Saudi Arab has barred 46 Bangladesh agencies from sending Hajj pilgrims this year pending an investigation on their alleged link to human trafficking, a Bangladeshi official said, reports UNB.
"The Saudi authorities have served show cause notices to the agencies on alleged human trafficking following an investigation report," Deputy Secretary of Religion Affairs Ministry Zahangir Alam told the news agency Monday.
The Saudi government is not going to take any decision on their reply before the end of Ramadan, he added.
Sources in the ministry said some of the Bangladeshis who go to Saudi Arabia every year to perform Hajj do not return. Some Hajj agencies are allegedly involved, they said.
According to the sources, the government is going to tighten monitoring on the Hajj agencies.
The government has already cancelled licenses of many agencies the deputy secretary said.
Cases against 193 agencies are under trial, he added.
"If any irregularity or link to human trafficking is found, firm steps will be taken against them, including cancellation of their licenses," he added.
S Arabia bars 46 Hajj agencies on human trafficking allegation
FE Team | Published: March 18, 2014 00:00:00 | Updated: November 30, 2026 06:01:00
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