State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism M Rashiduzzaman Millat emphasized on women’s vital role in country’s aviation and tourism sectors while crediting BNP’s political legacy for advancing women's empowerment.

Speaking at ATJFB AviaTour Women’s Icon Award 2026 ceremony at a Gulshan community club on Saturday, Millat said that women now serve as pilots, air traffic controllers, aviation engineers, cabin crew, airport managers and tourism entrepreneurs.

“Achievements of today’s award recipients will inspire next generation of women to pursue careers in these sectors”, he said.

He highlighted current Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s commitment through Family Card introduction, enabling grassroots women to become financially self-reliant.

“Every marginal woman can now be independent and economically stronger, ensuring women's freedom and rights from grassroots to highest levels”, Millat explained.

State minister traced women’s empowerment foundation to Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, who took initiatives increasing women’s participation in rural economy, education and workplaces.

“Begum Khaleda Zia, as first female Prime Minister, gave priority to women’s empowerment as national development agenda. During her tenure, women's participation in education, employment, administration, health, industry and service sectors increased significantly”, Millat said.

State Minister acknowledged aviation and tourism sectors play vital role in Bangladesh’s economic development. Government is working to modernize these sectors and make them internationally competitive, he added.

Ten women received awards across pilot, cabin crew, sales, customer service, entrepreneur, instructor, public relations, tour guide, culinary tourism and hospitality categories. Ethiopian Airlines sponsored the ceremony organised by Aviation and Tourism Journalists Forum of Bangladesh (ATJFB).

ATJFB President Tanzim Anwar and General Secretary Baten Biplob also spoke at the event.

Among others present were Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) Chairman Air Vice Marshal Md Mostafa Mahmud Siddiq, Novoair Managing Director Mofizur Rahman, Rhythm Group Managing Director and Ethiopian Airlines’ General Sales Agent in Bangladesh Sohag Hossain, Bangladesh Tourism Board CEO Nuzhat Yasmin, and former CAAB Chairman Air Vice Marshal Md Mafidur Rahman, among others.