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.

Government is committed to protect the best interest of Hajj pilgrims, said Religious Affairs Adviser AFM Khalid Hossain on Sunday. The ministry is working tirelessly to improve the hajj management in a disciplined way and due to the government’s effective measures, the cost of plane fares decreased by nearly Tk 27,000 this year, he said. Khalid came up with the remark while talking to reporters after a meeting with the Saudi Ambassador to Bangladesh Essa Youssef Essa Al Duhailan, at the Secretariat. Besides, the government has taken steps to strengthen the registration process for pilgrims, he said. He also sought support from the Saudi Ambassador to issue the Moazzem Visa and to limit the number of pilgrims per agency to 250. During the meeting, discussions were held on transportation of hajj pilgrims, Route to Mecca, service, installation of Arabic Language Institute in Dhaka, Eight Iconic Mosques in Bangladesh and the other issues of mutual interest. Nepalese Ambassador meets Bangladesh’s Religious Adviser Besides, various aspects of strengthening the relationship between the two countries were also discussed. Secretary of the Ministry of Religious Affairs, AKM Aftab Hossain Pramanik, Additional Secretary of the Hajj Division Mohammad Matiul Islam, its Joint Secretary Dr Manjurul Haque, and the Adviser’s Personal Secretary Shadek Ahmad were present there.

Saudi Ambassador Essa Yousef Essa Alduhailan has said that he is taking initiative to provide visas for the hajj pilgrims who are yet to get their visas. The assurance came today during a meeting with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at her official residence, Ganabhaban. The visa initiative was a response to Prime Minister Hasina’s request to extend the visa approval timeframe, enabling the pilgrims to participate in the upcoming Hajj. More than 10,000 hajj pilgrims are yet to get visa from Saudi Arabia due to various complexities. PM’s speechwriter M Nazrul Islam briefed reporters after the meeting. During the discussion, the ambassador presented a list of projects Saudi investors aim to implement in Bangladesh. The PM said that Bangladesh will review these proposals carefully, emphasizing the need for thorough evaluation before moving forward. She assured that the concerned ministries and divisions will look into the matter. Read more: PM inaugurates Hajj programme-2024 The talks also touched on broader geopolitical issues, including support for Palestine. Prime Minister Hasina reiterated Bangladesh’s commitment to aiding the Palestinian people, mentioning recent consignments of assistance. “The whole world is with Palestine except the US and few of its allies,” she said. Furthermore, with nearly 32 lakh Bangladeshis residing in Saudi Arabia, contributing significantly to both nations’ economies, Hasina urged the Saudi government to encourage the use of legal channels for remittances. This effort aims to secure economic benefits for Bangladesh while maintaining strong bilateral ties. The meeting was attended by several high-ranking officials, including PM’s Private Industry and Investment Adviser Salman Fazlur Rahman, Ambassador-at-large Mohammad Ziauddin, and PMO Secretary Mohammad Salauddin. Read more: Over 11,000 Hajj aspirants face visa uncertainty as deadline expires

As the deadline to apply for Hajj visas concluded last night, uncertainty looms for over 11,000 pilgrims from Bangladesh who have yet to secure their visas. This situation makes their participation uncertain in this year’s Hajj, scheduled for June 16, contingent on moon sighting. As of today, the latest figures revealed that 72,138 individuals had successfully obtained their Saudi visas, with an additional 259 currently in the visa printing process. However, this leaves precisely 11,167 applicants in limbo, with their chances of attending the Hajj in jeopardy unless the Saudi government grants another extension. In response to the crisis, Faridul Haq Khan, Minister of Religious Affairs, has formally requested a third extension from the Saudi authorities to accommodate the backlog. Echoing this sentiment, Md A Hamid Zamadder, Secretary to the ministry, expressed optimism last night, telling UNB, “We remain in constant communication with our counterparts in the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah. We are hopeful for an extension in the visa application period.” Explore why boys lag behind girls in exams: PM Hasina says on SSC results Zamadder also noted that other countries, including India and Indonesia, are facing similar issues, which might influence Saudi Arabia to extend the visa deadline. Despite the government’s efforts, issues with local Hajj agencies have compounded the problem. These agencies have reportedly failed to secure accommodations in Saudi Arabia, a prerequisite for visa approval, leading to last-minute scrambles and heightened uncertainty. The agencies are now racing against time, trying to secure housing at lower rates, which has delayed visa processing. As of now, 11,017 Bangladeshi pilgrims have arrived in Saudi Arabia, with a total of 85,257 expected to perform Hajj under both government and private management. Visitors on Hajj visa prohibited from traveling outside Jeddah, Medina, and Mecca: Saudi Ministry The first batch of pilgrims departed on May 9, with flights scheduled to continue until June 10. Upon completion of Hajj, return flights are slated from June 20 through July 22. The coming days will be critical in determining whether the remaining applicants can fulfill their spiritual journey, as the ministry awaits a definitive response on the visa extension issue, expected by Monday.

Biman Bangladesh Airlines commenced its dedicated Hajj flights this morning, marking the beginning of its annual service to transport pilgrims to and from Saudi Arabia for the holy Hajj. The inaugural flight, BG3301, departed from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka at 7 am, carrying 415 pilgrims directly to Jeddah. The event began with a ceremony at 5:30 am, attended by key figures including Md Faridul Haque Khan, Minister of Religious Affairs; Sajjadul Hassan, Chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Civil Aviation and Tourism; Air Vice Marshal Md Mafidur Rahman, Chairman of the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB); Shafiul Azim, Managing Director and CEO of Biman Bangladesh Airlines; and Md Shahadat Hossain Taslim, President of the Hajj Agencies Association of Bangladesh (HAAB). PM inaugurates Hajj programme-2024 This year, a record number of 85,257 Bangladeshi pilgrims will journey to Saudi Arabia to perform the Hajj, with Biman Bangladesh Airlines handling approximately 50% of these travelers, totaling 42,629 pilgrims. To accommodate this massive undertaking, Biman has scheduled 116 pre-Hajj flights and 125 post-Hajj flights. Furthermore, the airline has expanded its service to include flights from Sylhet and Chattogram, enhancing access and convenience for pilgrims across Bangladesh. Biman Bangladesh Airlines continues to operate these flights exclusively with its own fleet, underscoring its capability and readiness to manage the logistical demands of Hajj travel. Read more: Visitors on Hajj visa prohibited from traveling outside Jeddah, Medina, and Mecca: Saudi Ministry

Saudi Arabia has clarified its new policy, introducing travel restrictions for Hajj pilgrims — confining their movements exclusively to Jeddah, Medina, and Mecca. The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah announced that individuals visiting Saudi Arabia on a Hajj visa are prohibited from traveling outside these three cities. The visa is designed solely for pilgrimage purposes and does not permit holders to engage in work, seek residency, or travel beyond Jeddah, Medina, and Mecca. Hajj packages for 2024 to be cheaper Violations of these restrictions could result in severe penalties, including deportation and a potential ban on future Hajj participation, according to a Gulf News report. Furthermore, the Ministry clarified that all international visitors, except those from GCC countries who do not require a Hajj permit, must secure a Hajj visa through the official channels. To streamline the application process, the Ministry's website now facilitates electronic registration for the Hajj visa via the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' visa platform. Applicants are required to log in, select the required service, and follow detailed instructions for document submission. Bangladeshis can perform Umrah with transit visa: Saudi Hajj Minister The deadline for Hajj visa applications is set for the 7th of Dhu Al Hijjah, or until the designated quota of pilgrims is met. Processing typically takes up to three working days, and applicants are urged to apply early to adhere to all regulatory requirements.

Religious Affairs Minister Faridul Haque Khan on Tuesday told Parliament that the government officers and employees are sent to Saudi Arabia for hajj management and providing services to the Bangladeshi pilgrims, not for performing hajj. “The government officers/employees are sent to Saudi Arabia under various teams to discharge the duties for hajj management and providing services to hajj pilgrims……They are not sent to perform hajj at the cost of government funds,” he said. The minister said this replying to a question from independent lawmaker Mohammad Saiful Islam (Dhaka-19) during the question-answer session in the House. Stop loan default culture to save economy: Anisul Islam Mahmud He said medical centers and clinics are run to provide medical services to Bangladeshi hajj pilgrims. He said the government officials or employees (Hajj delegation team, Hajj administrative team, Hajj medical team, Hajj technical team and Hajj administrative support team) are sent to Saudi Arabia for the purpose of serving the Hajj pilgrims in Mina-Arafat-Muzdalifah-Jamarah, Makkah and Madinah The Religious Affairs Minister said the government team members render proper medical and other services to Bangladeshi pilgrims including elderly ones  hailing from the very remote places of Bangladesh. World Radio Day: Betar playing role in country's development, says Arafat “Actions are also taken against them if they (government officers/employees) neglect their duties,” he said. Saiful Islam in his question said every year government officials/employees go for hajj with government money. The government fund or money is the public money. He asked the minister if the performance of hajj spending other people's money will be valid and how much the officials/employees serve the pilgrims there. Responding to a question from independent lawmaker Moshiur Rahman Mollah Shajal, the Religious Affairs Minister said despite the government’s desire it was not possible to reduce the cost of hajj as the value of Saudi Riyal went high due to the rise of the dollar rate. He said Bangladesh is the fourth largest hajj pilgrim sending country in the world. In 2024, the quota of hajj pilgrims for Bangladesh is 127, 198, he said adding a normal hajj package of Tk 578, 840 has been announced for the year, reducing the package by Tk 92,450 from 2023 so that people from all walks of life can go to perform the hajj. 98 percent of the country's demand for medicine is produced locally: Health Minister In reply to another question from independent lawmaker Mohiuddin Maharaj (Pirojpur-2), the Religious Affairs Minister said there are some 300,000 mosques in the country. Noting that the number of imams and muezzins of these mosques is some seven lakhs, Faridul Haque said in the current economic context, it is not possible to provide allowance to this large manpower now. This matter will be considered in future, he said.

The government has extended the hajj registration deadline for 2024 until December 31 in a bid to avoid last time hassle. The Ministry of Religious Affairs issued a notice signed by assistant secretary of the Ministry Tafiqul Islam on Sunday. According to the notice, the list of intending devotees should be sent to the Saudi government by January 7 and if the authorities don’t receive the final list, it will be difficult to get tent in Mina at a convenient place. HAAB announces private hajj package for 2024; minimum cost set at Tk 5.89 lakh To avoid such hassle, the Religious Affairs Ministry decided to extend the deadline for hajj registration. The server for the registration will automatically be stopped once the registration quota is finished, it added. Those who want to perform Hajj, have to deposit Tk 2.05 lakh for registration and the rest need to be deposited by February 29, 2024. HAAB writes to PM for refixing hajj airfare If any devotee fails to perform hajj then the money deposited for registration purposes will not be returned. Hajj-2024 will be held on 9th day of Zilhaj (June 16) depending on moon sighting. Like this year, a total of 1,27,198 devotees can perform hajj next year and of them, 10,198 can perform hajj under government management while the rest under private management. The government on November 2 announced the Hajj packages for 2024, reducing the cost by Tk 92,450. Hajj packages for 2024 to be cheaper Intending pilgrims have to pay Tk 5,78,840 under general package, and Tk 9,36,320 under special package. The hajj registration process began on November 15.

The Hajj Agencies Association of Bangladesh (HAAB) on Sunday wrote a letter to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina seeking her intervention to reset the airfare in this year's hajj package. The letter signed by M Shahadat Hossain Taslim, president of the association, was submitted to the Prime Minister's Office on Sunday. Earlier on November 2, State Minister for Religious Affairs Md Faridul Haque Khan announced 'Hajj Package-2024'  at a press briefing held at the Secretariat. Hajj packages for 2024 to be cheaper This year, the hajj package has been fixed at Tk 5,78,840 under the government management and Tk 9,36,320 under special arrangement, with the airfare of Tk 1,94,800, Tk 2,997 less than last year’s airfare. “Though the airfare was reduced compared to the last year, it is possible to reduce it further considering various factors. As Biman is a commercial organization, the HAAB central executive council thinks that fixing fare under their sole authority was not appropriate,” reads the letter. Bangladeshis can perform Umrah with transit visa: Saudi Hajj Minister At present, the airlines are selling Dhaka-Jeddah-Dhaka return tickets for around Tk75,000, the letter says, "They are operating flights with about remaining 20 percent seats vacant." On the contrary, almost 100% of passengers travel by flight during Hajj. Moreover, the operating cost of empty return flights is also low. Normal flights need additional costs in marketing and system management, which Hajj flights do not. Considering all these things, the maximum airfare for the dedicated Hajj flight could have been Tk 150,000, according to the letter. Biman's last hajj flight arrives in Dhaka with 358 pilgrims “You (PM) are always dedicated to the welfare of Hajj pilgrims and your role in modern and welfare-oriented Hajj management is universally appreciated. In the current context, Muslims intend to perform hajj across the country are only looking at you. Therefore, taking into account of the current situation, HAAB is requesting your kind intervention regarding rearranging the Hajj package by reducing the airfare of the pilgrims through an independent technical committee,” the letter concluded.