ATAB Democratic Unity Alliance introduces panel, outlines manifesto at views exchange meeting
The ATAB Democratic Unity Alliance on Tuesday held a view exchange and panel introduction meeting in the capital ahead of the Association of Travel Agents of Bangladesh (ATAB) elections scheduled for July 25, where it unveiled its election manifesto, highlighted past achievements and outlined its future plans for the organisation.
The meeting was held at the Police Convention Hall in New Eskaton, with leaders introducing the panel’s candidates and presenting their commitments to ATAB members.
The ATAB elections for the 2026-2028 term will be held simultaneously in Dhaka, Chattogram and Sylhet.
Speaking at the programme, the alliance announced that four-time former ATAB President S. N. Manzur Murshed (Mahbub) is contesting for the posts of panel chief and president. Mohammad Zoman Chowdhury of Elham Travel Corporation is running for secretary general, while Mohammed Jalal Uddin Tipu of Talon Corporation Limited and Sabuj Munshi of Naria Travels and Tours are contesting for the posts of joint secretary general.
The alliance said its election campaign is being carried out under the slogan, “Honest and transparent leadership will enrich the travel sector; let dishonest and corrupt leadership be eliminated.” It pledged to build a member-friendly, accountable and modern ATAB if elected.
Panel leaders highlighted what they described as key achievements during the tenure of S. N. Manzur Murshed as ATAB president from 2013 to 2023. They said the previous committee had worked to resolve VAT and tax-related issues, secure IATA-related benefits, facilitate the collection of commissions and service fees, issue membership certificates, strengthen institutional capacity, expand training programmes, promote digital automation, pursue legal reforms, protect the business interests of travel agencies, take action against illegal travel agencies and support Hajj and Umrah agencies.
Addressing the gathering, S. N. Manzur Murshed said the alliance had fielded a panel comprising experienced, honest and committed candidates. He urged ATAB members to vote for the full panel on July 25 to continue the organisation’s development, safeguard the business interests of travel agents and further strengthen the association.
Vice-presidential candidate Md. Jalal Uddin Tipu said that if elected, the panel would work to rationalise membership fees, eliminate ticket syndicates, ensure a fair and competitive market environment and establish a transparent, accountable and member-oriented ATAB.