The Saudi government has approved Bangladesh's proposal to transport Hajj pilgrims via the sea route for performing Hajj.
The decision was announced by Saudi Arabia's Minister for Hajj and Umrah Affairs, Tawfiq Bin Fawzan al-Rabiah, during a bilateral meeting with Bangladesh's Religious Affairs Adviser, AFM Khalid Hossain in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia on Sunday (October 6).
"Bangladesh's proposal to transport Hajj pilgrims via the sea route has been approved by Saudi Arabia, pending discussions with port authorities," according to a press release of Bangladesh Ministry of Religious Affairs issued on Monday.
It said that the Saudi minister expressed no objection to the plan.
The Bangladesh government is now considering sending a trial group of 2,000 to 3,000 Hajj pilgrims via ship in 2024, as part of efforts to accommodate the growing number of pilgrims.
He stressed the need for coordination with port authorities of the two countries to ensure its implementation.
Talks with shipping companies are underway to facilitate the initiative, according to the religious affairs ministry.
The Saudi minister also assured the upgrade of the biometric system for Hajj pilgrims during the meeting. He addressed concerns regarding Munajjem (multiple) visas for Hajj agency owners or their representatives and promised to take necessary measures related to the loss of pilgrims' luggage under the Route to Makkah program in 2023 and 2024.
The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has set a quota requiring agencies to send at least two thousand pilgrims.
In response, the Bangladeshi Religious Adviser requested the quota be revised to 250 people per agency from 2024 onwards.
The Saudi minister assured that the matter would be considered.
The meeting was attended by several high-ranking officials, including the Deputy Minister for International Cooperation of the Ministry of Hajj, Hassan Al Manakhera, and Director General Badr Al Selami. Representatives from the Bangladesh Embassy and Consulate in Riyadh and Jeddah were also present, including religious affairs secretary MA Hamid Jamaddar, Additional Secretary of the Hajj Division Motiul Islam, Charge d'Affaires Brigadier Rakibullah, and Hajj Consul Muhammad Aslam Uddin.
talhabinhabib@yahoo.com
