‘Ensure same airfare for all Hajj pilgrims’

Leaders of the sangstha, an organisation for the welfare of pilgrims, at a press conference called for measures to carry non-ballotee Hajj pilgrims alongside the ballotee ones in Biman flights and sought the prime minister's intervention into the matter.

They also decided to submit a memorandum to the prime minister through the deputy commissioner, Chittagong today.

They threatened to launch agitation including formation of a human chain in front of Chittagong Press Club on November 16, sit-in on November 18 and a march towards the PM's Office on November 20 if their demand is not met by November 15.

The leaders alleged that the government decision not to carry the non-ballottee pilgrims in national flag carrier (Biman Bangladesh Airlines) created the scope for private flight operators to increase the plane fare, who early agreed to carry the pilgrims to Saudi Arabia at a maximum fare of US$ 900.

They called for measures to solve the flight crisis to ensure pilgrimage of all.

Chairman of the organisation HM Mujibul Haq Shukkur, Advisors Martuza Ali Chowdhury and Hafez Kabir Ahmed, Vice-chairmen Muhammad Ullah and Sirajuddin Tayeebi, Organising Secretary Jalal Uddin Iqbal, and Kazi Jasim Uddin of Air Channel Travels International, Zakerul Islam of Al-Hera Travels and Tours, and Azharul Islam Chowdhury of World View Travels were present at the press conference.