Women shaping Bangladesh’s aviation, tourism sectors: Millat
He said women are now actively serving in a wide range of roles across the industry, including pilots, air traffic controllers, aviation engineers, cabin crew, airport managers and tourism entrepreneurs
ATT Desk Report 
State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism M Rashiduzzaman Millat has said women are playing an increasingly significant role in Bangladesh’s aviation and tourism sectors, contributing to the country’s economic and social development.
Speaking at the ATJFB AviaTour Women’s Icon Award 2026 ceremony at Gulshan in the capital on Saturday, the state minister said women are now actively serving in a wide range of roles across the industry, including pilots, air traffic controllers, aviation engineers, cabin crew, airport managers and tourism entrepreneurs.
“The achievements of today’s award recipients will inspire the next generation of women to pursue careers in aviation and tourism,” he said.
Millat also highlighted the government’s efforts to strengthen women’s empowerment, noting that initiatives such as the Family Card programme have helped women at the grassroots level become financially self-reliant.
“Every marginal woman can now move towards economic independence, ensuring women’s rights and empowerment from the grassroots to the highest levels,” he added.
The state minister said the foundation of women’s empowerment in Bangladesh was laid by Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman through initiatives aimed at increasing women’s participation in the rural economy, education and workplaces.
He also credited former prime minister Begum Khaleda Zia for prioritising women’s empowerment as part of the national development agenda.
“During her tenure, women’s participation in education, employment, administration, health, industry and the service sector increased significantly,” Millat said.
He noted that the aviation and tourism sectors are key drivers of Bangladesh’s economic growth and said the government is working to modernise these industries and make them more competitive at the global level.
At the event, 10 women were honoured for their contributions in different categories, including pilot, cabin crew, sales, customer service, entrepreneurship, instructor, public relations, tour guide, culinary tourism and hospitality.
The award ceremony was organised by the Aviation and Tourism Journalists Forum of Bangladesh (ATJFB) with support from Ethiopian Airlines.
ATJFB President Tanzim Anwar and General Secretary Baten Biplob also addressed the programme.
Chairman of Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh 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, were also present at the event.
