10 women receive ATJFB Aviatour Women’s Icon Award

Ten outstanding women have been honoured with the "ATJFB Aviatour Women's Icon Award 2025" for their significant contributions to Bangladesh's aviation and tourism sectors.

This prestigious award is organised annually by the Aviation and Tourism Journalists' Forum of Bangladesh (ATJFB), with this year marking the second edition of the event.

The award ceremony was held at Samson H Chowdhury Auditorium, Dhaka Club today (20 March).

The winners received their honours from Farida Akhtar, adviser to the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock, and Nasrin Jahan, secretary of the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism.

First Officer Fariha Tabassum of Biman Bangladesh Airlines was recognised in the Pilot category. In the Aeronautical Engineer category, Engineering Officer Tahmina Akter of Biman Bangladesh Airlines received the award. In the Aviation Ground Services category, Manager of Ground Services Nilufa Yasmin from Biman Bangladesh Airlines was honoured, while in the Cabin Crew category, Flight Steward Jinia Islam of Biman Bangladesh Airlines received the recognition.

Additionally, in the Tourism Security category, Additional Superintendent of Police Nadia Farzana from Tourist Police was awarded. Hotel Sarina's Chairperson Sabera Sarwar Nina won in the Hotel Entrepreneur category, while Sabira Mehrin Saba, Founder & CEO of Wonder Woman, received the award in the Tourism Entrepreneur category. Wamiya Walid, Head of Business Development & Corporate Affairs at Galaxy Bangladesh, was recognized in the Promising Entrepreneur category.

In the Journalism category, Rita Nahar, joint editor of Baishakhi TV, received the award, and in the Travel category, Nazmun Nahar, the first Bangladeshi to carry the national flag to 178 countries, was honoured.

Speaking as the chief guest, Adviser Farida Akhtar said, "Today's event by ATJFB marks the beginning of a new horizon for women. The 10 women we are recognising today have already made their mark in their respective fields. Now, they will inspire other women in society."

Secretary Nasrin Jahan said, "This initiative by ATJFB is commendable. Such recognition will encourage women to achieve greater success in the future."

Air Vice Marshal Md Manzur Kabir Bhuiyan, chairman of the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB), urged for this initiative to be held annually to further promote women's advancement in the industry.

Dr Md Safiqur Rahman, managing director & CEO of Biman Bangladesh Airlines, stated, "Biman is proud of its female colleagues' achievements. We will continue to support ATJFB's initiatives."

The event also featured speeches from ATJFB President Tanzim Anwar and General Secretary Baten Biplob.

The title sponsor of the Icon Award was Biman Bangladesh Airlines, with Ethiopian Airlines as an partner.