Dhaka : In 2013, when Md Saddam Hossain first dared to dream of establishing a travel company, many dismissed the idea. The tourism and aviation sector in Bangladesh was already competitive, unpredictable, and burdened with widespread mistrust. However, what began as nothing more than a name and a vision has grown into a respected brand-Global Travel Bangla-desh-built on integrity, transparency, and resilience.

From simple dream to trusted brand

Talking to The Bangladesh Monitor, reflecting on the early days, Hossain recalled the skepticism he faced. "People said it was impossible. They told me survival in this market was a dream," he shared. "However, I believed that with prayers, honesty, and determination, we could build something meaningful."

That belief carried him through years of uncertainty. What started as a one-man initiative is today a growing organization that serves thousands of travelers, providing services that span air ticketing, visa assistance, tour packages, and specialized travel solutions.

Industry under pressure

The growth of Global Travel Bangladesh has unfolded against the backdrop of significant challenges in the aviation and tourism industry. Regular flight delays, sudden schedule changes, and dishonest practices by certain agencies have shaken consumer trust. "Every time a traveler is deceived, it creates doubt in the entire industry," Hossain explained.

Md Saddam Hossain

One of the most damaging issues, according to him, is the ticket syndicate system. By artificially inflating airfares, imposing hidden charges, and exploiting demand, these groups have left passengers frustrated and genuine agencies struggling. "This system distorts the market. Without strict monitoring and fair regulation, stability will remain a distant dream," he said.

Visa woes for Bangladeshi travelers

Another hurdle is the tightening of tourist visa policies for Bangladeshi passport holders. Misuse of tourist visas by some individuals-overstaying abroad or working illegally-has forced embassies to demand extensive documentation and financial proof from all applicants. While these measures are meant to prevent abuse, they create roadblocks for genuine travelers who want to explore the world.

"This has created unnecessary barriers for honest people," Hossain lamented. "It's disheartening to see families and professionals with genuine intentions facing hurdles because of the misdeeds of a few. Ultimately, it slows down outbound tourism and damages our reputation globally."

Building trust through transparency

Despite these systemic obstacles, Global Travel Bangladesh has earned recognition as a reliable and transparent service provider. The company offers a wide range of services:

• Visa assistance for tourist and medical purposes, ensuring patients seeking treatment abroad receive accurate guidance.

• Air ticketing for both domestic and international flights, with full transparency and no hidden charges.

• Customized tour packages catering to leisure travelers, cultural enthusiasts, and event-based trips.

• Umrah services, offering comprehensive guidance for pilgrims.

• Travel safety and updates, including real-time alerts, guidelines, and emergency support.

For Hossain, the company's success lies in more than just its services. "Travel is not just about tickets and tours. It's about dreams, memories, and trust," he said. "Our goal has always been to rebuild confidence in this sector by being truthful and transparent with every client."

Vision for Bangladesh on global tourism map

Looking ahead, Hossain has ambitious goals. His vision is to:

• Set new service standards in ticketing, visa processing, and tour operations that align with international benchmarks.

• Promote responsible tourism, discouraging misuse of visas and educating travelers on ethical practices.

• Expand into specialized segments, including medical tourism and student consultancy.

• Strengthen Bangladesh's global image by acting as a bridge between the country and the world.

"Our dream is to see Global Travel Bangladesh become a trusted global brand, representing honesty, professionalism, and innovation," he emphasized.

Journey defined by perseverance

After more than a decade in the industry, Hossain remains as committed as ever. The challenges are real-from flight disruptions to syndicates and strict visa policies-but so is his determination. "We will continue to stand firm. No matter how tough the environment gets, we will serve people with honesty and dignity."

For many travelers, Global Travel Bangladesh has become more than a service provider; it is a partner in turning journeys into memories. As the company enters its second decade, it carries with it the same dream that started it all - to serve with integrity and to make Bangladesh's name shine brighter on the global tourism map.