Dhaka, March 19 -- Shafiul Azim, the managing director of Biman Bangladesh Airlines, says the flag carrier has kept the fares for its Hajj flights as low as possible, in the face of widespread criticism over a marked increase in its ticket prices for the annual Islamic pilgrimage amid rising inflation.

Noting that the basic fare has risen 15.5 percent from last year, Azim said it was "not possible to reduce the prices any further".

The new rate accounts for the increase in some of the ancillary expenses for the airline, including higher fuel costs and airport tax, he explained. The rising value of the US dollar makes the fares seem more inflated, according to Azim.

Biman will start operating Hajj flights to Saudi Arabia on May 21, Azim...