Tamanna-E-Lutfy has become the first female pilot in Bangladesh Air Force. She completed her first solo flight by Bell-206 helicopter at the BAF Base Bir Sreshto Matiur Rahman in Jessore yesterday.

"It was part of her flying training," an Inter Service Public Relations Directorate press release said this yesterday.

The BAF has set a milestone by enrolling female pilots and in the process two female officers -- Nayma Haque and  Tamanna -- started basic helicopter conversion flying training at the 18 Squadron of BAF Base Bir Sreshto Matiur Rahman for the first time on September 23.

The ISPR branded it as a historical achievement saying that it would play vital role in women empowerment and remain a source of inspiration for Bangladesh Air Force as well as for the whole nation.

Women pilots are usually seen in civil aviation, said the release.