Members of the Association of Travel Agents of Bangladesh (ATAB) from the Gulshan-Banani zone held a discussion meeting ahead of the organisation's upcoming 2026 election. 

The gathering, held at Hotel Sarina in the capital on Sunday, coincided with the inauguration of an election office by the ATAB Ganotantrik Front.

Former ATAB leaders and general members of the Gulshan-Banani zone pledged to build a syndicate-free, transparent professional body at the event. The programme concluded with a special prayer led by Mahfuzur Rahman for the victory of Front candidates and the prosperity of the travel business.

Former ATAB president Abdus Salam Aref said the Front aims to build a discrimination-free association that ensures the rights of agencies of all sizes, both small and large. He sought votes and cooperation from members to help the Front's full panel win the election.

Former secretary general Zinnur Ahmed Chowdhury Dipu described the election as a fight for justice for ordinary travel businesses, urging unity behind Front candidates to win that fight.

Former secretary general Afsia Jannat Saleh criticised what she described as a campaign of misinformation from rival quarters, urging members to remain alert and not be misled by such propaganda.

Highlighting disorder in the travel sector, former election commission member Didarul Haque said a lack of proper oversight has allowed even ordinary shopkeepers to sell air tickets, disrupting the open market economy. 

He alleged that a particular group was attempting to seize control of ATAB and monopolise the entire business, calling on members to resist the effort.

ASM Ibrahim, former vice-president of ATAB and HAB and panel leader of the ATAB Ganotantrik Front in this election, wished success to all Front candidates and sought votes from members. 

Attendees present, including those from the Gulshan-Banani zone, raised their hands to pledge full support and active cooperation for the Front.

Also present at the event were former EC member Shah Alam Kabir, secretary general candidate Md Shafiq Ullah Nantu, former EC member Abul Kalam Azad, Liberation War veteran Hayatun Nabi Majumder, vice-presidential candidate Didarul Haque, and treasurer candidate Golam Azam Saikat, along with a large number of general members and well-wishers, including Kabir, Mahmud, Jahangir, Imam, Salahuddin, Palash, Monirul Islam Sarkar and Delwar.

Notably, despite the election board's disqualification of several heavyweight candidates, including Abdus Salam Aref and Afsia Jannat Saleh, widespread solidarity with the Front was observed among general members.