Airline Ticket Syndicate for Umrah Dismantled

Dr. A. F. M. Khalid Hossain, Religious Affairs Adviser, announced today that the government has successfully dismantled the airline ticket syndicate for Umrah bookings, marking a significant step in curbing the manipulation of airfares for the religious pilgrimage.

"The days of inflated ticket prices through group bookings by syndicates are over. We've broken the airline ticket syndicate for Umrah, ensuring fairness and transparency," Dr. Khalid said during his speech as the chief guest at the inauguration of the District Model Mosque and Islamic Cultural Center in Cox's Bazar.

Dr. Khalid explained that, moving forward, all air ticket bookings for Umrah would require the individual passport number of the passenger. Any ticket not issued within three days will be automatically canceled. He also emphasized that group ticket bookings, often used to inflate prices by two or three times, would no longer be allowed.

"We have formulated a new policy to ensure the fairness of the booking system, making sure tickets are issued to individuals and not manipulated through syndicates," he added.

Dr. Khalid also highlighted the peaceful atmosphere of Cox's Bazar, stating, "Since time immemorial, Cox's Bazar has been a place of communal harmony, free from anarchy and misunderstanding." He expressed hope that the message of brotherhood and unity from the newly inaugurated mosque would inspire the region and beyond.

The event was chaired by Mohammad Salahuddin, Deputy Commissioner of Cox's Bazar, and attended by key officials, including Shahidul Alam, Project Director of the Model Mosque Project.

The District Model Mosque in Cox's Bazar is designed to accommodate 1,100 male worshippers at once. It features facilities for both women and people with disabilities, ensuring accessibility for all. Other amenities include parking spaces, a bathing facility for the deceased, a conference room, an auditorium, a Quran education system, a library, and an Imam training center.

The government is currently constructing 564 model mosques across the country with an investment of Tk 9,500 crore. Of these, 350 mosques have already been completed.