HAAB urges govt to reopen 3rd carrier for pilgrims

Hajj Agencies Association of Bangladesh (HAAB) urged the government Saturday to reopen a third carrier for smooth travelling of Hajj pilgrims besides Biman Bangladesh and Saudi Arabian Airlines.
"The pilgrims will enjoy a safe journey if the third carrier is introduced," HAAB President Mohammad Ibrahim Bahar said while speaking at a press conference at the National Press Club in the city.
He said the pilgrims experienced an uncertainty as well as untold sufferings in 2012 due to mismanagement of Bangladesh Biman and Saudi Airlines, though they [pilgrims] had to count extra money for air ticket.
"Meanwhile, Bangladeshi pilgrims witnessed a high-quality hajj management system in three years -- 2009 to 2011 -- as the third carrier option was open," the HAAB president added.
The other demands of HAAB include getting back Tk 100 million of different hajj agencies deposited earlier to the religious ministry, announcement of flight schedule before Ramzan of 1434 Hijri, fixing a 35-day hajj package, charging same plane fare for direct Hajj flight from Sylhet and Chittagong.
He said a total of 10 1,000 Bangladeshis are expected to perform Hajj this year.
Of them, 10,000 people will go to Saudi Arabia under the government management while 91,000 others under private arrangement.
Saudi government introduced a full electronic web portal service this year so that people will be able to know all about the Hajj facilities staying home.
Earlier on Thursday, the High Court declared the government decision of carrying the hajj pilgrims only by Biman Bangladesh and Saudi Airlines illegal.
According to the new rules introduced by Saudi government, each pilgrim has to pay 250 Saudi Riyals as bank guarantee which was only 50 Saudi Riyals last year.
The new rules are mandatory for all countries of the world.
Besides, hajj pilgrims have to arrange a catering service for food. The foods cannot be provided by their travelling agents.