Dhaka, June 13 -- Biman Bangladesh Airlines has announced that it will not be able to open temporary offices in Makkah and Madinah this year to assist Bangladeshi Hajj pilgrims, citing recent restrictions under Saudi Arabia's visa policy.
Each year, the state-owned carrier establishes temporary operational units in the two holy cities to facilitate a smooth and organized return journey for pilgrims. But in a press release issued on Thursday, Biman said the effort has been thwarted by an unexpected suspension of visa issuance for citizens of 14 countries - Bangladesh among them.
Despite completing all necessary preparations and formalities, including visa applications for its officials, Biman says its staff remain unable to enter the kingd...