United News of Bangladesh

Preliminary registration for Hajj 2027 will begin on Monday and continue until September 24, with intending pilgrims required to complete the process within the stipulated period. The schedule has been announced in line with the Hajj roadmap issued by Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, the Ministry of Religious Affairs said on Sunday. Prospective pilgrims will be able to complete primary registration through either the government or private management system by depositing Tk 3.5 lakh, it said. Those who complete primary registration must pay the remaining amount of their selected Hajj package and complete final registration by December 10 this year. Before primary registration, applicants must complete a pre-registration by depositing Tk 30,000, the ministry said. Under the government arrangement, intending pilgrims can register online by creating an account on the e-Hajj system (hajj.gov.bd). Registration will also be available through Union Digital Centres, divisional and district offices as well as its Baitul Mukarram office, district and upazila model mosques and the Dhaka Hajj Office. Pilgrims registering under the government scheme must deposit the required amount at any branch of Sonali Bank using a voucher. Those registering through private Hajj agencies must deposit the money into the agency's designated bank account, the details of which will be available on the Hajj portal. The ministry also announced several eligibility conditions for Hajj pilgrims. Children below the age of 15 years will not be allowed to perform Hajj. People suffering from serious chronic illnesses, including heart, lung, liver or kidney diseases, neurological or mental disorders, dementia, or cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, biological therapy or radiotherapy, will also be ineligible. Individuals with active infectious diseases that pose a public health risk, including tuberculosis and haemorrhagic fever, will likewise be barred from performing Hajj. Women in the final two months of pregnancy or those with high-risk pregnancies will not be issued the required fitness certificate for Hajj. During primary registration, pilgrims will be required to select their district for Hajj training and vaccination, the type of Hajj and their preferred Hajj package. Applicants must also possess a passport valid until at least December 31, 2027, the ministry said. Earlier, on July 21, the government announced two Hajj packages for 2027, setting the cost of maximum Hajj package at Tk 6,15,263 and minimum package at Tk 5,05,648. 

The government has granted conditional approval to 357 Hajj agencies in the first phase to participate in Hajj operations for 2027. The Ministry of Religious Affairs published a list of initially eligible agencies on Sunday. Hajj is expected to be performed on May 15, 2027, subject to the sighting of the moon. The government is expected to announce the Hajj packages later this week. The ministry said agencies on the published list that fail to register pilgrims for the 2027 Hajj season without valid reasons will face administrative action. Before registering pilgrims, eligible agencies must form groups (alliances) within a specified period through mutual coordination. An agency, which can meet the minimum pilgrim quota set by the Saudi authorities – either individually or through an alliance – will be eligible to send pilgrims to Saudi Arabia. The ministry said agencies must complete pilgrims' registration through the e-Hajj system under the approved package, which will serve as the contract between the pilgrim and the agency. The package must clearly specify the services to be provided in Saudi Arabia, the duration of stay, the distance of the accommodation from the holy sites and the package price.= Each agency must register at least 44 pilgrims to participate in Hajj operations. Agencies failing to meet the minimum requirement will have to transfer their registered pilgrims to another agency under a lead agency to ensure their participation in the pilgrimage. The ministry also directed agencies to appoint one Hajj guide for every 44 pilgrims. The guide must be proficient in Arabic, knowledgeable in information technology and experienced in conducting Hajj. Agencies must submit the guide's passport details and Hajj experience while registering them in the e-Hajj system. The ministry warned that no unregistered person will be allowed to travel to Saudi Arabia as a pilgrim. Any agency found attempting to send unregistered pilgrims will face legal action, including cancellation of its licence without an opportunity to show cause, it said.

Every year, millions of Muslims travel to Mecca in Saudi Arabia to perform the Hajj, one of the holiest acts of worship in Islam. The pilgrimage brings together believers from different countries and cultures in a shared spiritual journey marked by prayer, devotion and religious rituals. This year’s Hajj comes amid regional uncertainty linked to the fragile ceasefire surrounding the Iran conflict and wider tensions in the Middle East. Earlier this year, some Muslims performing Umrah — often called the minor pilgrimage — faced travel disruptions caused by the conflict, leaving several stranded in Saudi Arabia. The Hajj is one of Islam’s five pillarsHajj is the annual Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca and is considered a religious duty for every Muslim who is financially and physically capable of undertaking the journey at least once in their lifetime. Many believers, however, aspire to perform it multiple times. The pilgrimage is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, alongside the declaration of faith, daily prayers, charity and fasting.

More than 1.6 million Muslim pilgrims assembled Tuesday at the Plain of Arafat for the most significant spiritual stage of the Hajj pilgrimage, according to reports from the Saudi Press Agency. Beginning at dawn on the ninth day of Dhul-Hijjah, worshippers made their way to Arafat, where they devoted the day to prayer, reciting the Qur’an, remembering God and offering supplications. Pilgrims remained within the sacred boundaries of the site until sunset. Known in Islamic tradition as the core ritual of Hajj, the gathering at Arafat — called Wuquf Arafah — is regarded as the pilgrimage’s defining moment. Prophet Muhammad emphasized its importance by stating, “Hajj is Arafah.” Religious scholars describe the occasion as one of the holiest days in Islam, associated with mercy, forgiveness and spiritual purification. The day also commemorates the Farewell Pilgrimage of Prophet Muhammad in A.D. 632, when he delivered his final sermon at Mount Arafat, stressing justice, equality and the protection of life and property. At midday, pilgrims listened to the Arafah sermon, which offered spiritual guidance and highlighted the virtues of the sacred day. Worshippers later combined and shortened the Dhuhr and Asr prayers in accordance with the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad. Throughout the day, pilgrims engaged in prayer, recited the Talbiyah and Takbeer, and sought forgiveness in a deeply reflective and humble atmosphere. Located around 20 kilometers southeast of Makkah, Arafat is a vast plain centered around Jabal Al-Rahmah, also known as the Mount of Mercy, where many pilgrims gather for contemplation and worship. Islamic tradition links the site to the reunion of Adam and Eve, giving it profound spiritual significance for Muslims around the world. The journey to Arafat followed the Day of Tarwiyah in Mina, where pilgrims spent Monday preparing mentally and physically for the most demanding stage of Hajj. Saudi officials implemented extensive operational measures to ensure pilgrims’ safety and smooth movement, including crowd management systems, transportation services, healthcare support and emergency response teams across the holy sites. Health authorities also remained vigilant as temperatures climbed above 45 degrees Celsius, advising pilgrims to stay hydrated and minimize direct exposure to the sun. After sunset, pilgrims departed Arafat for Muzdalifah, where they were expected to combine and shorten the Maghrib and Isha prayers before spending the night resting and worshipping ahead of the symbolic stoning ritual. Source: Arab News

Religious Affairs Adviser AFM Khalid Hossain on Tuesday said just like last year, no one will be sent to perform Hajj at government cost this year. The adviser came up with the information while talking to reporters at the Secretariat. This year, the government would be able to refund more than Tk 3 crore to Hajj pilgrims under two government-managed packages after the completion of this year’s Hajj, he said. The Adviser said that he tried to perform his duties over the last one and a half years with transparency, accountability and integrity, making efforts to activate and streamline the Ministry of Religious Affairs and its subordinate offices and agencies. Several steps were taken to ensure a professional and honest working environment for officials and employees, he claimed. Regarding Hajj management, the adviser said that in line with directives of the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, a health service agreement was signed last year with a Saudi medical service company at a cost of two Saudi riyals per pilgrim. Due to the sincere efforts and effective negotiations of the interim government, all Bangladeshi pilgrims will receive this health service free of cost this year, he added. Claiming positive changes in Hajj management following the July revolution, the adviser said special emphasis was placed on ensuring Hajj at a reasonable cost. Through repeated negotiations with the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism, airfares for the 2025 Hajj were reduced by around Tk 27,000, while fares for this year were cut by about Tk 13,000 compared to last year, he added. This year, the government introduced three Hajj packages, compared to two last year. To facilitate limited- and fixed-income Muslims, an affordable package has been announced at Tk 4,67,167, he said. He said preparations for this year’s Hajj are satisfactory so far, with accommodation, tent and transport contracts for both government and private pilgrims already completed successfully. Besides, the service charges under Hajj Package-3 were reduced by around 600 Saudi riyals per pilgrim through effective negotiations with service provider companies, said the adviser. He also said accommodation for Package-3 pilgrims has been arranged within 1.5 kilometres of the Holy Haram instead of the earlier plan of 6–8 kilometres, easing transportation hassles and allowing pilgrims to perform five daily prayers at the Haram Sharif.

Religious Affairs Adviser Dr A F M Khalid Hossain on Wednesday said all preparations for Hajj are progressing according to the roadmap. The Ministry of Religious Affairs is working relentlessly to complete cent percent accommodation contracts within the stipulated timeframe, he said during a meeting with Saudi Arabia’s Ambassador to Bangladesh Dr Abdullah Jafer Bin Abiayah at the Secretariat. The adviser said that the process of finalising accommodation contracts for Bangladeshi pilgrims is being closely monitored. All Hajj agencies have been asked to sign the agreements within the set deadlines and a significant number of contracts have already been completed for pilgrims in both Madinah and Makkah, he said. The remaining contracts are expected to be finalised by the agencies before the deadline, he added. Read More: Hajj packages likely in August amid pressure to meet Saudi deadlines Emphasizing the importance of completing accommodation contracts in line with the roadmap for smooth Hajj management, the Saudi Ambassador expressed satisfaction with the overall progress of Bangladesh’s Hajj arrangements. The adviser also thanked the Saudi ambassador for playing a key role in determining this year’s quota for Bangladeshi pilgrims. During the meeting, both sides discussed strengthening bilateral relations and matters of mutual interest. Religious Affairs Secretary Md Kamal Uddin, Additional Secretary of the Hajj Division Dr Ayatul Islam, and Joint Secretary Dr Md Manjurul Haq were also present.

The Hajj flights from Bangladesh to Saudi Arabia will start from April 18, said the Religious Affairs Ministry. All Hajj agencies and airlines will have to strictly follow the directives of the Saudi government and the Hajj Package and Guidelines 2026, it said. The ministry sent letters to the Hajj agency owners and the three airlines responsible for transporting Hajj pilgrims, outlining the instructions. According to the letter, flights carrying pilgrims for Hajj 1447 Hijri (2026) will start operating from April 18. This year's Hajj is expected to fall on May 26. As per Saudi government instructions, pilgrims under the same service company must be transported to Saudi Arabia on the same flight. The ministry also said that under the Hajj Package and Guidelines 2026, at least 20 percent of an agency’s total pilgrims must be sent during the middle phase of the pre-Hajj flight schedule. The remaining pilgrims must be sent during the first and last phases, with 30 to 50 percent allocated to each phase. However, no agency will be allowed to issue less than 30 percent or more than 50 percent of tickets during either the first or last phase of the pre-Hajj flights. The ministry requested the concerned agencies and airlines to take necessary measures to ensure that pilgrims of the same service company travel on the same flight and that ticket issuance complies with the prescribed distribution for the different phases of the pre-Hajj flight schedule.

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