Fleecing people
I got the shock of my life at Zia International Airport the other day when I was told to pay Tk 200/- as entry fee just to get inside the visitors concourse area in the arrival hall of the terminal building. I also came to know that the fee had been doubled with effect from 1st April, 2008. Is this justified? Passengers' relatives / friends reach airport after a great deal of hassle and then if they are made to pay so much just to receive their near and dear ones, how do they feel about it? Has the CAAB ever thought of their feelings? Is this the way the CAAB should earn money from the general public, when they are earning millions by renting premises, charging landing fees etc and imposing many other taxes under so many headings, paid by the airlines, passengers and various other agencies? After all, the airport belongs to the people of a free democratic country. Why should the people be fleeced ? Doesn't it require an approval of the ministry?
Ours is a country ridden with right and left corruption and then the holders of authority create new ways and means of breeding it. How unfortunate we are! At most other airports, no fee is charged for receiving the passengers.
This reminds me of an incident at Karachi Airport when Air Marshall (retired ) Asghar Khan visited the airport and found 2 rupees being charged from the public as entry fee to enter into the visitors gallery on the roof top of the old terminal building to watch aircraft movements. He advised the authorities to make it free for the visitors.
So the CAAB either makes it free or charge a very nominal fee or ban the entry altogether, but must not con the general people to boost up their funds. Please allow the people to feel free and safe!
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