Religious Adviser Dr AFM Khalid Hossain addressed the press briefing at the conference room of the Ministry of Religion today. Photo: BSS

DHAKA, Feb 10, 2025 (BSS) - Religious Affairs Adviser Dr AFM Khalid Hossain today directed the Hajj agency owners and operators concerned to complete necessary contracts with the Saudi service providers by February 14, as per Saudi government directives.  

“Agreements for tent and catering services in Mina and Arafat, accommodation, transportation, and catering services with Saudi service providers must be completed by the deadline (February14), with no possibility of extension,” he said at a press conference at Bangladesh Secretariat today.

The adviser said, “Although only four days left, nearly half of the registered pilgrims are yet to complete their contracts, if any pilgrim’s contract remains incomplete, neither the Saudi nor the Bangladesh government will take responsibility—the agency concerned must bear the consequences.”

A total of 87,100 intending pilgrims have registered for Hajj this year including 5,200 under the government management and 81,900 under private arrangements, he added.

All agreements with intending pilgrims under government management have been completed, the adviser said, adding, “Several private agencies handling hajj pilgrimage are showing delays in finalizing their contracts.”

He also said a bilateral Hajj agreement between Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia was signed on January 12, 2025, in which he (minister) represented the Bangladesh government alongside Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Hajj and Umrah.

Regarding accommodations, Dr. Hossain said the government had initially promised lodging within three kilometers of the Haram Sharif for Hajj Package-1 pilgrims. However, in consideration of transport restrictions during peak Hajj season, the government secured accommodations within 1.6 kilometers of the Grand Mosque.

For Hajj Package-2 pilgrims, accommodations have been arranged within 1.2 kilometers of the Masjid al Haram. In Madinah, Package-1 pilgrims will be housed within one kilometer, while Package-2 pilgrims will be within 300-600 meters.

He also confirmed that government-registered pilgrims in Mina will be accommodated in Zone-5 tents under Package-1 and Zone-2 under Package-2, where they will receive food and other services as per agreements with service providers.

The adviser said Saudi authorities initially communicated with us on October 23, 2024 announcing February 14 as deadline, with multiple follow-up notices. The ministry has been closely monitoring the progress and has issued final reminders to agencies to ensure compliance, he said.

The religious affairs ministry remains vigilant in ensuring a smooth and efficient Hajj experience for all Bangladeshi pilgrims, with a firm stance on holding agencies accountable for any lapses.