Formalities to perform Hajj next year have to be finished by January

Those wishing to perform Hajj next year have to now complete all formalities seven months before their departure.
The compliance including the payment of of the money has to be wrapped up by January as the Saudi government has brought the whole process online.
Religious affairs ministry Deputy Secretary Jahangir Alam told bdnews24.com that the Saudi government has sent a letter to Bangladesh over online management of the Hajj process, requiring the completion of the process by January.
Hajj pilgrims had until Jun 1 to complete the formalities, including the payment of flight costs and house rents.
The Saudi government's letter says that all Hajj agencies must maintain an account with Saudi banks and all transactions have to be made through them.
An inter-ministerial meeting Thursday will finalise the matter for next year's Hajj, said the ministry deputy secretary.
Some ministry officials said the Cabinet would approve the Hajj package by the first week of December to comply with the Saudi government's requirements.