Govt plans airfare discount

The government plans to offer discounted airfares, airport lounge access and priority services to Bangladeshi migrant workers holding expatriate cards, Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanam said on Tuesday.

She announced the proposed benefits at a meeting at the Civil Aviation and Tourism Ministry on July 21 to discuss the role of airport-related agencies in implementing the expatriate card programme.

Afroza said a policy decision had been taken to provide special discounts on Biman Bangladesh Airlines tickets and access to the Balaka Lounge.

“We are committed to ensuring hassle-free airport services for expatriates,” she said, adding that a shuttle bus service had already been introduced at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport.

State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism M Rashiduzzaman Millat said expatriate card holders could also receive priority check-in and boarding facilities.

The government is additionally considering special discounts at hotels and motels operated by the Bangladesh Tourism Corporation, he added.

Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment Minister Ariful Haque Chowdhury outlined the cooperation required from aviation and tourism agencies to implement the card programme, which was included in the government’s election manifesto.

State Minister for Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment Md Nurul Haque and senior officials from the ministries and their agencies also attended the meeting.

The initiative is aimed at improving services for migrant workers and reducing harassment and inconvenience at airports.