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Ten women have been honoured with the "Aviatour Women's Icon Award 2026" in recognition of their contributions to Bangladesh's aviation and tourism sectors.
The awards were presented at a ceremony organised by the Aviation and Tourism Journalists' Forum of Bangladesh (ATJFB) at a city convention centre on Saturday, marking the third edition of the initiative, according to a statement.
State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism M Rashiduzzaman Millat handed over the awards to the recipients.
In the pilot category, Sajidina Sultana Soni, first officer of Air Astra, received the award. Farzana Yasmin, head of cabin service at Novoair, was recognised in the cabin crew category.
Farhana Yasmin, senior executive (sales and marketing) at US-Bangla Airlines, won the award in the sales and marketing category, while Mousumi Akter, assistant manager of customer service at the same airline, was honoured in the customer service category.
Barrister Mehnaz Mannan, group chairman of Bengal Airlift Limited, received the award in the aviation entrepreneur category.
Mukta Wahid, manager of cabin service at US-Bangla Airlines, was recognised in the instructor category, while Bosra Islam, general manager (public relations) of Biman Bangladesh Airlines, received the award in the public relations category.
In tourism-related fields, Sumaiya Tahmim Bushra of Riverain Tours was honoured in the tour guide category.
Chef Aksa Iqbal of The Westin Dhaka received the award in the culinary tourism category, while Farhana Rahman, owner of Royal Arsalans, was recognised as hospitality entrepreneur.
Speaking at the event, the state minister described the initiative to recognise women in aviation and tourism as commendable.
He said the government is working to modernise the sector and strengthen international connectivity. ATJFB President Tanzim Anwar and General Secretary Baten Biplob also spoke at the programme.
Officials of the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh and representatives of private airlines were also present at the event.
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