ATAB Democratic Front Opens Election Office, Vows Syndicate-Free and Member-Centric Association
The ATAB Democratic Front on Monday inaugurated its election headquarters in Nayapaltan ahead of the upcoming elections of the Association of Travel Agents of Bangladesh (ATAB), pledging to establish a transparent, accountable and syndicate-free organization for travel trade professionals.
The inauguration ceremony was held at Shangri-La Inn (formerly La Luna) Restaurant in Nayapaltan after Asr prayers. Former ATAB leaders, general members and well-wishers attended the event. A special prayer session was also organized following the inauguration, seeking success for the front’s candidates, the welfare of ATAB members and the overall development of Bangladesh’s travel and tourism sector.
Speaking at the event, former ATAB President Abdus Salam Aref said the Democratic Front is committed to building a non-discriminatory and business-friendly association that safeguards the interests of all members, particularly small and medium-sized travel agencies.
“We want an ATAB where every member enjoys equal rights and opportunities. We seek the support and votes of all members for our full panel in the upcoming election,” he said.
Former ATAB Secretary General Jinnur Ahmed Chowdhury Dipu described the election as a struggle to establish the rights of ordinary travel traders. He said the ATAB Democratic Front has consistently stood for truth, justice and the interests of general members.
“This election is about protecting the rights of travel agency owners and ensuring that ATAB remains accountable to its members,” he said, urging stakeholders to unite behind the front.
Former Secretary General Afasia Jannat Saleh criticized what she termed misleading propaganda surrounding the election and called on members to remain vigilant against misinformation.
She also stressed the need to continue unfinished initiatives aimed at strengthening the association and advancing the travel industry.
Former Executive Committee member Didarul Haque raised concerns over alleged irregularities and inadequate oversight in the travel sector. He claimed that certain groups were attempting to dominate the industry and urged members to remain aware of such practices.
Former ATAB Vice President and HAAB leader A.S.M. Ibrahim also sought support and prayers for the Democratic Front’s candidates. Members present at the event expressed their support for the panel by raising their hands.
The prayer session was led by Maulana Saleh Siddiqui.
Among those present were former ATAB Executive Committee member Shah Alam Kabir, former Finance Secretary Md Shafiq Ullah Nantu, former EC member Abul Kalam Azad, freedom fighter and Global Travel Agency owner Hayatun Nabi Majumdar, as well as a large number of ATAB members and supporters, including Abdur Rahman, Mahmud, Jahangir, Imam, Salahuddin, Palash, Monirul Islam Sarkar, Azad and Delwar.
The ATAB elections are expected to be closely watched by stakeholders in Bangladesh’s travel and tourism industry, with competing panels presenting their visions for the future of the association.