Taufiq Uddin Ahmed, Founder and Chairman of Galaxy Bangladesh, has been honoured with the ‘Lifetime Achievement Award’ at the ‘Share Trip-Monitor Airline of the Year 2024’ for his outstanding contributions to the development of Bangladesh’s travel and tourism industry over more than five decades.
The award was presented at a ceremony held at the Pan Pacific Sonargaon Hotel in Dhaka, where the Jury Committee commended his “visionary leadership and pioneering role in transforming the travel sector in Bangladesh”.
Taufiq Uddin Ahmed began his remarkable journey in 1972, establishing Galaxy Travel International at a time when Bangladesh’s travel industry was in its infancy. Operating from a modest office in Dhaka’s Dilkusha Commercial Area, he laid the foundation for what would become one of the country’s most respected multi-sector service companies.
In the 1970s and 1980s, Taufiq led Galaxy Travel to become Bangladesh’s leading corporate travel provider for government entities, corporate houses, local and foreign banks, MNCs, and NGOs. This established Galaxy’s position at the forefront of the country’s travel and aviation community.
Driven by a lifelong fascination with travel and a desire to connect Bangladesh with the world, Mr. Taufiq guided Galaxy to bring numerous international airlines into the Bangladeshi market. During his tenure, Galaxy became the General Sales Agent (GSA) for several carriers including United Airlines, Ansett Australia, Kingfisher Airlines, Qatar Airways, Thai Airways, SpiceJet, Saudia, Oman Air, Jazeera Airways, and others.
Beyond building a strong corporate portfolio, Taufiq played a pivotal role in advancing the country’s broader travel landscape.
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 championed higher industry standards, improved policy frameworks, and collective growth. Under his leadership, Galaxy also began offering visa services in partnership with leading visa service providers like VFS Global, simplifying international travel for countless Bangladeshis.
Reflecting on this honour, Taufiq Uddin Ahmed said that this recognition is not just a personal milestone but a testament to the dedication of our entire Galaxy family.
He also expressed his gratitude for the ongoing 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, 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.
On presenting the award to Taufiq, the Jury Committee noted, “This honour is in special recognition of his outstanding contributions to the development and progress of Bangladesh’s travel industry.”
Organisers of the event described Taufiq’s legacy as a source of inspiration for Bangladesh’s aviation and tourism sectors, highlighting his commitment to connecting people, cultures, and destinations, and thereby strengthening the country’s global connectivity.