Hanif Takes TOAB Helm with Mandate to Strengthen Tourism
Mohammed Hanif has been elected president of the Tour Operators Association of Bangladesh (TOAB) for the 2026–2028 term, emerging victorious in a competitive election that reflected strong participation from the association’s members.
According to the preliminary results announced after June 16 vote, Hanif secured 178 votes, defeating Md. Taslim Amin Shovon, who received 144 votes. The 34-vote margin gave Hanif a clear mandate while also indicating a competitive race for the association’s top post.
The contest for first vice-president was even closer. Syed Shafat Uddin Ahmed Tomal won by just four votes, securing 163 votes against Salauddin Ahmed’s 159, underscoring the closely divided preferences among voters.
Md. Moinul Islam was elected vice-president (1) with 240 votes, while Ziaur Rahman Zakir won the vice-president (2) post with 176 votes. Zahir Ahmed Helal was elected director (finance) with 180 votes.
The newly elected board also includes Md. Robiul Islam Robi (legal affairs), Naymul Hassan (training and research), Md. Abu Rayhan Sarker (printing and publication), Shakawat Hossain (property and assets), Md. Firozul Islam (international), Md. Abul Baset Babu (trade and fair), Syed Md. Imtiaz (culture and sports), and A.B.M. Zakariya (Razib) (member and human welfare).
In the general director category, Mohammad Mohiuddin received the highest number of votes with 292, followed by Md. Tamim Ahmed with 196 and Md. Nurul Anwar with 183.
The election was conducted under the supervision of a three-member Election Board headed by Md. Helal Uddin, with Khabir Uddin Ahmed and Aslam Khan serving as members.
The election results indicate that TOAB members have chosen a leadership team they believe can address the evolving needs of Bangladesh’s tour operating industry. With tourism gradually expanding and competition increasing, the new executive committee is expected to focus on strengthening industry representation, improving business opportunities for members, and promoting Bangladesh as a competitive travel destination.