Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Rashed Khan Menon has said consumers cannot be made to pay additional price to make up the loss of Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC).
The minister said this in response to the demands of the aviation sector people that the government should adjust the fuel price with that of the international market.
Menon said it is illogical that consumers will pay additional price to recover the loss of a government organisation.
“It should be discussed and this cannot be continued.”
The tourism minister was speaking at a pre-budget discussion on Civil Aviation and Tourism held on Wednesday at hotel Abakash in the capital.
Aviation and Tourism Journalists’ Forum of Bangladesh (ATJFB) hosted the programme.
Presided over by ATJFB president Nadira Kiron, State Minister for Finance MA Mannan; Faruk Khan, chairman of Parliamentary Standing Committee on Civil Aviation and Tourism, Dr Aparup Chowdhury, chairman of Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation, Dr Md Nasir Uddin, CEO of Bangladesh Tourism Board, Taufiq Uddin Ahmed, president of Tour Operator Association of Bangladesh (TOAB), Association of Travel Agents of Bangladesh (ATAB) president Manzur Murshed Mahbub spoke at the discussion.
Novoair Managing Director Mofizur Rahman, TOAB Director Taufiq Rahman and ATAB joint Secretary General Abdus Salam Aref presented three separate papers on behalf of their respective fields while ATJFB General Secretary Tanzim Anwar gave the vote of thanks.
The Monitor Editor Kazi Wahidul Alam, Biman Bangladesh Airlines General Manager Shakil Meraz also took part in the discussion.
In his speech, Menon added that the government should consider providing incentives to revitalise the tourism industry.
“We are working on adjusting the landing charges and fuel prices for the aviation sector.”
Expressing disappointment over Biman Bangladesh Airlines services, State Minister for Finance MA Mannan said service of the national flag carrier has been deteriorating.
“Passengers do not get any response from Biman’s London office which is very unfortunate.”
Faruk Khan said the government should consider importing tax-free vehicles for tour operators to boost the sector. He also proposed that commercially important person (CIP) cards should be introduced among tour operators to encourage them in tourism industry.
Leaders of Aviation and Tourism sector also sought allocations and incentives in the upcoming national budget for further flourishing the sector which can bring forex as well. The aviation sector leaders demand that the fuel surcharge be adjusted.
The travel agents also called out to withdraw VAT on air tickets while tourism leaders sought permission to import duty-free tourist vehicles.
In his keynote paper, TOAB Director Taufiq Rahman placed a set of proposals including import of duty-free vehicle, money transaction via bank, incentives and cross-border tourism facilities in the pre-budget discussion.
Thursday, April 25, 2024
