The Australian High Commission in Dhaka on Thursday evening helped 290 Australian citizens, permanent residents and their immediate families find a way to return home to Australia on a nonscheduled Sri Lankan Airlines flight.
Australian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Jeremy Bruer, Bangladesh Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen and other officials were present at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport to ensure the process run smoothly.
The High Commissioner and the Foreign Secretary used the opportunity to chat with departing passengers.
“With most flights to and from Bangladesh suspended because of the COVID-19 pandemic, many Australians approached us looking for a way to return to Australia, so they could reunite with family members or meet work commitments,” the High Commissioner said. “Thanks to Sri Lankan Airlines, we found a solution.”
He thanked the Bangladesh government, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh, local law enforcement agencies and airport officials for their support, without which the flight would not have been possible.
Since the COVID-19 pandemic began, the Australian government has helped over 10,000 Australians to return home from abroad, including from cruise ships and by using one-off arrangements with commercial airlines.
Earlier, Australian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Jeremy Bruer announced that through Sri Lankan Airlines, a non-scheduled commercial flight has been arranged to bring Australians home from Bangladesh.
"While we will endeavour to provide enough seats for everyone who wishes to return home, those who have registered already will be prioritised," said the High Commissioner.
The Australian envoy strongly encouraged the Australian citizens in Bangladesh to make use of this opportunity to depart, as they may not be in a position to organise a further non-scheduled flight.
Meanwhile, the second Canadian government-assisted flight left Dhaka on Thursday.
"Thank you to the government Of Bangladesh, and Qatar Airways for their assistance and cooperation in getting stranded Canadians home," said Canadian High Commissioner Benoit Prefontaine.
