Staff Reporter :
The Saudi Arabian government has approved a proposal to transport Bangladeshi Hajj pilgrims via the sea route.
This announcement came following a bilateral meeting held on Sunday afternoon at the Hajj and Umrah Ministry in Jeddah.
This development marks a significant shift in how Bangladeshi Hajj pilgrims may travel to Saudi Arabia.
Dr. AFM Khalid Hossain, Bangladesh’s Religious Affairs Adviser, met with the Saudi Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Dr. Tawfiq Fawzan Al-Rabiah, in Jeddah.
The minister confirmed the Saudi government’s support for the initiative, as stated in a press release from Bangladesh’s Ministry of Religious Affairs on Monday.
While affirming that there were no objections to the sea route for Hajj pilgrims, Dr. Al-Rabiah emphasized the need for further discussions with Saudi port authorities to finalize logistical arrangements.
He also noted that Bangladesh would need to engage with shipping companies to fulfill the necessary travel requirements.
The Bangladesh government is currently considering sending a trial group of 2,000 to 3,000 Hajj pilgrims by ship in 2024, as part of efforts to accommodate the growing number of pilgrims.
In addition to supporting the sea route, Dr. Al-Rabiah assured Dr. Hossain that Saudi Arabia would upgrade biometric systems to enhance the efficiency and overall experience of Hajj pilgrims.
He also promised to issue multiple-entry visas for the owners and representatives of Hajj agencies to facilitate smoother operations.
Addressing concerns raised about lost luggage incidents affecting Bangladeshi pilgrims under the Route to Makkah program in 2023 and 2024, the Saudi minister pledged to implement measures to prevent similar issues in the future.