Maldivian Airlines has announced the cancellation of its flights to and from Dhaka on August 6, 2024, due to the escalating situation in Bangladesh. The airline stated that the safety of its passengers and crew remains its top priority.
The airline says they are closely monitoring the developments in Bangladesh and is committed to providing support to affected passengers during this period of unrest. For further information and assistance, passengers are encouraged to contact the Maldivian Airlines call center at 1671 or email [email protected]. Passengers currently in Dhaka can reach out to the local contact number at +8801621211316. The airline expressed its sincere apologies for any inconvenience caused by this disruption.
The decision comes in the wake of significant political turmoil in Bangladesh. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina resigned yesterday after weeks of violent protests against the controversial job quota system, which reserved 30 percent of government jobs for the relatives of veterans from Bangladesh’s 1971 War of Independence.
The unrest has led to widespread violence, with more than 200 people reported dead since protests resumed in July. In response to the civil unrest, a curfew has been declared, and troops have been deployed in the capital city of Dhaka.
The Maldives Ministry of Foreign Affairs had also issued a statement urging Maldivians living in or traveling to Bangladesh to exercise extra caution. The High Commission of Maldives in Bangladesh is actively monitoring the situation and the safety of Maldivian nationals residing there, including 83 students in Chittagong, seven students in Dhaka, and several students in Cumilla.
The Ministry emphasized the importance of vigilance during these turbulent times and assured that it remains in close contact with Maldivians in Bangladesh to provide necessary support.
