Afroza Khanam, Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism. Photo: Ministry

DHAKA, April 22, 2026 (BSS) - Afroza Khanam, Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism, was born in 1962 at Harirampur upazila in Manikganj district in a respected Muslim family. She is the eldest daughter of the renowned businessman late Harunar Rashid Khan Monno and Huron Nahar Rashid. 

She completed both her BBA and MBA degrees in accounting from the University of Dhaka. After completing her education, she joined Monno Group of Industries, which was founded by her father and she acted as its Managing Director (MD).

In her political journey, Afroza Khanam has been actively associated with BNP at the grassroots level for many years. Her father Harunar Rashid Khan Monno was a highly respected political leader of Manikganj. He served as a four-time elected Member of Parliament (MP) and was a former minister in the BNP-led government. In 2001 national election, he won both in Manikganj-2 and 3 constituencies by a large margin. 

During that election in 2001, Afroza Khanam played a key role as the Chief Coordinator of her father’s campaign, which marked the beginning of her political involvement. She closely observed her father’s political career and these experiences gave her deep insight into the challenges faced by communities and inspired her to actively engage in social and public welfare activities.

Afroza Khanam was elected as the MP from Manikganj-3 with a record turnout in the 13th National Parliamentary Election in 2026. On 18 February 2026, she assumed the office as the Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism. 

Alongside her business and political responsibilities, she remains actively involved in a wide range of social and developmental initiatives. In particular, she works tirelessly through institutions established by her father including the Monno Welfare Foundation, Monno Medical College Hospital, Monno Nursing Institute, and Monno International School and College, focusing on expanding education, improving the quality of life of local communities and contributing to the development of a compassionate and prosperous society. 

In recognition of her outstanding contributions to the business, the government awarded her the Commercially Important Person (CIP) status in 2008 and again in 2015. 

In her personal life, Afroza Khanam is the mother of three sons. Despite her professional and political demanding commitments, she continues to fulfill her responsibilities as a devoted mother and supportive spouse with care and dedication. 

In both family and public life, she demonstrates sincerity, commitment and compassion. Public service and humanitarian values remain among the core principles of her life and she continues to work tirelessly with dedication, responsibility and integrity for the progress of the nation and the welfare of its people.