Tamanna-E-Lutfy is Bangladesh Air Force’s first female combat pilot. She is the pioneering figure for all female pilots from Bangladesh in the coming years. By completing her first solo flight by Bell-206 helicopter in BAF Base Bir Sreshto Matiur Rahman in Jessore she has crowned herself as the very first woman Flying Officer.
On 23 September 2014, two female officers, Flying Officer Nayma Haque and Pilot Officer Tamanna-E-Lutfy had started basic helicopter conversion flying training in 18 Squadron in the same place, said a press release. Now they stand as pioneering commissioned BAF pilots: Flight Lieutenant Nayma Haque and Flying Officer Tamanna-E-Lutfy. The Inter Service Public Relations (ISPR) branded it as a historical achievement, saying that it would play a vital role in women empowerment and remain a source of inspiration for the Bangladesh Air Force as well as for the whole nation.
In Group Captain Habib’s words, “This is a milestone and a historic moment, not only for the BAF but also for the country itself, I hope it will encourage the youth community of the country. Earlier, we have many female civil aviation pilots, but this is the first time that any female combat pilots got commissioned.”
Endeavours have been made by female officers in BAF before. The first attempt was made in the 80’s by pilot Rukhshana, the daughter of Dr. Salina Hossain, who had died by her mistake while landing. Tamanna-E-Lutfy stands as the first successful female combat pilot in Bangladesh Air Force.
Champs21.com wishes Pilot Officer Tamanna-E-Lutfy hearty congratulations and wishes her all the best.