Decision to fix airfare at US $ 1050 rejected

At a press conference at Dhaka Reporters Unity auditorium, they also demanded fixation of same airfare for ballottee and non-ballottee pilgrims at US $ 950.

The leaders urged the government to allow private airlines companies who showed interest in carrying the pilgrims at a comparatively low fare.

Parishad President Abdul Latif Chowdhury said some private airlines like Asia Travel Networks, Bismillah Airlines and Air Parabat have agreed to carry pilgrims at US $ 950 but the government is not giving them permission for mysterious reason.

He however praised the government for firing the state minister for civil aviation and demanded punitive measures against other government officials who have link to airfare 'corruption'.

Latif also demanded formation of a National Hajj Committee with top olamas and non-government officials who are working for smooth management of hajj.

President of Islami Intellectuals Front Abdul Hannan Al Hadi alleged that the ballottee pilgrims face various problems and irregularities due to mismanagement of religious affairs ministry every year.

"We have information that this year the government has rented houses for the pilgrims at a distance of 1400 to 1500 metres from Makkah Sharif, but much better houses within 300 meter of Makkah Sharif could be rented with the amount taken from the ballottee pilgrims as house rent," said Hadi.

He asked the government to find out the persons responsible for looting the house rent money of ballottee pilgrims.

The speakers vowed to continue their agitation until their demands are fulfilled.

Parishad General Secretary Wahiduzzaman and member Washif Uddin Nurani were present at the press conference.