The Hajj Agencies Association of Bangladesh (HAAB) has urged
for intensified diplomatic engagement with Saudi Arabia to secure an additional
quota of 20,000 pilgrims for Bangladesh for the 2027 Hajj.
The association stated that even after the designated quota
was fully utilized, more than 20,000 aspiring pilgrims remain on a waiting
list. Many of them have already made the necessary mental and financial
preparations to perform the Hajj.
These remarks were made by HAAB Secretary General Farid
Ahmed Majumder during a press conference held on Monday (November 2) at a hotel
in Naya Paltan, Dhaka, to provide an update on Hajj management. Also, present
were HAAB President Syed Golam Sarwar, along with other executive council
members and leaders, including Jafar Uddin, Hafez Nur Mohammad, Finance
Secretary Abdul Hamid, Golam Mahmud Bhuiyan Manik, Mufti Zahid Alam, Kawsar
Uddin, Kamal Uddin Dilu, Rafiqul Islam Bikrampuri, Alhaj Mohammad Azad, and Nazim
Uddin Morshed Alam Chowdhury.
The HAAB Secretary General noted that, subject to the
sighting of the moon, the Hajj is expected to take place on May 15, 2025 (9th
of Dhu al-Hijjah, 1448 Hijri). For this year, the Saudi government has
allocated a Hajj quota of 78,500 for Bangladesh. He explained that although the
standard quota for Bangladesh is 127,198, the number of pilgrims had dropped
significantly in recent years due to political instability and economic crises.
Consequently, the Saudi government reduced the quota for Bangladesh to 78,500
for the year 2027.
Farid Ahmed Majumder stated that following the assumption of
office by the current democratic government, the implementation of effective
and landmark initiatives has led to an unexpectedly sharp rise in the number of
pilgrims. He highlighted that even after the quota was filled during the
official registration period, over 20,000 individuals remain on the waiting
list. He added that these individuals are fully prepared—both mentally and
financially—to perform the Hajj this year; in some instances, certain family
members have successfully registered, while others remain on the waiting list.
Considering the needs of the pilgrims—the guests of Allah—it is imperative to
secure an additional Hajj quota of at least 20,000 from the Royal Saudi
Government.
He further noted that, given Bangladesh’s substantial base
quota, there is a strong, logical case for obtaining this additional
allocation. The Minister of Religious Affairs, Kazi Shah Mofazzal Hossain
(Kaikobad), maintains excellent relations with the Saudi Minister of Hajj and
Umrah, as well as with the relevant ministers of state and deputy ministers. We
believe that if the Minister engages through his personal channels, the issues
faced by the waiting pilgrims can be resolved swiftly.
Farid Ahmed Majumder stated that the Minister of Religious
Affairs has expressed optimism regarding this matter; however, the pilgrims
currently on the waiting list remain anxious. We urge for intensified
diplomatic efforts to secure this additional quota. Meanwhile, the Hajj
Agencies Association of Bangladesh (HAAB) has requested that pilgrims who have
completed their preliminary registration for the 2027 Hajj season pay the full
package cost by December 7.
Farid Ahmed Majumder explained that those who have completed
their preliminary registration for the 2027 Hajj must pay the full package
amount by December 7 of this year. Having already completed their initial
registration, they are now required to pay the remaining balance and finalize
their registration by December 7, 2026. Failure to do so will result in the
cancellation of their preliminary registration, leaving their participation in
the Hajj uncertain.
Addressing the pilgrims who have completed their preliminary
registration, he said, "Through you, we urge these pilgrims to pay the
remaining balance of their package and finalize their registration by December
7, ensuring their participation in the 2027 Hajj." During the press
conference, the HAAB Secretary General also raised the issue of
funds—specifically medical fees—that were withheld by Saudi authorities. He
noted that this year, the Royal Saudi Government withheld approximately 3 million
Saudi Riyals, intended for medical fees, without any prior announcement or
notice. Upon learning of this, we immediately held a press conference and
strongly urged the Ministry to take prompt action to recover the withheld
funds.
Farid Ahmed Majumder added, "The Minister of Religious
Affairs, Kazi Shah Mofazzal Hossain Kaikobad, has taken swift action regarding
this matter." With the full cooperation of the ministry, we were able to
recover the 3 million Saudi Riyals that had been held up. He expressed his
thanks and gratitude to everyone involved. The Secretary General of Hajj
Agencies Association of Bangladesh (HAAB) also requested the Ministry of
Religious Affairs to ensure the prompt return of the remaining outstanding
funds.
