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

Religious Affairs Ministry Adviser Dr AFM Khalid Hossain said on Saturday that the national election will be held in time, no matter what political parties are saying. "We are committed to holding the election as scheduled. There is no reason for anyone to doubt this," he said while speaking at the foundation stone laying ceremony of the Bandarban District Model Mosque and Islamic Cultural Centre at Meghla Tourism Complex in Bandarban town. Dr Khalid Hossain said this mosque and Islamic centre will be an international standard Islamic structure and a symbol of communal harmony in the region. It will feature facilities for Quran memorization (Hefz Khana), a library and spaces for various Islamic cultural activities, the adviser said. Religious Adviser emphasises role of faith in reducing crime Chaired by the Deputy Commissioner of Bandarban, the function was addressed, among others, by Director General of the Islamic Foundation Abdur Salam Khan, Chairman of Bandarban Hill District Council Prof Thanzama Lushai, and Central Chairman of the Chittagong Hill Tracts Citizens Council Kazi Mujibur Rahman.

Religious Affairs Adviser Dr AFM Khalid Hossain urged all pilgrims to abide by the laws and regulations of Saudi Arabia and refrain from doing anything that tarnishes the image of the country. The adviser made the request during exchanged greetings with the pilgrims after inaugurating the Hajj flights for 2025 at the Ashkona Hajj Camp in the capital on Monday. He said that the government is working to ensure that the pilgrims can perform Hajj at a reasonable cost. "We are also working on how to simplify all the processes starting from the registration of the pilgrims," he added. Reform Process: Prof Yunus gives directives towards next steps  The adviser expressed optimism over what he said would be many positive changes in Hajj management next year. The first flight carrying Bangladeshi pilgrims will depart from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport for Jeddah at 2:15am. Saudi Arabia's national carrier Saudia will fly carrying 398 pilgrims to perform the holy Hajj on the first flight (SV 3803). Bangladesh-Pakistan Business Forum launched through gala event at city hotel A total of 4,180 pilgrims will depart for Saudi on a total of 10 flights on the first day. Of these, eight flights will land at King Abdul Aziz International Airport in Jeddah and two flights will land at Prince Muhammad bin Abdul Aziz International Airport in Medina. Religious Affairs Secretary AKM Aftab Hossain Pramanik chaired the programme, while additional secretary of the Hajj Division Md. Matiul Islam delivered a welcome speech. Civil Aviation and Tourism Adviser Sheikh Bashiruddin and Nasreen Jahan, Secretary, Saudi Embassy in Bangladesh, Abdul Aziz Fahad M. Al Ibrahim, Charge d'Affaires of the Saudi Embassy in Bangladesh, Air Vice Marshal Md. Manjur Kabir Bhuiyan, Chairman of the Civil Aviation Authority, Syed Golam Sarwar, and Secretary General Farid Ahmed Majumder spoke as special guests at the event. Five percent tax rebate for solar panel users under consideration: DNCC At the event, two pilgrims were invited to express their views on the interim government's Hajj management. They expressed their overall satisfaction with Hajj management this year.  Besides, a documentary on Hajj activities was also screened at the event.  

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.

Religious Affairs Adviser Dr AFM Khalid Hossain on Thursday said that the doors of his ministry are always open to both male and female journalists. “Perhaps an overenthusiastic third party could have done this. The responsibility for this does not fall on me in any way. I attended their event as a guest," he said responding to a question over the allegation that a woman journalist was barred from entering the Qawmi Entrepreneurs Conference. He mentioned that he does not know anything about the incident and the organising authorities are also unaware of it. Interim govt concerned over restrictions on women’s recreation "Yesterday, (Wednesday) the Qawmi Entrepreneurs Conference took place at the China Friendship Conference Center, where I was present for only an hour. I was unaware about the matter,” he said. “There were many journalists at the event, and a female journalist posted about it on Facebook which was sent to me. I could not speak to her late at night, and today there has been further discussion about the Facebook post," he added. Khalid further said he received a written statement from the founder of Qawmi Entrepreneurs where they clarified the matter. They said no one involved in organising the event is responsible for it and they sought apology if something like this happened without their knowledge, he said. The Qawmi Entrepreneurs claimed that they have never obstructed women in their work or news reporting and they made it clear in their statement that they will not do so in the future, said Khalid. The adviser said that the organisers addressed the matter clearly and he believes it should be stopped here. Press accreditation cards to have 3-year validity; new policy soon: DPS Azad "This matter was discussed in the Advisory Council meeting," he said, adding that the meeting also addressed women's empowerment. "There should be no form of disrespect or dishonor towards women. I was asked about discrimination against female journalists, and I conveyed the same message there."  

Religious Affairs Adviser A.F.M. Khalid Hossain has said that a group both inside and outside the country is attempting to disrupt the communal harmony and unity of the nation but all such conspiracies would be thwarted . “With the support of people, all conspiracies would be thwarted and no conspiracy will be allowed to succeed,” he said while addressing as the chief guest at the Talented people and Meritorious Student Reception organised by the Baufal Foundation Dhaka at the Multipurpose Hall of the Institution of Diploma Engineers Bangladesh (IDEB) in Kakrail Saturday morning. "In our beloved country people of various religions, castes, and communities coexist. As per the Constitution everyone has equal rights. People of all religions have been practicing and disseminating their faiths with dignity, and they will continue to do so without any hindrance in the future." No more IPP in power sector with govt guarantee to buy electricity: Adviser He aid whether individuals or groups are involved in conspiracies the government will investigate and bring them to justice. “Those involved in criminal activities will be given exemplary punishment through the judicial process.” Khalid also said all necessary measures will be taken to ensure a free, fair, and impartial election. He said the elections will be held on the date announced by the Chief Adviser and after 15-16 years the people would have the opportunity to vote for their preferred candidates. Twenty talented people, 120 meritorious students and six martyr families were given reception at the event.

The Islamic Book Fair has been inaugurated by Religious Affairs Adviser Dr. A.F.M. Khalid Hossain on the premises of the National Mosque Baitul Mukarram, in celebration of Eid-e-Miladunnabi. The inauguration programme was held at the Islamic Foundation auditorium within the mosque. During the event, Dr. Hossain remarked, "We can organize an international book fair at Suhrawardy Udyan, but we need to consider whether international publishers will attend. Perhaps some from West Bengal will come, as the Bengali Academy's dictionary is renowned there. We will strive to bring publishers from West Bengal and other countries as well." He urged publishers to ensure their presence not just domestically but also internationally. ‘Banking Reporter Kala-kausal’ hits Amar Ekushey Book Fair Dr. Hossain highlighted that this year’s fair features 151 stalls, showcasing research-based and original books. He emphasized the undeniable contribution of Islamic literature to shaping an ideal life. Several books will also be unveiled during the fair. The event was chaired by Mohammad Saiful Islam, Director General of the Islamic Foundation, with the presence of Religious Secretary M.A. Hamid Jamaddar. Held in the southern and eastern courtyards of Baitul Mukarram National Mosque, the fair will run from October 22 to November 10. It will be open to the public daily from 12 PM to 9 PM on weekdays, and from 10 AM to 10 PM on holidays. The stalls feature translations of the Holy Quran, Tafsir, Hadith literature, and various fundamental and research-based books on Islam. Additionally, all books at the Islamic Foundation's stall will offer a 35% discount.