tourism are highly specialized and technical sectors requiring capacity building and sensitization for journalists.

General Secretary Baten Biplob thanked State Minister for accepting invitation without hesitation.

“We want to play our role as journalists in building future Bangladesh under leadership of prime minister Tarique Rahman”, he said.

He noted that awards are usually given on March 8, International Women’s Day, but scheduling challenges this year caused postponement.

Event also featured Novoair Managing Director Mofizur Rahman, former CAAB Chairman Air Vice Marshal Md Mafidur Rahman, and Bangladesh Tourism Board CEO Nuzhat Yasmin among other stakeholders. Ethiopian Airlines served as power sponsor for Icon Award ceremony.