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Millat seeks Saudi help to resolve Hajj pilgrims' taxes, charges
Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister M. Rashiduzzaman Millat today sought Saudi Arabia's cooperation in resolving at the earliest the issue of taxes and charges imposed on Bangladeshi Hajj pilgrims.
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.
Recalling that the matter was discussed at a meeting on July 13, Millat urged the Saudi authorities to take steps for its speedy resolution.
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.
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.
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.
Millat said Bangladesh's longstanding friendly and brotherly relations with Saudi Arabia provide significant scope for expanding cooperation in the civil aviation sector.
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.
Reviewing progress on the bilateral ASA, the minister said the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) is preparing a draft agreement.
Formal procedures for signing the agreement will begin once the draft is finalised.
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.
He, however, suggested exploring the possibility of introducing direct flights between Shah Amanat International Airport in Chattogram and Dammam.
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.
Both sides expressed interest in further strengthening bilateral relations, enhancing air connectivity and expanding cooperation in the tourism sector.
Millat expressed optimism that cooperation between Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia would become broader and more productive in the days ahead, reports BSS.