Uncertainty looms for 28,000 pilgrims

Staff Reporter :
As the sacred journey of Hajj beckons, approximately 28 thousand pilgrims find themselves ensnared in a web of uncertainty, with visa processing and accommodation arrangements yet to commence.

With time ticking away, concerns mount over the feasibility of completing these essential procedures within the stipulated timeframe.

In response to these apprehensions, Religious Affairs Minister Md. Faridul Haque Khan assured on Saturday that despite the soaring price of the dollar, the government has endeavored to reduce the cost of the general Hajj package compared to the previous year, an effort aimed at alleviating financial burdens on pilgrims.

However, stakeholders fear that the looming Eid-ul-Azha, tentatively set on June 16 based on moon sighting, may exacerbate the predicament, as visa procedures typically commence one month prior to the festival. Yet, there has been no indication of initiation, leaving pilgrims in a state of limbo.

While governmental preparations for Hajj appear to be on track, privately registered pilgrims have voiced grievances regarding alleged mismanagement and non-cooperation by associated agencies.

Official data reveals a stark contrast between those registered under government arrangements, totaling 4,289 individuals, and the significantly larger cohort of 78,895 under private management.

M. Shahadat Hossain Taslim, President of the Hajj Agencies Association of Bangladesh (HAAB), expressed dismay over the lack of progress.

He said, “The failure to secure accommodations for pilgrims in Saudi Arabia is really sad. Despite repeated appeals for assistance from the Hajj Mission, the Bangladesh Embassy in Riyadh, and the Ministry of Religion, pilgrims remain stranded without resolution.”

Ministry officials have raised concerns over a significant disparity between the deposits made by hajj agencies and the expenses mandated by the Saudi government.

While agencies have submitted Tk2 lakh per pilgrim, the stipulated amount of Tk3,40,657 is deemed necessary to cover essential expenses, including house rent, transportation, and other costs in Makkah and Madinah.

In response to this discrepancy, the ministry has issued reminders to all pilgrims, urging swift payments to the agencies.

However, delays have ensued, exacerbated by a new directive introduced by the Saudi government on February 1. This directive, which mandates depositing funds through the Hajj Ministry instead of agencies, has faced implementation challenges due to a lack of response from the agencies.

While neither the agencies nor HAAB leaders have addressed these allegations directly, they have attributed blame to the ministry, citing mismanagement.

HAAB President M. Shahadat Hossain emphasized their commitment to ensuring the well-being of pilgrims and said, “ Despite uncertainties surrounding accommodation arrangements for 28,000 individuals destined for Muzdalifah.”

Hossain lamented the inability to secure housing in Saudi Arabia for these pilgrims, attributing the delay to the Ministry of Religion. Allegations were also made regarding the ministry’s failure to provide necessary documents to agencies, thereby impeding the rental process.

“According to instructions from the Hajj Office director, the agencies are awaiting the submission of essential documents from Monajjems.

However, delays persist due to alleged inaction from the ministry,” added Hossain.

Hossain stressed that without representatives on the ground in Saudi Arabia, house rental processes cannot proceed, further complicating visa issuance.

In response to queries, Additional Secretary (Hajj Wing) of the ministry, Matiul Islam, shed light on visa challenges, he said, “The closure of Monajjems’ visas by the Saudi government.

While business visas remain an option, agency representatives have yet to seek the ministry’s assistance.”

Earlier, Religious Affairs Minister Md. Faridul Haque Khan said on Saturday that the government has reduced the cost of the general hajj package compared to last year, despite the high price of the dollar.

Taka 1,04,178 has been reduced for the government hajj package and Taka 82,818 for the private hajj package, he said while inaugurating ‘Hajj pilgrims training 2024’ at the Osmani Smriti Auditorium in the capital.

Faridul said the government is working so that the pilgrims can perform the hajj at a fair cost.