Moallems, Saudi car syndicate cause sufferings to pilgrims

Bangladesh Hajj Office in Saudi Arabia has accused some of the Moallems for their inefficiencies and negligence that caused immense sufferings to the Bangladeshi hajj pilgrims this year.

In a report, it also blamed the general car syndicate of Saudi Arabia for mounting the sufferings.

This year, the pilgrims had to suffer a lot in travelling, food and accommodation in Meena, Arafah and Mojdalefah.

The report stated that highest 151 pilgrims died this year due to the poor quality of services and negligence by the Moallems.

The Hajj office raised the allegations in the report submitted to the parliamentary standing committee on religious affairs ministry at its 29th meeting Thursday. Committee chairman BH Harun presided over the meeting.

Like other countries, it said, Bangladesh was also taking preparation to submit allegations to the Moacchaccha, an association of the Moallems, and Hajj Ministry of Saudi Arabia.

According to the working paper of the meeting, there were 40 private Moallems for the Bangladeshi pilgrims.

The Hajj office suggested taking action against the agencies for not renting houses in Medinah timely, failing to provide Biman tickets, causing the pilgrims to suffer in Mecca and Medinah, and damaging the country's image by not paying Moallem fees in Saudi Arabia.

The committee recommended cancelling the licences of the hajj agencies those cheated with the pilgrims in the country and in Saudi Arabia. Besides, steps should be taken to realise fines from the agencies and restrict those from sending pilgrims next year again. The committee held the agencies responsible for cancellation of the hajj flights.

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