Staff Correspondent

The Ministry of Religious Affairs has called for urgent legal action against two unlicensed travel agencies accused of scamming Hajj pilgrims. A formal request was sent today to the Ministry of Home Affairs’ Public Security Division, urging action against Akbar Hajj Group Bangladesh and Akbar Travel International.

According to a letter issued by the Ministry’s Hajj-2 branch, these agencies have been operating without proper licensing and violating multiple provisions of the Hajj and Umrah Management Law 2021 and the Hajj and Umrah Management Regulations 2022. Both regulations explicitly prohibit the formation of unauthorized groups under the guise of Hajj agencies.

The fraudulent operations allegedly include deceptive social media campaigns featuring promotional videos and advertisements designed to attract unsuspecting pilgrims. Despite not being listed as authorized Hajj agencies for the 2025 season, Akbar Hajj Group Bangladesh and Akbar Travel International have advertised lucrative Hajj packages, claiming accommodations just 700 meters from Haram Sharif for Tk 503,000.

The agencies are also accused of offering misleading incentives, such as “guaranteed Tk 20,000 cashback upon final registration” and promises of premium services. The letter further reveals that the organizations have recruited representatives nationwide to covertly manage multiple unlicensed Hajj operations under the fraudulent banner of Akbar Hajj Group.

Given the serious allegations, the Ministry of Religious Affairs has urged the Ministry of Home Affairs to shut down the agencies’ offices and initiate stringent legal proceedings to protect innocent pilgrims from further exploitation.