Aviation minister promises special benefits for Expat Card holders

"We have taken initiatives to ensure all kinds of facilities for our expatriate brothers," says Minister Afroza

Expatriate Card holders will receive a range of special benefits, including discounts on Biman Bangladesh Airlines tickets and access to the Balaka Lounge, Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanam has said.

She made the remarks on Tuesday at an awareness meeting held at the ministry's conference room at the Secretariat on the responsibilities of airport-related agencies in implementing the Expatriate Card distribution programme, according to the ministry.

The minister presided over the meeting while Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment Minister Ariful Haque Chowdhury, State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism M Rashiduzzaman Millat, and State Minister for Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment Md Nurul Haque were also present.

"We have taken initiatives to ensure all kinds of facilities for our expatriate brothers," Afroza said.

"A policy decision has been made to offer special discounts on Biman Bangladesh Airlines tickets and the use of the Balaka Lounge.

"We have already introduced a shuttle bus service at Shahjalal International Airport for the convenience of passengers. We are committed to ensuring hassle-free air travel services for expatriates."

State Minister Millat said the government was also considering special discounts for expatriates at hotels and motels operated by the Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation.

"In addition, the civil aviation and tourism ministry will arrange priority check-in and boarding facilities for expatriates. These benefits will be available through the current government's Expatriate Card," he said.

Minister Ariful presented areas where cooperation would be required from the Civil Aviation and Tourism Ministry and the state minister to implement the Expatriate Card, a commitment included in the current government's election manifesto.