A Legacy of Excellence in Bangladesh’s Travel and Tourism Industry
Taufiq Uddin Ahmed, the founder and chairman of Galaxy Bangladesh, has been honored with the ‘Lifetime Achievement Award’ at the ‘Share Trip-Monitor Airline of the Year 2024’. This prestigious recognition celebrates his remarkable contributions to the growth and development of Bangladesh’s travel and tourism industry over more than five decades.
The award was presented during a ceremony held at the Pan Pacific Sonargaon Hotel in Dhaka. The Jury Committee acknowledged his “visionary leadership and pioneering role in transforming the travel sector in Bangladesh.” This honor highlights not only his personal achievements but also the lasting impact he has had on the country’s travel landscape.
A Journey That Began in 1972
Taufiq Uddin Ahmed’s journey in the travel industry began in 1972 when he established Galaxy Travel International. At a time when Bangladesh’s travel industry was just beginning to take shape, he started from a modest office in Dhaka’s Dilkusha Commercial Area. His efforts laid the foundation for what would eventually become one of the most respected multi-sector service companies in the country.
During the 1970s and 1980s, Galaxy Travel emerged as a leading corporate travel provider. It served government entities, corporate houses, local and foreign banks, multinational corporations (MNCs), and non-governmental organizations (NGOs). This positioned Galaxy at the forefront of Bangladesh’s travel and aviation community.
Expanding Horizons Through Strategic Alliances
Driven by a deep passion for travel and a desire to connect Bangladesh with the world, Taufiq Uddin Ahmed led Galaxy to bring numerous international airlines into the Bangladeshi market. Under his guidance, Galaxy became the General Sales Agent (GSA) for several prominent carriers, including United Airlines, Ansett Australia, Kingfisher Airlines, Qatar Airways, Thai Airways, SpiceJet, Saudia, Oman Air, Jazeera Airways, and others.
These partnerships not only enhanced the availability of international air services but also contributed to the growth of the domestic travel industry. By facilitating access to global destinations, Galaxy played a crucial role in expanding the horizons of Bangladeshi travelers.
Contributions Beyond Corporate Travel
Beyond building a strong corporate portfolio, Taufiq Uddin Ahmed made significant contributions to the broader travel and tourism landscape in Bangladesh. As a founding member of the Association of Travel Agents of Bangladesh (ATAB) and a three-term elected President of the Tour Operators Association of Bangladesh (TOAB), he worked tirelessly to elevate industry standards, improve policy frameworks, and promote collective growth.
Under his leadership, Galaxy also introduced visa services in collaboration with leading providers such as VFS Global. This initiative simplified the process of international travel for countless Bangladeshis, making it more accessible and efficient.
Gratitude and Commitment to the Future
Reflecting on this honor, Taufiq Uddin Ahmed emphasized that this recognition is not just a personal milestone but a tribute to the dedication of the entire Galaxy family. He expressed his appreciation for the continued support from airline partners, various ministries and government bodies, the Civil Aviation Authority, Biman and other private airlines, the Bangladesh Tourism Board, and the Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation.
He also highlighted the importance of their efforts in putting Bangladesh on the global travel map. “We remain committed to delivering excellence, nurturing talent, and building a vibrant future for Bangladesh’s aviation, travel, and tourism industry,” he added.
A Lasting Legacy
The Jury Committee, in presenting the award, noted that this honor is in special recognition of Taufiq Uddin Ahmed’s outstanding contributions to the development and progress of Bangladesh’s travel industry. Organizers of the event described his legacy as a source of inspiration for the aviation and tourism sectors in the country.
His commitment to connecting people, cultures, and destinations has significantly strengthened Bangladesh’s global connectivity. Through his vision and leadership, Taufiq Uddin Ahmed has left an indelible mark on the travel and tourism industry, paving the way for future generations to build upon his accomplishments.
