Continuous Contact with Saudi for Smooth Hajj Operations: Religious Minister

Religious Affairs Minister Mr. Kazi Shah Mofazzal Hossain Kaikobad announced that the government is in close communication with Saudi Arabia to ensure the easy registration and overall management of the upcoming Hajj. Speaking at a prize-giving ceremony for outstanding Hajj guides at the Ashkona Hajj Office on Saturday, he emphasized the government’s dedication to dealing with the various challenges that Bangladeshi pilgrims face. Additionally, he emphasized ongoing initiatives to improve bilateral diplomatic ties with the Saudi authorities.

Speaking about previous difficulties, the minister mentioned that two pilgrims who had originally missed their flights because of agency mismanagement in the previous year were eventually sent out with help from law enforcement organizations, such as the Police and NSI. He emphasized better traveller services, saying, “Not a single pilgrim’s luggage was lost during the last Hajj due to sound management.” He stated that the government gave pilgrims 100,000 free water bottles and paid for all luggage covering.

The top Hajj guides received a BDT 500,000 cash prize during the event. Mr. Kaikobad urged the guides to improve their standards, saying, ‘Good work will create more opportunities in the future, and you will be rewarded on a much larger scale’. Additionally, on Sunday, Religious Affairs Secretary Mr. Munshi Alauddin Al Azad formally declared that the ministry will provide the government with the money saved from recent Hajj operations.