Front panel unveils manifesto before ATAB polls

Ahead of the Association of Travel Agents of Bangladesh (ATAB) election for the 2026-2028 term on July 25, the ATAB Ganotantrik Front panel held a campaign meeting in the capital's Fakirapool, Paltan and Bijoynagar areas.

The panel's election manifesto was presented at the meeting, attended by a large number of ATAB members. Candidates outlined their vision for a modern, transparent and member-oriented trade body.

The speakers pledged to work together to address the long-standing challenges facing the travel agency business and protect the interests of ATAB members.

Former ATAB President Abdus Salam Aref said his previous committee had worked to ensure all travel agencies could conduct business directly with airlines and enjoy equal opportunities. However, he said the committee was dissolved before completing those initiatives and urged members to support the Ibrahim-Nantu panel to carry the work forward.

Former Secretary General Afsia Jannat Saleh highlighted the activities of the 2024-2025 committee, saying it had urged the government to curb anonymous ticket hoarding in an effort to dismantle ticket syndicates. She alleged that vested interests linked to the syndicates had obstructed the committee's work and continued attempts to harass its members.

Several speakers, including Hayatun Nabi Mojumder of Global Aviation, praised the efforts of the Aref-Afsia Council and called on members to elect the ATAB Ganotantrik Front to continue its initiatives.

Former ATAB Secretary General Zinnur Ahmed Chowdhury Dipu stressed the need for a fair business environment and stronger legal protection for the travel trade. He called for clear policies governing online travel agencies (OTAs) and tougher action against ticket syndicates and artificial market manipulation.

Nurul Alam of Aerodrome International urged dialogue with airlines to withdraw what he described as an unjustified "deportee charge" imposed on travel agencies. He also called for immediate measures to prevent airline tickets from being sold at excessive discounts through bank credit card promotions.

Finance Secretary candidate Golam Azam Saikat and Public Relations Secretary candidate Khorshed Alam appealed to the Ministry of Commerce's election and appeals boards to ensure a transparent, free and fair election in accordance with the law.

Cultural Secretary candidate Mahmudul Alam Siddiqui said the previous committee had created new commission-earning opportunities for members through service partnerships with VFS Global.

Seeking support from members, Secretary General candidate Shafiqullah Nantu pledged to introduce special airfare programmes for family travel and organise an annual familiarisation ("fam") trip for members. He urged voters to consider candidates' track records before casting their ballots.

Panel chief and presidential candidate A. S. M. Ibrahim said the ATAB Ganotantrik Front is committed to transforming the association into a more technology-driven and member-friendly organisation.

He said the panel's key pledges include introducing a minimum group life and health insurance cover of Tk 500,000 for members and their families, fast-tracking the upgrade of the ATAB Training Institute (ATTI) into a university under the National Skills Development Authority (NSDA), and establishing new ATTI branches in Chattogram and Sylhet.

The ATAB election will be held from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm on July 25. The panel leaders urged members to vote for the entire ATAB Ganotantrik Front panel, saying it is committed to integrity, competence and experience.