Key takeaways:

• Airfares from Bangladesh 2-4 times higher than India
• Same route costs 30,000-35,000 taka from India vs 1,00,000 taka from Bangladesh
• 3,000-4,000 travel agencies depend on B2B model
• Prison sentence increased from 6 months to 3 years
• No fare range policy for foreign airlines in Bangladesh

Airfares from Bangladesh remain significantly higher than neighbouring countries, with passengers paying two to four times more for identical routes, prompting interim government to draft new regulations.

Ticket from India costs 30,000 to 35,000 taka, while same journey from Bangladesh demands around one lakh taka. This pricing disparity has triggered widespread complaints from travellers for years.

Interim government prepared Travel Agency Ordinance 2025, revising two existing laws to restore sector discipline. Draft identifies bulk ticket purchases and hoarding as criminal offences, mandating agencies sell directly to customers. Punishment increased from six months to maximum three years imprisonment.

However, industry insiders warn sudden implementation could collapse current business systems. Around 3,000-4,000 travel agencies depend on business-to-business transactions, which the draft ordinance prohibits. Many fear this ban will push numerous agencies out of market instantly.

Travel sector professionals acknowledge government efforts to prevent fraud and scams deserve appreciation. Yet they argue authorities should identify actual obstacles preventing direct business rather than restricting B2B operations outright.

Industry experts highlight Bangladesh lacks policies requiring foreign airlines to submit fare ranges before operating flights. Other countries mandate airlines stay within declared minimum and maximum prices, but Bangladeshi market remains unregulated. Without addressing this core issue, strict regulations on small commission-based agencies may create 'black force' against them.

Airfares decreased slightly last month following government actions, though prices have not returned to normal levels yet. Industry insiders stress every stakeholder must work collectively to stabilise pricing. If any party avoids responsibility, achieving sector reforms and serving national interest will prove difficult.