US to send ‘final flight’ to bring back citizens from Bangladesh

The US Department of State and US Embassy Bangladesh have arranged a special chartered flight for US citizens and their families.

The flight, the final US government-organised flight returning to the United States from Bangladesh during the COVID-19 crisis, will depart Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA) in Dhaka on Monday.

The announcement was made through a statement on its website on Thursday.

The US Embassy remains open for business, as per the statement.

This flight will include a Dhaka to Doha, Qatar leg and an onward connecting flight to Dulles International Airport, Washington, D.C. 

However, passengers will remain on the airplane in Doha.

It expects this may be the final US government-organised flight returning to the United States from Bangladesh during the coronavirus crisis.

The US embassy also urged the US citizens who wish to return to the United States to take advantage of this opportunity or be prepared to remain in Bangladesh until commercial flights resume.

“If you wish to travel to Washington, DC on this flight, even if you previously submitted your information, please fill out this form by 4:00 pm on Friday, April 10”, it said.

 It also requested not to call the Embassy to confirm your information; the embassy will e-mail you if you are confirmed for a seat on this flight.

The embassy also requested to keep its citizens phone nearby and check their e-mail regularly in case the embassy needs to contact them.

“Please understand this flight is not free. All passengers will need to reimburse the US Government for the cost of the flight. A legal document, called a promissory note, for the full cost of the flight must be signed by each adult passenger before boarding”, it said.

 “Currently, we do not know the cost of each ticket.  No cash or credit card payments will be accepted at the airport. Please review payment information on promissory notes (DS-5528) here. While your passport will not be canceled, US citizens who have signed a loan agreement for repatriation may not be eligible for new passports until the loan is repaid”, it stated.

You will be responsible for any arrangements or costs (lodging, onward destination, or local transportation, etc.) beyond Washington, DC.  Unfortunately, the US Embassy is unable to book any onward travel or other arrangements for you, according to the statement.

“Unless you receive an email from the US Embassy in Bangladesh confirming your flight, please do not come to the airport in Dhaka”, it added.

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