Emirates Launches Online Payment Services in BD

The proposed budget for the 2023-24 fiscal year seeks to allocate Tk 6,597 crore to the Civil Aviation and Tourism Ministry, with the goal of modernizing the aviation sector and expanding the tourism industry to international standards. This allocation represents an increase of 17.2 percent, amounting to Tk 969 crore more than the previous fiscal year.

Bangladesh Road Transport Corporation (BRTC) has initiated a project to acquire 100 electric double-decker buses from India. The proposal has been sent to the Planning Commission, with each bus priced at Tk 3.64 crore. The buses will be purchased from Switch Mobility Company, a subsidiary of Ashok Leyland, under the Indian Line of Credit. The buses' features align with the 'Switch EIV 22' model offered by Switch Mobility. However, concerns have been raised about the pricing and ambiguity surrounding the cost determination.

At least eight foreign airlines have shown keen interest in entering the lucrative Bangladesh aviation market, indicating promising business opportunities. The number of foreign airlines operating in Bangladesh is expected to exceed 40, up from the current 33, with the anticipated launch of the third terminal at Dhaka airport in October.

The government is planning to raise travel taxes for both domestic and international air passengers in an effort to boost revenue collection. Starting from the next fiscal year, domestic travelers may be required to pay a travel tax of Tk 200, while international travelers to certain destinations could face a 50% increase, with rates reaching Tk 6,000. Taxes for passengers traveling to South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) member countries may rise by 67% to Tk 2,000, and those traveling to the Middle East may experience a 33% increase to Tk 4,000. The current rates have remained unchanged for the past nine years.

The Ministry of Railways in Bangladesh has put forth a proposal to raise the budget for the construction of the third and fourth railway lines in the Dhaka-Tongi section, as well as the double line in the Tongi and Jaidebpur sections. The cost is set to increase from Tk 848 crore to Tk 2,840 crore, with the project duration extending from three years to 15 years. The amendment proposal has been submitted to the Planning Commission and awaits approval from the National Economic Council's executive committee.

The government has mandated the implementation of the Electronic Toll Collection (ETC) System at nine bridges and two highways starting from November, according to a circular issued by the Roads and Highways Department (RHD). Automatic toll machines have been installed at these locations to facilitate the ETC system.