BTWA honours travel writers, photographers for creative contributions
The Bangladesh Travel Writers Association (BTWA) honoured distinguished contributors to travel literature, photography, and creative fields at a ceremony held at the Bishwo Shahitto Kendro auditorium on Saturday.
The “Creative Development in Travel 2025” awards recognised five individuals and one travel magazine for their outstanding work in adventure literature, design, and digital content creation.
Chairman of the Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC) Jalal Uddin attended the event as the chief guest.
During his speech, he emphasised the necessity of both industrial and creative growth within the tourism sector.
He noted that government and private patronage remains essential to engage young people in promoting the country’s beauty through books and digital media.
BTWA President Ashrafuzzaman Ujjal delivered a video message from the United States, stating that society should recognise contributors during their lifetime rather than posthumously.
The association presented the Syed Mujtaba Ali Travel Literature Award to Mahfuzur Rahman and the Ramnath Biswas Adventure Travel Award to Muntasir Mamun. Mustafiz Mamun received the Saida Khanam Travel Photography Award, while Anisuzzaman Sohel earned the title of Best Creative Art Director.
Additionally, the committee recognised Bhramon Gadya, edited by Mahmud Hafiz, as the Best Travel Literature Magazine and named Salahuddin Sumon the Best Travel Content Creator.
During the event, Mahfuzur Rahman described travel as an experience that connects history and culture beyond mere locations.
Muntasir Mamun highlighted cycling as a unique method to explore countries intimately, while Mustafiz Mamun reaffirmed his commitment to showcasing the natural beauty of Bangladesh to the world.
Director of the Bangladesh Tourism Corporation Mahiuddin Helal, who chaired the session, called for coordinated efforts between the public and private sectors to further develop travel literature and national tourism.
Other notable attendees included Unmad editor Ahsan Habib, consumer rights activist AHM Shafiquzzaman, former Producer of Bangladesh Television Kha Ma Harun and writer-journalist Rajib Noor. BTWA General Secretary Jahangir Alam Shovon delivered the welcome speech, while Fuad Bin Omar and Shakil Bin Mostak conducted the programme.
Organisers confirmed that they will continue to present these awards every two years to encourage creative practices and travel writing across Bangladesh.