Religious Affairs Adviser Dr AFM Khalid Hossain spoke at a media briefing at the secretariat today. Photo: PID

DHAKA, April 8, 2025 (BSS) – The first batch of Bangladeshi Hajj pilgrims are set to fly for Saudi Arabia this year onboard a Saudi Airlines craft April 29 from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA) here to King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah.

“The Hajj visa processing will be completed within a few days. Our pilgrims will start travelling to Saudi Arabia for Hajj from April 29 as per flight schedules,” Religious Affairs Adviser Dr AFM Khalid Hossain told a media briefing.

He said travel formalities of 5,200 Hajj pilgrims, registered under government management, were completed by now while some 81,900 others registered themselves under private initiatives through 753 local agencies.

The adviser, however, said most of these agencies were actually performing as sub agents while the pilgrims would travel to Saudi Arabia for Hajj under the official management of 70 agencies under strict government monitoring.

He said the Saudi government earlier also cautioned the agents to ensure appropriate management of transport and catering services and particularly tent accommodations in Mina and Arafat.