Special Fare for Saudi Expats: Return Tickets Priced at Tk 20,000, Announces Adviser Sheikh Bashiruddin

During a press conference at the Secretariat today, Sheikh Bashiruddin, the Adviser for Commerce as well as Civil Aviation and Tourism, announced that return flights during the upcoming Hajj season will carry regular passengers instead of returning empty. Under this new arrangement, expatriates can travel from Saudi Arabia to Bangladesh for a fare of only Tk 20,000. This strategic move is expected to generate an additional Tk 120 crore in revenue for the state-owned Biman Bangladesh Airlines by utilizing what were previously non-revenue "ferry flights."

The Adviser emphasized that this initiative aims to provide financial relief to migrant workers while simultaneously turning a recurring loss into a new profit stream for the national carrier. In a move to ensure transparency and modern management, Faiez Ahmed Taiyeb, a technology expert and Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser, has been inducted into the Biman Board of Directors. His primary mandate is to dismantle long-standing digital fraud and ticketing syndicates that have historically plagued the airline's operations. Bashiruddin expressed optimism that these structural changes would bring discipline to Biman’s management and significantly reduce the suffering of ordinary passengers.

Reaffirming his commitment to personal integrity, Sheikh Bashiruddin stated that he has refrained from using any government perks, including official residence or vehicles, during his tenure. He announced that a detailed statement of his assets has already been prepared and will be formally submitted before he leaves office. By prioritizing expatriate-friendly policies and administrative accountability, the government seeks to establish a new standard for public service in the aviation sector.