DHAKA: Pilot Officer Tamanna-E-Lutfy completed her first solo flight by Bell-206 helicopter in BAF Base Bir Sreshto Matiur Rahman in Jessore on Thursday.

On 23 September 2014, two female officers, Flying Officer Nayma Haque and Pilot Officer Tamanna-E-Lutfy started basic helicopter conversion flying training in 18 Squadron in the same place, said a press release.

The press release said the role of Bangladesh Air Force (BAF) in woman empowerment in Bangladesh is remarkable. BAF was pioneer to recruit female officer in armed forces.

Since then considering their sincerity, hard work and professionalism in different working capacities including United Nations Peacekeeping Mission, BAF decided to train female pilots in GD (P) branch for the first time in Bangladesh.

Though, there are female pilots in civil aviations, but considering professional risk and challenge for being a combat pilot, BAF sets a milestone to enroll female pilots, the press release added.

This historical achievement will not only play vital role in woman empowerment   but also remain as a source of inspiration for Bangladesh Air Force as well as nation.

BDST: 2155 HRS, NOV 20, 2014