The sudden temporary ban on Umrah pilgrims by Saudi Arabia to ensure public safety by preventing the spread of coronavirus on Thursday created immense sufferings to the aspirant pilgrims who reached three international airports in Bangladesh.
Saudi Arabia announced a number of preventive measures early Thursday as health authorities closely monitor spread of the virus.
The restrictions are temporary and will be continuously reviewed by the health authorities, Saudi officials said.
Talking to the FE, Hajj Agencies Association of Bangladesh (HAAB) Shahadat Hossain Taslim said that at least 1,000 aspirant Umrah pilgrims reached at three airports on Thursday--- Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA) in Dhaka, Hazrat Shah Amanat International Airport in Chattogram and Osmani International Airport in Sylhet.
About 10,000 Umrah visas were collected each of which have 15 days validity, he said.
"We have only eight to 10 days in hand. But it has become uncertain whether they will be able to perform Umrah hajj," he said.
Mr Taslim said they would try to take back all the ticket prices from the relevant airlines. But a few airlines like Jet Airways do not pay back ticket prices.
He also said they paid Tk 21,000 for each visa. Hotel bills were also paid, he mentioned.
The loss may amount to Tk 500 million, he added.
In the meantime, Biman Bangladesh Airlines has already announced that it will refund ticket prices to the Umrah pilgrims in the context of sudden ban on travel by Saudi government.
If any pilgrim wants to fly later after withdrawal of the ban, he or she can travel based on availability of seats.
Deputy Manager (Public Relations) of Biman Bangladesh Airlines Tahera Khandker said that 148 passengers were supposed to fly on Dhaka-Jeddah flight at HSIA while the number was 240 on Chattogram-Medinah flight at Shah Amanat Airport on Thursday.
She, however, could not say how many visit visa passengers and Umrah pilgrims bought Biman tickets.
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