‘Biman ticket syndicate’ for Umrah shattered, says religious affairs advisor

If a ticket that is booked is not issued in three days, it’ll automatically be cancelled, he says

Religious Affairs Advisor AFM Khalid Hossain has said authorities smashed the “ticket syndicate” of Biman Bangladesh Airlines linked to Umrah travels, ending opportunities to sell tickets at higher prices.

Tickets must be booked using passport numbers of passengers henceforth, he said according to a statement by the Ministry of Religious Affairs on Friday.

“If a ticket is not issued in three days, it’ll automatically be cancelled. You can’t book tickets in groups and then charge [passengers] twice or thrice for them anymore. We’ve prepared a policy for this,” he said.

On Wednesday, Khalid dismissed media reports claiming that Saudi Arabia had suspended Umrah visas for Bangladeshis, saying such claims were “inaccurate”.

The advisor said the Saudi ambassador to Dhaka had confirmed to the religious affairs secretary that Umrah visas for Bangladeshis remain unaffected.

“The envoy advised Bangladeshi agencies to process visa applications through Saudi Umrah companies or authorised agents, ensuring proper documentation, including airline tickets and hotel bookings,” he added.

After the briefing, the religious affairs ministry, citing the advisor, said in a statement that Biman Bangladesh Airlines is refunding fares to Umrah pilgrims who bought tickets but could not obtain a visa.