Staff Correspondent

Bangladeshi Hajj pilgrims will now be able to travel by sea as the Saudi government has agreed to a Bangladesh proposal in this regard.

The Saudi government gave the consent during a bilateral meeting between Religious Affairs Adviser Dr KM Khalid Hossain and Saudi Minister of Hajj and Umrah Dr Tawfiq Fawzan Al-Rabiah at Jeddah on Sunday, according to a press release of the Ministry of Religious Affairs.

During the meeting, Khalid Hossain placed the proposal to the Saudi Hajj and Umrah Ministry and the Saudi ministry confirmed the approval to the Bangladesh proposal, said the press release.

Dr Tawfiq Fawzan Al Rabiah said that the Saudi government has no objection in hosting Bangladeshi Hajj pilgrims travelling by sea.

However, the Saudi officials said discussions with port authorities are necessary and the Bangladesh government needs to finalise the decision by consulting with shipping companies.

Bangladesh government is considering sending 2000-3000 pilgrims by sea on experimental basis this year.

The Saudi minister assured the adviser of upgrading biometric system for pilgrims.
He also assured the religious affairs adviser of issuance of Munazzim (multiple entry) visas for Hajj agency owners or their representatives.

Besides, the Saudi minister also assured the religious affairs adviser of taking necessary measures regarding the lost luggage of Bangladeshi pilgrims in 2023 and 2024 under the ‘Route to Makkah’ programme.

This year, the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has set a minimum quota of 2000 pilgrims per agency.

Deputy Minister for International Cooperation Dr. Hasan Al-Manakhera and Director General of the Hajj and Umrah Ministry Badr Al-Selami assisted the Saudi Minister of Hajj and Umrah in the meeting.

Bangladesh's Religious Secretary AH Hamid Jamaddar, Additional Secretary of the Hajj Division Md. Matiul Islam, Brigadier Rakibullah, Charge d'Affaires at the Bangladesh Embassy in Riyadh, Consul General Miah Mohammad Mainul Kabir at the Bangladesh Consulate in Jeddah, Hajj Counselor Zahirul Islam, and Hajj Consul Muhammad Aslam Uddin attended the meeting.