Photo : PID

DHAKA, July 21, 2026 (BSS) – The government has decided in principle to offer Probashi Card holders special discounts on Biman Bangladesh Airlines tickets and Balaka Lounge services, along with priority check-in and boarding facilities at airports.

Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanam, MP, disclosed this today while presiding over a meeting at the ministry’s conference room at the Bangladesh Secretariat on the responsibilities of airport-related organisations in implementing the Probashi Card initiative.

"We have taken initiatives to ensure all kinds of facilities and benefits for our expatriate brothers. A policy decision has been taken to provide special discounts on Biman Bangladesh Airlines tickets and the use of the Balaka Lounge," she said.

Afroza said the government is committed to making air travel more convenient and hassle-free for expatriate Bangladeshis.

"We are committed to ensuring hassle-free air travel services for expatriates," she added.

Referring to steps already taken to improve passenger services, the minister said a shuttle bus service has been introduced at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA) for passengers' convenience.

State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism M. Rashiduzzaman Millat, MP, said additional facilities are being considered for expatriates under the Probashi Card programme.

He said the government is also considering offering Probashi Card holders special discounts at hotels and motels operated by the Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation.

The Civil Aviation and Tourism Ministry will also take the necessary steps to introduce priority check-in and boarding facilities for expatriate Bangladeshis, he added.

The meeting was told that these special facilities and benefits would be available through the Probashi Card introduced by the incumbent government.

Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment Minister Ariful Haque Choudhury, MP, at the outset of the meeting, outlined various areas of cooperation required from the Civil Aviation and Tourism Ministry and airport-related organisations for the effective implementation of the Probashi Card.

The Probashi Card initiative was included in the incumbent government's election manifesto and is aimed at facilitating access to services and providing special benefits for expatriate Bangladeshis.

State Minister for Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment Md Nurul Haque, MP, also attended the meeting.

Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Overseas Employment for the Asia-Pacific Region Dr Md Shakirul Islam Khan and senior officials of the Civil Aviation and Tourism Ministry, the Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment Ministry, and their subordinate agencies were present.