The national flag carrier Biman Bangladesh Airlines has incurred a loss of Tk over 2.01 billion in 2017-18 fiscal year, says State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism Mahbub Ali.
“Rise in aircraft fuel price, depreciation of Taka against foreign currencies and use of aircraft on the basis of aircraft crew maintained insurance (ACMI) have caused the loss,” Ali said in response to a query from ruling Awami League MP Gazi Mohammad Shahnawaz.
Responding to another query, Ali said, “Bangladesh has agreement on civil aviation with as many as 53 countries with different airlines operating 325 flights to Bangladesh a week.”
Of which, United Arab Emirate operates maximum 78 flights a week, followed by neighbouring India (53). Malaysia operates 42 flights while Saudi Arabia runs 31 flights, Qatar 29, Thailand 21, Singapore and Chine 16 fight each, Kuwait 12, Sri Lanka seven, Bahrain five, Bhutan, Pakistan and Oman four each and Azerbaijan operates three flights, he added.
In reply to a query from Jatiya Party MP Masud Uddin Chowdhury, the minister said, “As many as 800 tourist sites have been spotted across the country.
“Initiatives have been taken to formulate a mega plan on development and expansion of tourism industry” Ali informed the House adding, this mega plan will include infrastructural development of natural and historical sites as well as an environment-friendly tourist facility.