United News of Bangladesh

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.  

The government of Saudi Arabia has set the minimum age for Hajj pilgrims at 15 years this year. This information was provided in a letter issued today by the Hajj-1 branch of the Ministry of Religious Affairs. Contracts with Hajj service providers must be ended by Feb 14: Adviser Khalid The letter, addressed to would-be Hajj pilgrims, Hajj agencies, and related banks, stated that the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, considering the health and safety of children, has set the minimum age for those wishing to perform Hajj in the 2025 (1446 Hijri) season at 15 years. The age will be calculated from the date of birth mentioned in the pilgrim’s passport. Saudi Arabia bans children from accompanying Hajj pilgrims The letter further mentioned that a registered child pilgrim who is 15 years old, or a guardian accompanying a child pilgrim, can replace a pre-registered pilgrim if applicable. This rule will apply to both government and private registered pilgrims for this year’s Hajj.