The same tale about Hajj flights

Most of the intending Hajjis from Bangladesh belonging to the middle and upper middle classes, the government has to come forward and provide all kinds of assistance to them, so that their lifelong ambition is fulfilled.

Nothing can be more disparaging than their stumbling into the very first step of having to secure berth on a flight to the holy place. The problem about flight uncertainties is nothing new; in fact, it is an annual feature, only that it exacerbates with each passing year. Biman's limited capacity to operate Hajj flights is a well known fact. It simply doesn't have the fleet maneuverability for the purpose. Besides, Biman says it will be incurring a total loss of Tk.20 crore if it carries passengers at the government-approved rate of $950 per pilgrim. The foreign airlines are seemingly disinterested in the business 'at a low fare' of $950. The Civil Aviation Authority is not negotiating any higher rate with the foreign airlines. It seems that the problem will get resolved following the Prime Minster's return from Saudi Arabia.

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Every effort should be made by all concerned agencies of the government and the assigned travel agencies to make absolutely fool-proof arrangements for the Hajj, including timely and comfortable travel by the intending pilgrims both under the government approved quota and the private one.