United News of Bangladesh

Religious Affairs Adviser AFM Khalid Hossain has urged the Saudi government to maintain Bangladesh's Hajj quota at 1,000 pilgrims per agency, instead of increasing it to 2,000 as planned for 2026. The request was made during a meeting with Saudi Deputy Minister for Hajj and Umrah, Dr. Al-Hassan Yahya Al-Manakhara, in Jeddah on Friday, according to an official media release. Last year, the Saudi authorities had announced a minimum quota of 2,000 pilgrims per agency starting from 2026. Bangladesh, however, emphasised the importance of keeping the existing quota to ensure a manageable and well-organised Hajj arrangement. Adviser Khalid also expressed his gratitude to the Saudi government for the smooth and orderly management of this year’s pilgrimage.  He appreciated measures including the prevention of unauthorized Hajj activities, timely issuance of Nusuk cards, improved transportation, enhanced healthcare in the Masahir area, and efforts to reduce pilgrim mortality. He also presented several suggestions to further improve Hajj operations in 2026.  These included enriching the Nusuk Masa dashboard with more detailed information, setting up a monitoring and verification mechanism, introducing an RFID-based luggage tracking system under the Makkah Route Initiative, expanding toilet and water facilities in the Masahir area, increasing bed capacity in Mina and Arafat tents, and announcing the estimated cost of Hajj well in advance. Besides, he proposed launching a third airline carrier alongside Biman Bangladesh and Saudia Airlines to improve transportation services for Bangladeshi pilgrims. In response, Al-Manakhara assured that Saudi Arabia would consider Bangladesh’s observations and suggestions.  He also called on Bangladesh to further enhance its Hajj management and adhere to the official roadmap in a timely manner. Religious Affairs Secretary AKM Aftab Hossain Pramanik, Councilor (Hajj) Md. Zahirul Islam, Consul (Hajj) Md. Aslam Uddin, and Private Secretary to the Secretary Md. Kamrul Islam were also present at the meeting.

Bangladeshi passengers on stopovers will be able to perform Umrah with transit visa, said Saudi Arabia's Minister of Hajj and Umrah Affairs Dr Tawfiq bin Fawzan Ar-Rabiah on Wednesday (August 23, 2023). He disclosed the information while talking to reporters after a meeting with State Minister for Religious Affairs Md Faridul Haque Khan at the Secretariat in the afternoon. Read: Biman's last hajj flight arrives in Dhaka with 358 pilgrims Minister Md Faridul Haque said Bangladeshis will be allowed to perform Umrah even in transit. “Passengers will avail this benefit only if they use Saudi carriers. The transit visa will be valid for four days.” Read: KSA to allow over 127,000 Bangladeshis to perform hajj in 2024 Besides, the validity of Umrah visa has been extended from 1 month to 3 months. Bangladeshi passengers can also travel the country on this visa, he added. The state minister also said that discussions were held on increasing the Hajj quota and reducing the Hajj cost for Bangladeshis. Read: 117 Bangladeshi hajj pilgrims died in Saudi Arabia till July 27: Ministry

Over 2,400 more Bangladeshis will be able to perform Hajj this year, as Saudi Arabia has increased the number of Hajj quota for this country. The information came from a letter sent to the Hajj Council in Saudi Arabia by the Religious Affairs Ministry of Bangladesh on Wednesday. Read: First hajj flight leaves Dhaka with 410 pilgrims According to the letter, Bangladesh has accepted the increased quota of additional 2,415 pilgrims allotted to the country by the Saudi government for this year’s Hajj. The letter requested the Saudi Hajj Councillor to take necessary steps after fixing the quota of 115 under government management and the remaining 2,300 under private agencies. This year's Hajj will be held on July 8 in Saudi Arabia, depending on the sighting of the moon. Read: Hajj cost goes up by Tk 59,000 The flight of Hajj pilgrims to Saudi Arabia started on June 5. The last flight to Saudi Arabia is on July 3. The return flight will start from July 14 and end on August 4. So far, 26,309 pilgrims have gone to Saudi Arabia till Tuesday.