Special Correspondent: Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanam has urged Saudi Arabia to reduce taxes and charges on Hajj-related air travel to help lower the overall cost of pilgrimage for Bangladeshi pilgrims.
The request was made on Monday when Saudi Ambassador to Bangladesh Dr. Abdullah ibn Dhafer ibn Ubayya paid a courtesy call on the minister at the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism at the Bangladesh Secretariat. State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism M. Rashiduzzaman Millat was also present.
During the meeting, Afroza Khanam emphasized the need to make Hajj more affordable for Bangladeshi pilgrims, saying that a reduction in Saudi-imposed taxes and charges on Hajj flights would significantly ease the financial burden on thousands of pilgrims each year.
In response, the Saudi ambassador assured the minister that the proposal would receive positive consideration and reaffirmed Saudi Arabia`s commitment to extending all possible cooperation in this regard.
The two sides also discussed ways to strengthen bilateral cooperation in civil aviation, tourism and Hajj management, reaffirming the longstanding friendly and fraternal ties between Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia.
State Minister Rashiduzzaman Millat raised concerns over the increased accommodation costs faced by Bangladeshi pilgrims following the discontinuation of Category D accommodation in Saudi Arabia. He requested the Saudi authorities to consider reinstating the category to help reduce overall pilgrimage expenses.

The Saudi ambassador reiterated his government`s commitment to improving the quality of services for Bangladeshi pilgrims while making Hajj more affordable. He pledged Saudi Arabia`s full support for initiatives aimed at enhancing services and reducing costs.

Both sides expressed their commitment to further strengthening bilateral relations and expanding cooperation in civil aviation, tourism and Hajj management for the mutual benefit of the two countries.