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Nearly fifty per cent of the non-ballotee pilgrims are likely to miss the holy Hajj this year because of mismanagement of flights by the relevant authorities. Days are passing, but the flights are not yet finalised. The problem about flight uncertainties is nothing new. We are habituated to see this as an annual feature.
Biman's limited capacity to operate Hajj flights is well known. It simply doesn't have the fleet strength for this job. Besides, Biman says it will be incurring a total loss of Tk.200 million if it carries passengers at the government-approved rate of $950 per pilgrim. The foreign airlines are seemingly disinterested in the business at the rate of $950. The minimum rate they charge is $1350 per pilgrim. As the Religious Affairs Ministry and the Civil Aviation Authority did not start the negotiation before the crisis began, the situation went out of their control.
The pilgrims paid money and completed all other formalities long ago. Now it seems that the airfare is going to be increased by $400 per person. This is simply impossible for many of them. Most of the intending Hajjis from Bangladesh belong to the middle and upper middle classes for whom this is a big money to be arranged suddenly. According to newspaper reports, their departure on schedule is uncertain even if they pay the extra money, as the authorities are still indifferent to solve the crisis with the private airline operators. The government has to come forward and provide all kinds of assistance to the Hajjis, so that their life-long ambition is fulfilled.
For a long time Bangladesh has been one of the largest participants in this great congregation of Muslims. So every effort should be made by all concerned to make foolproof arrangements for the Hajj, including timely and comfortable travel by the intending pilgrims both under the government and the private management.
Zareen Rafa
Gulshan, Dhaka.
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