Shiper Air Service, a prominent travel agency in Sylhet region, marked its 35th anniversary with a grand celebration at an upscale convention hall in the city on Monday night.

Agency honoured 10 individuals who have served passengers in the travel trade for 25 years or more by presenting commemorative crests. Recipients included Subhas Chandra Sen Chowdhury, Hamidur Rashid Chowdhury, Md Jamal Uddin, Md Abu Jafar, Abdullah Zahed, Selim Al Raji, Rupshree Paitty, Farhad Ahmed Chowdhury, Md Maruf Ahmed and Pankaj Kumar Barua. Abdul Mukit Chowdhury also received recognition for his long-standing contribution to Sylhet's travel business.

Speakers at the event said Shiper Air Service has earned the trust of Sylhet's people through honesty and dedication. They noted the company has grown beyond being just a travel agency and has become a reputable institution, setting an example through its role in promoting transparent and ethical travel business practices.

Kazi Wahidul Alam, Editor of The Bangladesh Monitor, chaired the event. He described Shiper Air Service as a shining star in the aviation world.

“Its journey is unique. Khandaker Shiper Ahmed works even with his competitors, and today's programme is proof of that. While remaining in the travel business, he also led the Sylhet Chamber of Commerce,” Wahidul said.

Shariful Alam, District Manager of Biman Bangladesh Airlines, delivered a speech reflecting on the company's journey. Other speakers included Hafiz Ahmed, Director of Osmani International Airport, Md Rafiqul Islam, General Manager of Saudia Airlines, and representatives from Jazeera Airways, Oman Air, Thai Airways, Air Astra, US-Bangla Airlines, Air Arabia, Cathay Pacific Airways, Malaysia Airlines, Novoair and Air Commerce.

Former Sylhet District Bar President E U Shahidul Islam Shaheen, former Sylhet Press Club President Ikramul Kabir, former ATAB President Abdul Jabbar Jalil and former HAB President Mansur Ali Khan also attended.

Khandaker Shiper Ahmed, Proprietor and CEO of Shiper Air Service, said he joined the travel business with the aim of serving people.

“As long as I live, I will continue to live by this commitment, InshaAllah,” Shiper said, seeking everyone's prayers and cooperation.

Representatives from 12 domestic and foreign airlines, including Biman Bangladesh Airlines, attended the anniversary celebration. Officials and employees from government and private institutions and representatives of various professional organisations also participated.

Event began with recitation from the Holy Quran by Hafez Ahmed Abdul Basit. A raffle draw was held during the closing segment. Abdullah Masum conducted the closing session, which concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Shiper Air Service Directors Khandaker Israr Ahmed Rocky and Khandaker Kawser Ahmed Bobby.