Online registration for Hajj pilgrims from Dec 15-Jan 30

Bangladeshi devotees intending to perform Hajj next year will have to register their names online from December 15 to January 30, reports UNB.

An inter-ministerial meeting chaired by Religious Affairs Minister Principal Matiur Rahman took the decision on November 26, deputy secretary (Hajj) of the ministry Jahangir Alam told the news agency.

"The Saudi government in a letter has requested us to complete the registration of the Hajj pilgrims by January 21-22, 2015," Alam said adding that the request was discussed at the inter-ministerial meeting on Hajj management on November 26 and it was decided that Hajj registration will take place from December 15 this year to January 30 next year.

The secretary also said the Saudi government every year fixes a quota for Bangladeshi Hajj pilgrims but, according to a new agreement, every registered pilgrim can go for Hajj from the next year.

An agreement will be signed in the first week of February, 2015, as per the Saudi government's directive, while the registration of Hajj pilgrims will begin in the last week of February.

The Hajj package will cost Tk 2,96,000 and Tk 3,54,745 for a 'A' and 'B' categories respectively.

Jahangir Alam said Hajj pilgrims will find the registration form on the ministry's website or they can apply manually.

The Hajj agencies across the country have to open bank accounts in the banks of Saudi Arabia to pay the house rent.

Jahangir also informed that the Saudi government will send the Bangladesh government a list of Hajis who have not returned to Bangladesh after performing Hajj last time.