Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanam on Monday sought Saudi Arabia's cooperation in reducing the overall cost of Hajj for Bangladeshi pilgrims by lowering taxes and charges on Hajj air travel.
She came up with the request during a courtesy call by Saudi Ambassador to Bangladesh Dr Abdullah ibn Dhafer ibn Ubayya, on Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanam and State Minister M Rashiduzzaman Millat at the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism at the Bangladesh Secretariat.
She said such a move would significantly ease the financial burden on thousands of Bangladeshi pilgrims every year.
In response, the Saudi envoy assured that the matter would receive positive consideration and reaffirmed Saudi Arabia's commitment to extending all possible cooperation.
State Minister Rashiduzzaman Millat also raised concerns over the increased accommodation costs faced by Bangladeshi pilgrims following the discontinuation of Category D accommodation.
He urged the Saudi authorities to consider reinstating the category, saying its withdrawal had substantially increased lodging expenses for pilgrims.
The Saudi Ambassador reiterated his government's commitment to improving services for Bangladeshi pilgrims while making Hajj more affordable.
During the meeting, both sides reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening the longstanding friendly and fraternal relations between Bangladesh and the KSA.
Both sides expressed their shared resolve to further deepen the excellent bilateral relations between Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia and to expand cooperation in the areas of civil aviation, tourism, and Hajj management for the mutual benefit of both countries.