National
Biman Warns Travel Agents Against Rule Violations
Biman Bangladesh Airlines has issued a stern warning to its approved travel agents, emphasizing that strict measures will be taken against those who violate the national carrier’s regulations.
In a letter addressed to all Passenger Service Agents (PSAs), Biman expressed concerns about agents undercutting or overpricing tickets on their web portals. “It has been observed by Biman Bangladesh Airlines that some reputed Biman-approved travel agents are selling and promoting Biman tickets at prices either lower or higher than the approved fares on different routes,” the letter stated.
The state-owned airline urged all PSAs to adhere to Biman’s rules and policies, warning that failure to comply could result in the termination of business relationships. Biman emphasized that agents manipulating the airline’s image and goodwill will face severe consequences. The letter highlighted that all approved PSAs in Bangladesh are entitled to a 7 percent commission on the base fare.
However, Biman noted that some agents are offering 15-20 percent discounts on tickets through their web portals and social media, creating unhealthy competition and damaging Biman’s reputation. Additionally, the letter mentioned that some online travel agents (OTAs) are failing to provide services to customers after ticket issuance, including assistance with travel plan changes or ticket refunds.
“We have been receiving numerous complaints on this issue, which directly affects our goodwill and image,” the letter from Biman’s Sales Promotion Section stated.
This move follows alerts from the Association of Travel Agents of Bangladesh (ATAB) regarding irregularities by certain agencies. “In this era of information technology, we support tech-based business but must ensure ticket buyers are not defrauded. We seek a proper and timely policy for OTAs,” ATAB President Abdus Salam Aref told BSS.
ATAB Secretary General Afshia Jannat Saleh also stressed the need for immediate action to restore fair competition in the travel and ticketing industry. “Biman offers agents a 7 percent commission per ticket, but some are selling at a 15-20 percent discount. Such practices clearly indicate dishonest intentions,” she said.
Stakeholders in the air ticketing sector have long advocated for policies regulating OTAs in Bangladesh.
Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner Habibur Rahman has emphasized the importance of collective societal vigilance, particularly by parents, in monitoring the activities of youngsters to combat the growing challenge of online militant activities.
Speaking during a floral tribute to the victims of the Holey Artisan attack in Gulshan, Commissioner Rahman responded to questions about the ongoing efforts to counteract extremist activities online.
“Halting the online activities of militants is now a significant challenge,” he stated, urging all sectors of society, including conscientious citizens and the media, to collaborate in curbing the spread of extremism. He emphasized that the rapid dissemination of information online poses a substantial threat.
The DMP Commissioner specifically addressed parents, highlighting the importance of monitoring their children’s whereabouts, activities, companions, possessions, and online time. “Careful attention to these aspects can significantly mitigate the risk of extremist influence,” he said.
In response to a recent intelligence report about extremist operatives infiltrating insurance companies, the commissioner assured that efforts are being made to monitor and counteract such activities. “We are vigilant and proactive in preventing these threats,” he added.
Commissioner Rahman acknowledged that extremism is a global issue and that Bangladesh is not immune. However, he praised the efficiency and foresight of the Bangladeshi police, anti-terrorism units, and supporting organizations in handling extremism, positioning the country as a global role model.
He cited examples where proactive operations based on intelligence successfully prevented potential attacks. “Our intelligence and counter-terrorism units have been instrumental in maintaining peace and order,” he noted.
The DMP Commissioner highlighted the continuous efforts of the Counter Terrorism and Transnational Crime (CTTC) unit, the Detective Branch (DB), and the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) in preventing the spread of extremist ideologies online. He expressed confidence in the capabilities of the Bangladesh Police and its counter-terrorism units to tackle any challenge.
“We are committed to maintaining peace and order in the country,” the DMP Commissioner affirmed.
The Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) has forecasted light to moderate and moderately heavy to very heavy rainfall or thundershowers with temporary gusty winds across all eight divisions of the country within the next 24 hours starting from 9 am today.
“Light to moderate rain or thundershowers accompanied by temporary gusty wind is likely to occur at most places in Rangpur, Rajshahi, Dhaka, Mymensingh, Khulna, Barisal, Chattogram, and Sylhet divisions with moderately heavy to very heavy falls at various locations,” stated the weather bulletin this morning.
The monsoon remains active over Bangladesh and strong elsewhere over the North Bay, the bulletin added.
Both day and night temperatures may see a slight decrease across the country.
The extended weather outlook for the next 72 hours suggests that the rainfall activity is likely to continue.
On Monday, the highest temperature in the country was recorded at 33.8 degrees Celsius in Jashore, while the lowest temperature today was 23.8 degrees Celsius in Bandarban.
Bandarban also recorded 108 mm of rainfall in the last 24 hours from 6 am today.
In the capital, the sun is set to set at 6:50 pm today and will rise at 5:15 am tomorrow.
The Bangladesh Meteorological Department has forecasted light to heavy rainfall accompanied by temporary gusty winds across all eight divisions of the country for the next 24 hours starting from 9 am today.
“Light to moderate rain or thundershowers with temporary gusty winds are likely to occur in most areas of Rangpur, Rajshahi, Dhaka, Mymensingh, Khulna, Barisal, Chattogram, and Sylhet divisions. Some areas may experience moderately heavy to very heavy rainfall,” stated the weather bulletin issued this morning.
The bulletin noted that the monsoon is active over Bangladesh and strong over the North Bay.
Daytime temperatures may slightly decrease, while nighttime temperatures are expected to remain nearly unchanged across the country.
Looking ahead to the next 72 hours, the rainfall activity is likely to continue, according to the extended outlook.
On Saturday, the highest temperature was recorded at 35.0 degrees Celsius in Ishurdi, while today’s lowest temperature of 23.8 degrees Celsius was recorded in Bandarban.
Panchagarh received the highest rainfall of 182 mm in the last 24 hours starting from 6 am today.
In the capital, the sun is set to set at 6:50 pm today and rise at 5:15 am tomorrow.
