DHAKA, July 21, (v7n) – The government has decided in principle to offer Probashi Card holders special discounts on Biman Bangladesh Airlines tickets and Balaka Lounge services, along with priority check-in and boarding facilities at airports.
Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanam, MP, disclosed this today while presiding over a meeting at the ministry's conference room on the responsibilities of airport-related organisations in implementing the Probashi Card initiative.
"We have taken initiatives to ensure all kinds of facilities and benefits for our expatriate brothers. A policy decision has been taken to provide special discounts on Biman Bangladesh Airlines tickets and the use of the Balaka Lounge," she said, adding that the government is committed to making air travel more convenient and hassle-free for expatriate Bangladeshis.
Referring to steps already taken to improve passenger services, the minister noted that a shuttle bus service has been introduced at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport for passengers' convenience.
State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism M. Rashiduzzaman Millat, MP, said additional facilities are being considered for expatriates under the Probashi Card programme, including special discounts at hotels and motels operated by Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation. He added that the ministry would take necessary steps to introduce priority check-in and boarding facilities for expatriate Bangladeshis.
The meeting was told that these special facilities and benefits would be available through the Probashi Card introduced by the incumbent government.
Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment Minister Ariful Haque Choudhury, MP, outlined various areas of cooperation required from the Civil Aviation and Tourism Ministry and airport-related organisations for effective implementation of the card. The Probashi Card initiative was included in the government's election manifesto, aimed at facilitating access to services and providing special benefits for expatriate Bangladeshis.
State Minister for Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment Md Nurul Haque, MP, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Overseas Employment for the Asia-Pacific Region Dr Md Shakirul Islam Khan, and senior officials from both ministries and their subordinate agencies attended the meeting.
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