The Religious Affairs Ministry has directed all lead agencies to complete the rental of accommodation for Hajj pilgrims in Makkah and Madinah by January 28, as many agencies are yet to finalise housing arrangements for this year’s pilgrims.

The ministry warned that failure to complete housing contracts within the stipulated time would prevent pilgrims from performing Hajj.

The ministry also sent letters to all hajj agencies on January 24.

According to the letter, Bangladeshi pilgrims will perform Hajj this year through both government and private management systems.

Under the private arrangement, 73,935 pilgrims will travel to Saudi Arabia through 30 lead agencies.

The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has repeatedly urged agencies to complete accommodation arrangements for pilgrims within the stipulated time.

The Director General of the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah expressed serious dissatisfaction over the slow progress in arranging accommodation for Bangladeshi pilgrims in Makkah and Madinah during a virtual meeting held on January 23.

The ministry said accommodation arrangements for all pilgrims under the government management system have already been completed. It urged lead agencies to ensure 100 percent completion of housing arrangements for their pilgrims in Makkah and Madinah by January 28, with coordinating agencies providing full support.

The letter also warned that failure to comply within the deadline would have consequences for the concerned agencies’ future Hajj operations.