Ahead of the upcoming 2026–2028 election of the Tour Operators Association of Bangladesh (TOAB), TOAB Ogragami Oikkojot has launched an innovative campaign initiative, pledging to transform the association into a modern, dynamic and member-friendly organization.
As part of its election campaign, the panel organized “Eid Reunion 2026” aboard a river cruise on the Shitalakkhya River on Friday night, aiming to engage directly with members, present its future plans and strengthen relationships within the tourism industry.
The event brought together tourism entrepreneurs, TOAB members and stakeholders from across the sector in a festive Eid atmosphere. According to the organizers, the gathering was designed to enhance communication with members, outline the alliance’s electoral commitments and discuss the current realities and future prospects of Bangladesh’s tourism industry.
The reunion was organized by TOAB Ogragami Oikkojot with support from Vhantora Communications Limited, while The Explorer served as an associate partner.
The programme featured open discussions, networking sessions, organizational dialogue and entertainment activities aimed at fostering stronger ties among members. Participants also exchanged views on the opportunities, challenges and future direction of the country’s tourism sector.
Several attendees described the initiative as timely and constructive, noting that it provided an opportunity to learn directly about the candidates’ plans while strengthening communication among members. They expressed hope that such engagement would contribute positively to the future development of the association.
Under the slogan, “Our Unity, Our Future Progress,” candidates nominated by the alliance presented their election manifesto, priority areas and vision for the future growth of TOAB.
Speaking at the event, presidential candidate Dr. Md. Taslim Amin Shovon said Bangladesh’s tourism industry is facing a new reality shaped by international competition, digital transformation and the growing demand for skilled human resources.
“To ensure sustainable growth of the tourism sector, enhance professional capacity among members and address emerging challenges, TOAB must become more effective, modern and responsive,” he said.
The candidates emphasized organizational modernization, improved member services, capacity-building for tour operators, expansion of training programmes and the development of young leadership. They also pledged to strengthen international promotion of Bangladesh’s tourism sector, advocate for supportive policies, implement technology-driven management systems and effectively represent members’ interests.
Among those addressing the gathering were First Vice President candidate Syed Shaft Uddin Ahmed Tamal, Vice President-2 candidate Sheikh Kamruzzaman Rony, Director (Finance) candidate Sabur Islam, Director (International Affairs) candidate Md. Samiul Hasan, Director (Trade and Fairs) candidate Shoaib Bin Noor, Director (Legal Affairs) candidate Md. Hafizur Rahman Khan, Director (Printing and Publication) candidate Mohammad Shahadat Rashid, Director (Training and Research) candidate Mehedi Hasan, Director (Culture and Sports) candidate Md. Nihar Sarwar Ayon, Director (Member and Human Welfare) candidate Osman Gani, Director (Property and Assets) candidate Faisal Alam Chowdhury (Raju), and Director candidate Md. Mishba Ur Rahman.
The event was also attended by several veteran tourism leaders and organizers, including TOAB founding member and former president Faridul Haque, TOAB founding member and President of BOTOA Syed Golam Mohammad Badsha, founding president of BD Inbound Rezaul Ekram, adviser to Tourism Developers Association of Bangladesh (TDAB) Syed Habib Ali, Director of Bangladesh Tourism Corporation and ISC Chairman Mohiuddin Helal, former TOAB Vice President and Secretary General of PATA Bangladesh Chapter Toufiq Rahman, and President of TGAB Syed Mahbubul Islam Bulu.