Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister M. Rashiduzzaman Millat on Thursday sought Saudi Arabia’s cooperation in resolving at the earliest the issue of taxes and charges imposed on Bangladeshi Hajj pilgrims.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The minister raised the issue as Saudi Ambassador to Bangladesh Abdullah ibn Dhafer ibn Ubayya led a delegation to meet him at his ministry office, according to a press release.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Recalling that the matter was discussed at a meeting on July 13, Millat urged the Saudi authorities to take steps for its speedy resolution.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The meeting also discussed Biman Bangladesh Airlines’ preparations for Hajj 2027, air connectivity, the bilateral Air Services Agreement (ASA), and other matters of mutual interest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Biman has applied to the relevant Saudi authorities for slots to operate three daily flights on the Dhaka-Jeddah-Dhaka route from March 28 to October 30, 2027.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The minister sought the Saudi ambassador’s assistance in securing early approval of the slots so that Biman can finalise its flight schedule for Hajj 2027.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Millat said Bangladesh’s longstanding friendly and brotherly relations with Saudi Arabia provide significant scope for expanding cooperation in the civil aviation sector.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He said that a memorandum of understanding has already been signed with Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) to increase the number of weekly flights between the two countries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Reviewing progress on the bilateral ASA, the minister said the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) is preparing a draft agreement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Formal procedures for signing the agreement will begin once the draft is finalised.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Regarding Saudi airline flyadeal’s request for additional flights, Millat said capacity and slot-management constraints at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport currently prevent immediate consideration of the request.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He, however, suggested exploring the possibility of introducing direct flights between Shah Amanat International Airport in Chattogram and Dammam.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The meeting also discussed a proposed visit to Dhaka by a GACA delegation led by its Vice-President Ali Mohammed Rajab to inspect CAAB’s overall preparations ahead of the Hajj season.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Both sides expressed interest in further strengthening bilateral relations, enhancing air connectivity and expanding cooperation in the tourism sector.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Millat expressed optimism that cooperation between Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia would become broader and more productive in the days ahead.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"