'Probashi Card' holders to get airfare discounts, lounge access

Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanam on Tuesday said the government has undertaken initiatives to ensure all possible facilities for expatriate Bangladeshis.

She said a policy decision has been taken to offer expatriates special discounts on Biman Bangladesh Airlines tickets and the use of the Balaka Lounge for expatriate cardholders.

The minister made the observations at an orientation meeting on the responsibilities of airport-related agencies in implementation of 'Probashi Card' (Expatriate Card) distribution programme, held at the conference room of the ministry. The minister chaired the meeting.

Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment Minister Ariful Haque Chowdhury, State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism M Rashiduzzaman Millat, and State Minister for Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment Md Nurul Haque, Dr Md Shakilur Islam Khan, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Overseas Employment in the Asia-Pacific region, were also present.

Ms Afroza Khanam said the government has already introduced a shuttle bus service at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport for the convenience of passengers.

She said the government is committed to ensuring hassle-free air travel services for expatriates.

State Minister M Rashiduzzaman Millat said the government is also considering offering special discounts for expatriates at hotels and motels operated by the Bangladesh Tourism Corporation.

The ministry will introduce priority check-in and boarding facilities for expatriates, he said.

Such benefits will be available through the Expatriate Card, the meeting was told.

Ariful Haque Chowdhury highlighted some of the areas where cooperation from the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism would be required to implement the Expatriate Card, which was included in BNP's (Bangladesh Nationalist Party) election manifesto.

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