The Hajj Agencies Association of Bangladesh (HAAB) yesterday urged the government to fulfill their charter of demands including reopening a third carrier, apart from Biman Bangladesh Airlines and Saudi Arabian Airlines, for the smooth flying of Hajj pilgrims.
“If the third carrier is introduced, the pilgrims will enjoy a safe and smooth journey,” HAAB President Mohammad Ibrahim Bahar said while raising their charter of demands at a press conference at the Jatiya Press Club.
He said the pilgrims experienced uncertainties and sufferings in 2012 because of mismanagement by Bangladesh Biman and Saudi Airlines, despite having to pay extra money for air tickets.
“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 Tk10 crore of different hajj agencies deposited earlier to the religious affairs ministry, announcement of flight schedule before Ramadan of 1434 Hijri year, setting up 35-day hajj package, ensuring same plane fare for direct Hajj flight from Sylhet and Chittagong, and replacement of pilgrims in case of failure because of sudden death or accident or any other unavoidable circumstances.
HAAB sources said the Hajj of 2014 (1435 Hijri) would be held on October 4 this year, based on moon sighting.
A total of 1.01 lakh Hajj pilgrims – 10,000 people under government management and 91,000 others under private ones – are expected to perform Hajj this year, says BSS.