Today's 1:15pm Biman flight to Sylhet will be operated entirely by women.

The first-ever all-women crew of Biman will fly a 160-seater Boeing 737-800 about 195km to Sylhet from Dhaka. The national flag carrier will operate this special flight to mark the International Women's Day today.

Captain Tania Reza and First Officer Sarwat Siraj Antara would be in charge of the BG-0603 flight and its six other female crew members.

Security personnel and ground-handling staff for the flight will also be women.

First Officer Antara told journalists that this special flight will be an inspiration to the country's women.

Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Rashed Khan Menon said this proves women empowerment is progressing in Bangladesh.

“Women have proved themselves that they are not left behind in any sector,” he said terming the all-women crew flight good news for the country.

“I congratulate all the pilots and crew members of the flight and wish them the very best of luck,” he told The Daily Star.     

On March 3, Air India completed an around-the-world flight with all women crew. In the record setting event, a Boeing 777 flew to San Francisco crossing the Pacific Ocean and returned to New Delhi crossing the Atlantic.