United News of Bangladesh

Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia on Tuesday (11th November 2025) signed the Hajj agreement for 2026, under which 78,500 Bangladeshi pilgrims will be able to perform the pilgrimage next year. Dr AFM Khalid Hossain, religious affairs adviser, and Dr Tawfiq bin Fawzan Al Rabiah, Saudi Minister of Hajj and Umrah, inked the deal on behalf of their respective countries. Both sides discussed the overall management of the Hajj pilgrimage during the signing ceremony. Adviser Khalid briefed the Saudi minister on Bangladesh’s recent progress in Hajj management and requested enhanced facilities for Bangladeshi pilgrims, including improved tent arrangements, water supply, and sanitation services in Mina, Arafat and Muzdalifah, said a media release issued by the ministry on Tuesday night. KSA bars pilgrims with incurable diseases from performing Hajj: Ministry Lauding Bangladesh’s Hajj management system, Tawfiq assured that Saudi authorities would continue to provide the highest level of services to Bangladeshi pilgrims. During the meeting, the adviser also invited the Saudi Minister to visit Bangladesh while he accepted the invitation. Religious Affairs Secretary Md Kamal Uddin, Bangladesh Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Delwar Hossain, Saudi Deputy Minister of Hajj and Umrah Dr Hassan Manakhara, Saudi Ambassador to Bangladesh Dr Abdullah bin Jafar H. bin Abyah, and senior officials from both countries, among others were present at the signing ceremony. Hajj agency’s license cancelled for failing to send pilgrims to Hajj

The Ministry of Religious Affairs has cancelled the registration certificate of a Hajj agency for failing to send pilgrims to Saudi Arabia for Hajj and then delaying refund of their money while intimidating complainants. According to an official gazette notification, the license of Salam Abad Travels (Hajj License No. 1447), based in Jamalpur, has been revoked under the Hajj and Umrah Management Act, 2021 for violating several provisions of the law and committing misconduct. The ministry said six individuals from Islampur in Jamalpur, including one Md Nuruzzaman, had filed complaints alleging that they paid a total of Tk 26.18 lakh to the agency’s representative, Syed Abu Talha, son of the owner, to perform Hajj in 2024. However, the agency failed to send them. Over 1.5 million international pilgrims arrive in Saudi Arabia for Hajj When the pilgrims asked for a refund, Talha repeatedly delayed repayment and even threatened the complainants. Following local arbitration, he refunded Tk 7.74 lakh on July 31 last year. Failing to recover the remaining amount, the victims submitted a formal complaint to the Religious Affairs Secretary on November 21. Subsequently, on December 1, the additional secretary (Hajj) held a hearing with both parties. During the hearing, Talha pledged to repay the remaining amount by January 30, 2025, and signed a written settlement. In line with the agreement, he paid an additional Tk 5 lakh in the second installment, the gazette noted. However, as of the deadline, Talha had only returned Tk 12.74 lakh out of Tk 26.18 lakh, leaving Tk 13.44 lakh unpaid. The complainants submitted another complaint on June 18 this year to the Religious Affairs Secretary. A second hearing was held on June 29 where both parties were notified. The ministry concluded that Salam Abad Travels collected money from intending pilgrims without sending them for Hajj, failed to return the full amount, issued threats, and breached the written agreement – all of which constitute serious violations of the Hajj and Umrah Management Act, 2021, specifically clauses 12(b), 12(j), 12(t), and 12(1). Citing these violations, the ministry cancelled the agency’s license under section 13(1) of the Act. It also ordered payment of the remaining Tk 13.44 lakh to the six affected individuals within 30 working days. If the agency fails to make the payment within the stipulated time, the ministry will compensate the victims from the agency’s security deposit, as per section 13(5) of the Act. Additionally, in line with section 13(6), the ministry directed that if any other pilgrims were pre-registered with Salam Abad Travels, they be transferred to agencies of their choice. The decision aims to uphold accountability in Hajj operations and ensure justice for affected pilgrims.  

The annual Hajj pilgrimage officially commenced today as pilgrims began arriving in Mina from Mecca in the early hours to observe the Day of Tarwiyah, a tradition rooted in the practices of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Chanting the Talbiyah — “Here I am, O Allah, here I am. You have no partner, here I am” — the faithful made their way to Mina, also known as the Tent City. The movement of pilgrims marks the start of a deeply spiritual journey, which will continue through the coming days to Arafat and Muzdalifah. This year, more than 1.47 million international pilgrims are joined by hundreds of thousands of domestic worshippers, reaffirming Hajj’s status as one of the largest religious gatherings globally. Located in a valley just five kilometres east of the Grand Mosque in Mecca, Mina plays a pivotal role in the Hajj rites. The area is home to over 100,000 fire-resistant white tents, purpose-built to accommodate more than 2.6 million pilgrims. Designed with modern safety and hygiene in mind, the facilities in Mina reflect a remarkable combination of spiritual devotion and advanced planning. The infrastructure, including an extensive network of roads, tunnels, and bridges, allows for efficient movement between the three key pilgrimage sites — Mina, Arafat, and Muzdalifah — and exemplifies the logistical sophistication underpinning the Kingdom’s Hajj operations. Smart Hajj: How Saudi Arabia Is innovating crowd management for pilgrims Dr Mohammed Al Qarni, Director General of Hajj and Umrah at the General Transportation Centre of the Royal Commission for Mecca City and the Holy Sites, confirmed that the transport of pilgrims to Arafat will take place through three main systems. The Mashair train is expected to carry 316,000 pilgrims, while traditional and multi-modal systems will facilitate the journey for another 720,000. Meanwhile, Al Khayf Mosque in Mina, an important site of prayer during Hajj, has undergone significant enhancements. Prayer areas have been expanded with rugs spread across 27,000 square metres, while new smart air-conditioning systems with CO₂ sensors and automated cooling have been installed to ensure comfort amid the intense summer heat. With high temperatures forecast, Saudi authorities have scaled up efforts to safeguard the health of pilgrims. Dr Abdullah Asir, Deputy Minister of Health, announced the deployment of 50,000 medical and administrative personnel — the largest medical team in Hajj history. The Ministry of Health has allocated over 700 hospital beds specifically for heat-related conditions, alongside three field hospitals and 71 emergency response points. 18 teams assigned to serve Bangladeshi hajj pilgrims in Mina Ministry spokesperson Eng. Khaled Al Tala’a confirmed that the health of pilgrims remains stable and that the overall healthcare capacity has increased by 60% compared to last year. More than 98,000 medical services have already been delivered since pilgrims began arriving in the Kingdom. As the sacred rituals of Hajj continue, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s detailed preparations highlight its unwavering commitment to providing a secure, dignified, and spiritually enriching experience for every pilgrim. Source: With inputs from Gulf News

A total of 18 teams have been formed to provide services to Bangladeshi pilgrims in Mina during this year’s hajj. The Bangladesh Hajj Office in Makkah Al-Mukarramah issued an official order regarding the formation of these teams on Tuesday. The decision was made following a meeting of the Hajj Monitoring Committee on Monday, where officials agreed to assign specific responsibilities to ensure a smooth and safe Hajj experience for the pilgrims. The order was subsequently issued by the Hajj Counsellor. Four teams have been assigned to facilitate the transportation of government-arranged pilgrims to Mina and ensure their safe return to their hotels after the hajj rituals. These teams comprise 10 officials in total. What are the Hajj pilgrimage and Eid al-Adha? Why are they important to muslims? Additionally, six teams will be stationed at key locations in Mina to guide pilgrims and provide necessary assistance. These locations will be manned by 87 officials and staff members working in three shifts, covering administrative, technical, and support roles. To monitor the tents of privately-managed pilgrims, eight separate inspection teams have been formed. These 23-member teams will independently inspect tents operated by service providers in Zone 5 of Mina. This year, private Hajj agencies have signed contracts with eight service-providing companies to support pilgrims under their care. The companies include Rawaf Mina, Iswar Al Mashair, M by Millennium, Rehlat Manafie, Ekram Ad Duyuf, Mashariq Al Mutamayyizah, Flynas, and Al Rifada.

The Ministry of Religious Affairs has urged Bangladeshi citizens, both at home and in Saudi Arabia, not to attempt to perform Hajj, the largest religious gathering of the Muslims, without an official permit. The ministry called for compliance with Saudi regulations to ensure a smooth and disciplined Hajj process, safeguard the welfare of pilgrims and maintain the cordial relationship between Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia, said a statement issued on Friday. The ministry instructed that those with travel visas should not attempt to stay in Makkah or other holy sites in Saudi Arabia during the ongoing Hajj season. It also requested Bangladeshis to refrain from supporting such individuals by offering transportation, accommodation or any assistance to enter restricted areas. The Saudi government has implemented new regulations this year to ease access to Makkah for legitimate pilgrims, reduce overcrowding and enhance security. Under the new rules, only pilgrims with official Hajj permits, valid work authorisation, or Makkah-registered residency permits (Iqama) will be allowed to enter the holy city. Brain Drain from Bangladesh: When leaving the country becomes ultimate goal for youths Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Interior has warned of strict penalties with those attempting Hajj without a permit face fines up to 20,000 Saudi Riyals, while those aiding them could be fined up to 100,000 Riyals. Moreover, violators may have their vehicles confiscated upon court orders. The authorities further said that any foreign national overstaying or performing Hajj without legal authorisation will be deported and barred from re-entering Saudi Arabia for the next 10 years. These measures will be in effect from the 1st of Dhul Qadah (April 29) to the 14th of Dhul Hijjah (June 10). During this period, unauthorised individuals are prohibited from entering or remaining in Makkah and surrounding sacred areas. Surveillance will be heightened, particularly for those entering Saudi Arabia on travel visas. Religious Affairs Adviser AFM Khalid Hossain emphasised the importance of adhering to Saudi laws for the sake of a well-organized Hajj. He highlighted the significance of Bangladesh’s ties with Saudi Arabia, home to over 35 lakh Bangladeshi workers and the largest source of remittances to the country. Nazmul Karim Khan elected president, Anisuzzaman gen secy of BPSA Urging Bangladeshis to avoid actions that could harm bilateral relations, Khalid reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting a smooth Hajj for the greater good of the Muslim Ummah.    

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has reiterated that all pilgrims planning to perform Hajj in the 1446 AH season must secure an official permit via the “Nusuk” platform, which is linked to the centralized digital system for Hajj permits, “Tasreeh.” Govt to introduce hajj management centres, app to ensure seamless services for pilgrims The ministry stressed that adhering to these guidelines is vital for ensuring the safety and security of pilgrims and for maintaining an orderly pilgrimage experience. In its statement, the ministry clarified that only those holding a designated Hajj visa are permitted to perform the pilgrimage. Using any other type of visa for Hajj is considered a violation of the rules, reports Saudi Gazette. It also warned against fraudulent Hajj campaigns spread through misleading ads on social media, which offer unauthorised lodging and transportation within the holy sites. The public has been encouraged to report such activities by calling 911 in Makkah, Riyadh, and the Eastern Province, or 999 in other regions. Deceptive advertisements can also be reported to local authorities. House rentals, transportation of over 6,500 hajj pilgrims yet to be finalised , Visa issues loom Additionally, the ministry announced that Umrah visa holders must leave Saudi Arabia by Tuesday, 1 Dhul-Qi’dah 1446 AH (April 29, 2025), ahead of the Hajj season.  

Religious Affairs Adviser AFM Khalid Hasan on Wednesday emphasised that Hajj must be performed with halal money saying, pilgrimage  will not be accepted if performed with haram earnings. "People tend to earn money through interest, bribery, and corruption. However, Hajj performed with unlawfully earned money will not be accepted," he said during the inauguration of Hajj Training 2025 at the Osmani Memorial Hall in the capital. Quoting a Hadith, the adviser said that when corrupt individuals, looters, usurers, or bribers arrive at the Holy Haram [Kabah] to declare their arrival before Allah, the angels respond in unison, saying, "Your arrival has not been accepted." He urged everyone to earn money through honest means. He also discussed the physical hardships and financial costs involved in performing Hajj mentioning that in some cases, transportation services might not be available, and pilgrims may have to walk to Meena, Arafah, and Muzdalifah. He echoed that pilgrims must be mentally prepared to endure hardships and sacrifices, accepting everything with ease in the pursuit of Allah’s satisfaction. Highlighting the importance of training, the adviser said that the more attentively one takes Hajj training, the easier it will be to perform the rituals. He urged Hajj pilgrims to focus and participate actively in the training sessions. Two more parties submit reform opinions to Consensus Commission Khalid referred to the Hajj pilgrims as "fortunate," noting that Hajj is a matter of destiny. "Simply having wealth or affluence does not guarantee that one will be able to perform Hajj. Many people with money are unable to go, even though they may say, ‘I’ll go tomorrow,’" he added. Over 700 Hajj pilgrims from the Dhaka district are receiving training in two batches today. The training sessions will continue until April 16.

Religious Affairs Adviser AFM Khalid Hossain on Tuesday expressed concern over the uncertainty surrounding the pilgrimage of 10,487 Hajj aspirants under private management, due to the failure of several Hajj agencies to finalise accommodation arrangements in Makkah and Madinah. Speaking at a press conference at the secretariat, the adviser said, “Due to a lack of commitment and responsibility from some Hajj agencies, the religious affairs ministry is deeply concerned about 10,487 pilgrims—7,274 in Makkah and 3,213 in Madinah—whose house rentals have yet to be confirmed.” “We want to make it clear, if even a single pilgrim is unable to perform Hajj due to negligence or irresponsibility of any agency, that agency will be held accountable. The ministry will not take responsibility for any such failure, nor will it tolerate any form of carelessness,” he warned. The adviser noted that officials from the ministry held a meeting with Hajj agencies via Zoom on April 7 to review the situation. According to agency updates, as of 12:30 pm on Tuesday, house rental requests for 1,126 pilgrims in Makkah and 1,067 in Madinah had not yet been submitted on the Nusuk Maasar platform. Out of 81,900 pilgrims under private arrangements this year, accommodations for 74,626 in Makkah and 78,687 in Madinah have been confirmed so far, he said. Home adviser sees no specific security threat centering Pahela Baishakh The number of agencies failing to finalise rentals stood at 21 until yesterday but has since come down to 9, the adviser added. The adviser mentioned that as per the roadmap announced by the Saudi government, all pilgrims must obtain their visas by April 18. The Religious Affairs Ministry has already issued letters to the Hajj agencies, urging them to complete all formalities within the stipulated timeframe. “We are continuously urging the agencies to submit house rental requests through the online platform. Show-cause notices have been issued to those who have yet to finalise rental agreements,” he said. He also called upon all agencies to complete the required procedures on time in the interest of enabling pilgrims to perform Hajj without hindrance. A total of 81,900 pilgrims from Bangladesh have registered for Hajj this year through private arrangements. Due to Saudi Arabia's minimum pilgrim quota per agency, these pilgrims—registered under 753 agencies—will travel through 70 lead agencies, the adviser added.

The government has directed the banks concerned to pay deposits of Hajj pilgrims and ordered them not to invest the money deposited by them A circular from the Hajj-1 section under the Ministry of Religious Affairs was issued in this regard on Tuesday, said a media release sent from the ministry. The banks concerned have been directed not to create any hassle in withdrawing money deposited for performing the 2025 Hajj by the aspirants or deposited money under any scheme, it reads. It also said that the expenses of the Saudi phase of the Hajj pilgrims and the money for air tickets are still being deposited in the bank accounts of the approved Hajj agencies of the Ministry of Religious Affairs for the Hajj activities. About 50 percent of the money deposited in these accounts will have to be sent to Saudi Arabia in the last week of December. That is why it has been requested not to invest the deposited money elsewhere. DU VC meets chief adviser, discusses university affairs Moreover, the hajj pilgrims have to deposit the necessary money for the Saudi phase of the Hajj pilgrims in the account titled 'agency pilgrims fund payable to KSA' of Sonali Bank, Ramna corporate branch in the light of the instructions of this ministry.    

The government has extended the Hajj registration deadline for 2025 to December 15 to prevent last-minute hassles. The Ministry of Religious Affairs announced this change through a noticw signed by Deputy Secretary Md Rafikul Islam on Thursday. The notice said the registration period for both government and private Hajj pilgrims now runs until December 15, 2024. During this period, pilgrims can complete their initial registration by depositing Tk 3 lakh and must finalise their registration by paying the full amount for the Hajj package. The notice added that no further extensions will be given after this deadline. Pilgrims must complete all necessary procedures within the stipulated timeframe.