Newly elected Tour Operators Association of Bangladesh (TOAB) President Mohammed Hanif has pledged to unite the association, expand its membership base and improve its institutional facilities during his 2026-2028 tenure.

Speaking to Aviation Express following his election victory, Hanif said his immediate priority would be to bring all members together after a competitive election process and work collectively for the development of the organisation.

"I want to thank all TOAB members. It is with their support that I have been elected," Hanif said. "I will stand by all TOAB members, work with them and take TOAB to a higher peak."

According to the preliminary results announced by the Election Board on June 16, Hanif secured 178 votes in the presidential race, defeating Md. Taslim Amin Shovon, who received 144 votes.

Outlining his first course of action, Hanif stressed the importance of unity within the association.

"We contested the election in two groups, but now we are one family," he said. "I want to sit with everyone, work together and ensure mutual cooperation so that we can take TOAB to a remarkable place."

Looking ahead, Hanif identified membership growth as a key objective for the next two years. He said the association would focus on bringing in genuine industry stakeholders who are directly involved in the tours and tourism sector.

The newly elected president also highlighted the need to improve TOAB's physical infrastructure. Referring to concerns raised by members regarding the current office premises, he said efforts would be made to relocate to a more suitable space.

In addition, Hanif expressed his intention to secure a permanent location for TOAB's Training Institute, which currently operates from rented premises.

"Making the training facility permanent is one of my targets," he said.

Hanif said achieving these goals would require the cooperation and support of the association's members, adding that collective efforts would be essential in strengthening TOAB and advancing Bangladesh's tourism sector.