Religious Affairs Adviser AFM Khalid Hossain has said that prospective Hajj pilgrims could expect a more affordable and comfortable package, with the highest quality of service provided. Talking to UNB, Khalid Hossain, also a distinguished Islamic scholar, said the 2025 Hajj package, set to be unveiled on October 30, would offer special discounts to make the pilgrimage more accessible. Khalid Hossain discussed the government’s plans to make the pilgrimage more cost-effective, highlighting recent discussions aimed at reducing travel and accommodation expenses. 124 Hajj agencies risk action for not registering pilgrims for 2025 "On October 22, we held a productive meeting with representatives from Biman, Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB), and the National Board of Revenue (NBR). Biman has agreed in principle to lower costs, and CAAB and NBR have pledged to waive certain fees," he said, noting that these waivers could reduce costs by approximately Tk 10,000 per pilgrim. The government’s focus is on bringing down airfares and hotel rental costs, with Hossain personally inspecting accommodation options in Makkah and Medina. By prioritising airfares and hotel expenses, the government aims to reduce overall Hajj costs significantly, he explained. Breakdown of Expenses Hossain provided an overview of the primary cost components for Hajj, detailing expenses such as airfare, hotel rentals in Makkah Medina, tent rentals, and meals in Mina and Arafat. "There are also costs for buses, guides, visa processing, health insurance, and sacrificial animals," he said. He, however, emphasised that airfares and hotel costs in Makkah and Medina were the primary areas where expenses could be reduced. Packages for 2025 This year, the government plans to offer two distinct packages for pilgrims, with accommodations within one and a half to two and a half kilometres from the Haram Sharif. While the Riyal has appreciated by Tk 2, adjustments have been made to maintain affordability. Exploring Sea Travel to Reduce Costs With airfares being a significant portion of Hajj costs, Hossain shared that the government is exploring a sea route to Saudi Arabia, which could save pilgrims up to 40 percent on travel expenses. However, he noted logistical challenges, including the need for large sea-bound vessels, which the nation currently lacks. The Ministry has approached Bangladesh's largest ship company for potential collaboration, contingent on securing a Tk 1 crore fund to lease the necessary vessels. While awaiting formal approval from Saudi authorities, Hossain remains hopeful about the initiative. "There is considerable interest in travelling by sea for Hajj, and we hope to open this avenue, potentially by next year," he said. He, however, acknowledged, that a sea journey would take significantly longer, about 16 days round-trip, and would require coordinated efforts for immigration, security and healthcare on board. Tackling Irregularities Addressing concerns about transparency and possible irregularities, Hossain stressed the government’s zero-tolerance policy. "Hajj pilgrims are guests of Allah, and any form of deception or malpractice will be met with strict legal action," he asserted. Govt-Arranged Hajj Pilgrimages Under Review Khalid Hossain also hinted at changes to the government-funded Hajj programme, saying that it may be scaled back next year and potentially phased out. "While complete discontinuation may not be feasible, efforts will be made to bring it to a more manageable level," he added. With these planned reforms, the government aims to make the Hajj journey more affordable, streamlined and secure for Bangladeshi pilgrims, ensuring a spiritually fulfilling experience for all.

The government of Thailand has decided to introduce e-visa facilities for Bangladesh passport holders traveling to Thailand. Bangladeshi travelers may avail of this service from early next year. The Director-General of the Department of Consular Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand, Ambassador Worawoot Pongprapant, shared this information during a meeting held recently with a delegation from the Embassy of Bangladesh, led by the Ambassador of Bangladesh to Thailand. Once the e-visa system is introduced, Bangladeshi passport holders will be able to apply for a Thai visa online from home, according to the Bangladesh Embassy in Bangkok. This service has already been introduced through 69 Thai embassies globally. The Director-General also mentioned that from December 19, 2024, visa waiver will be operationalized for official passport holders of both countries. India restores e-visa services for Canadian nationals, easing diplomatic row between the 2 countries The related agreement, signed in Bangkok in April 2024, will take effect on that day. Notably, visa waiver for diplomatic passport holders have been in place since 2018. Ambassador Pongprapant advised Bangladeshi passport holders interested in long-term medical treatment in Thailand to apply for a Destination Thailand Visa (DTV). The DTV, which also covers the attendee’s visa, is valid for five years with each entry for six months. In this case, no recommendation letter from the Embassy of Bangladesh in Bangkok will be required by Thai Immigration authorities for visa extension. The Thai Director General noted that some Bangladeshi applicants have been found to have submitted fake or falsified documents with their visa applications, leading to delay in visa processing. The DG added that if this trend continued, the Thai authorities would be compelled to blacklist the relevant applicants. He advised applicants to exercise caution in this regard, especially when applying through an agent.

The Immigration Department in Malaysia has dismantled a syndicate trafficking foreigners disguised as athletes after detaining 21 Bangladeshi nationals in Maluri, Kuala Lumpur. Immigration Director-General Datuk Zakaria Shaaban said three of those arrested are believed to be key members of the syndicate, reports Malaysian news agency Bernama. “Two of the men apprehended had temporary employment visit passes (PLKS), while the third had overstayed his visa. All three are aged between 21 and 33,” he said. Malaysia to accept 18,000 Bangladeshi workers who missed deadline: Asif Nazrul "The team also confiscated 18 Bangladeshi passports, RM990 in cash, and a suspicious invitation letter for a sports competition, along with the event schedule,” he said. The syndicate's modus operandi involved bringing in foreigners, particularly from Bangladesh, and having them pose as athletes in sports attire to evade detection by authorities. “They also booked return flights to Bangladesh and rooms in budget hotels in Kuala Lumpur a day before the supposed match to deceive authorities,” he added. The syndicate reportedly charged between RM2,000 and RM5,000 per person and has been operating for the past four months. All 21 detainees have been taken to the Lenggeng Immigration Depot for suspected offences under Sections 6(3), 15(4), and 56(1)(l) of the Immigration Act 1959/63, as well as Regulation 39(b) of the Immigration Regulations 1963. Fully support your position: Malaysian PM to Dr Yunus

The 9th Edition of World Art Dubai 2023 was held at the Dubai World Trade Center from March 9 to 12, and for the second time, four Bangladeshi self-taught artists participated in the event. Artist Mahfuzur Rahman, Moonstasir Haque Moon, Kadizatul Qubra and Masuka Nourin Heya participated in this event under Mahfuz Canvas, which collaborated with Dubai-based Funun Arts under the patronage of Mahfuz Canvas’s founder Mahfuzur Rahman and Funun Arts’s founder Shiba Khan and Farah Khan. The goal of the event was to give established and new artists a place to show off their work and give collectors and art admirers easy access to affordable art. The event, comprised of an art fair, also featured workshops, live performances, and talks on a variety of art topics. Mahfuzur Rahman was the first Bangladeshi artist to be chosen to represent the country at World Art Dubai in 2022. “Artists from Bangladesh are gaining international recognition and showcasing their unique styles and works alongside artists from around the world, through such events. This is a significant accomplishment and evidence of Bangladeshi artists’ growing presence on the international art scene,” Rahman told UNB.  

Singapore’s Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) officers have held a man “identified as Bangladeshi”, over suspected immigration violations, after he was seen walking along the train tracks on the Causeway. The country’s Immigration and Checkpoints Authority posted a photo of the man in a Facebook post on Tuesday (March 14, 2023). “On 9 Mar, a Bangladeshi male was spotted walking along the train tracks on the Causeway towards Singapore. The man was promptly intercepted by ICA officers from Woodlands Checkpoint, before he could pose a safety hazard to on-going train operations,” reads the post cited by a report published by The Straits Times. Also Read: Obaidul Quader off to Singapore for routine checkup The authorities said the man had no original identity documents or travel documents in his possession. “ICA takes a serious view on attempts to enter or depart Singapore illegally. Under the Immigration Act 1959, the penalties for illegal entry are fine of up to $1,000, or a jail term of up to six months, or both,” added the post. In 2022, 414 immigration offenders were arrested in Singapore, up from 355 in 2021, The Straits Times report said. Also Read: Govt to import 100,000 MT of rice from India and Singapore

One of the two Bangladeshi citizens, who suffered severe injuries in a road accident in South Africa on February 24, died in a South African hospital on Monday night. The deceased was identified as Anisul Haque Milan, 28, son of Bahar Mia, a resident of Ramanandapur village under Daganbhuiyan upazila of Feni district. The death toll from the accident now stands at six, all from the Feni district. Daganbhuiyan Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Nahida Akter confirmed the information. The victim’s younger brother Rimon Miazi said that Milan had been living in South Africa for the last 13 years with his cousin Bablu Mia who confirmed the death news. Milan was being treated at South Africa's George Hospital after the accident. Milan recently got married and was supposed to come to Bangladesh, Rimon added. Read more: Five from Feni killed in South Africa road crash The deceased’s father Bahar Mia was shellshocked upon hearing the death news. His family sought the government's cooperation to bring the body home. The other five Bangladeshis who died in the accident were Abul Hossain, 45, and his son Nadim Hossain, 10, of Dakshin Char Majlishpur union of Feni's Sonagazi upazila; Raju Ahmed, 34, son of Md Milon, of Momarijpur village of Daganbhuiyan upazila; Mostafa Kamal, 40, son of Siraj Ullah of Dakshin Neyajpur village of the same upazila; and Ismail Hossain, 38, son of Shariat Ullah, from Biroli village of Panchgachia union of Feni Sadar upazila.  

The body of a Bangladeshi businessman, who was shot to death by unidentified miscreants in South Africa on 22 February, has been buried at his family graveyard in Jagatpur village of Daganbhuiyan Upazila on Monday morning. Earlier, the body reached Dhaka around two o'clock on Sunday night. The deceased was Omar Faruq (Manik Azam Sazal), 43, son of late Nurul Amin and a resident of Feni's Daganbhuiyan upazila. Md. Hasan Imam, Officer-in-Charge of Daganbhuiyan Police Station, said that the deceased Omar Faruq was a businessman in South Africa for the last 18 years and he was also former general secretary of the Bangladeshi community of the state. Omar Faruq’s mother Kohinur Begum said that Faruq had a conflict with a local shopkeeper over some money transaction. Although it was agreed that Sajal would pay Tk5 lakh to the shopkeeper, he fell short by Tk10,000. Sajal was killed by the shopkeeper for money, she alleged, demanding justice for the murder of her son.

Bangladeshi FM Mehdi Hasan Parag beat Azerbaijani GM Azer Mirzoev in the sixth round match of the Paytakht Cup International Chess Festival, a category A tournament, held in the Iranian capital Tehran Tuesday. Parag played with white pieces to beat Azer. After the sixth-round matches, Bangladeshi IM Mohammad Fahad Rahman remained in the third spot with five other players, securing four and a half points. He settled for a draw with Indian IM Himal Gusain in the sixth-round match. Parag bagged four points from six encounters. Read more: Chess Olympiad: Bangladesh beat stronger Czech Republic in 3rd round

A Bangladeshi student named Md Golam Syed Rinku has been reported missing in the wake of the powerful earthquake that rocked Türkiye and Syria along their borders early Monday, toppling hundreds of buildings and killing more than 2,800 people. Rinku is from Bogura, Mohammed Nore-Alam, consul general of Bangladesh in Istanbul, told UNB. "Nur, one of the two missing students, has been found. However, Rinku is still missing," he added. Rinku's friends identified him as an undergraduate student but could not provide any more details. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Dhaka is in touch with the Embassy of Bangladesh in Ankara. "We are in touch with our mission," MoFA spokesperson Seheli Sabrin told UNB. Authorities feared the death toll would keep climbing as rescuers searched through tangles of metal and concrete for survivors in a region beset by more than a decade of Syria's civil war and a refugee crisis, AP reported. Read more: Powerful quake rocks Turkey and Syria, kills more than 2,800

Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) commissioner Zahirul Haque has disclosed that  the commission will start an investigation about the properties of 459 Bangladeshi nationals in Dubai. The commissioner said this in a discussion with journalists in his office in the head office of ACC. The High Court on January 15 ordered four agencies, including the Anti-Corruption Commission, to investigate. The other agencies are Bangladesh Financial Intelligence Unit (BFIU), Criminal Investigation Department (CID) and National Board of Revenue (NBR). The HC bench of Justice Md Nazrul Islam Talukder and Justice Khizir Hayat  passed the order after hearing a writ petition in this regard. It asked the four agencies to submit the progress report within a month. Also read: 459 Bangladeshis’ properties in Dubai: Writ petition seeks probe The court also issued a rule questioning why the inaction of the authorities concerned should not be declared illegal. On January 12, Advocate Subir Nandi filed the writ petition attaching a report in this regard published in a national daily. According to the report, a huge amount of money has been transferred to Dubai from different parts of the globe including Bangladesh. Based on a report of US-based Centre for Advanced Defense Studies, the EU Tax Observatory said 459 Bangladeshis have purchased 972 properties in Dubai till 2020, concealing the information in their own country. Also read: 459 Bangladeshis’ properties in Dubai: HC orders investigation by ACC, 3 agencies According to the report, Bangladeshis have purchased the properties worth approximately one billion dollars during this period, making them one of the top buyers in the real estate sector of Dubai. Experts believe that huge amounts of money are being transferred due to the lack of effective and strong measures to stop money laundering, it said.