DHAKA, May 28, 2025 (BSS) – Religious Affairs Adviser Dr A F M Khalid Hossain has credited the smooth and efficient Hajj management this year to the sincere efforts and strategic direction of Chief Adviser Professor Dr Muhammad Yunus.

In an exclusive interview with BSS at his office at the Secretariat today, the adviser said that the government has taken comprehensive measures to ensure a hassle-free pilgrimage for Bangladeshi Hajj pilgrims this year.

"The holy Hajj is one of the five fundamental pillars of Islam. A devout Muslim spends a lifetime saving to fulfill this sacred obligation. It is our responsibility to ensure their journey smooth, respectful and devoid of any hardship," he said.

He emphasized that Professor Dr Yunus has remained steadfast in his commitment to making the Hajj process more accessible and dignified for pilgrims. 

"He (Dr Yunus) has repeatedly instructed that no pilgrim should face any form of harassment. He also made it clear that any shortcoming in Hajj management would not be tolerated," Khalid noted.

As a result of his directives and coordinated planning, the interim government has successfully facilitated the travel of approximately 87,100 Bangladeshi pilgrims to Saudi Arabia this year. Of them, around 67,000 have already reached Saudi Arabia safely.

Religious Affairs Adviser further revealed that under the guidance of Chief Adviser Professor Dr Muhammad Yunus, three significant initiatives have been introduced this year to improve the overall experience of Bangladeshi pilgrims in the holy city of Mecca.

“These steps were taken keeping the comfort, safety, and convenience of the guests of Allah in mind. Pilgrims and their families have greatly benefited from these new measures,” he said.

1. Launch of the Labbaik App:

A major innovation this year is the introduction of the Labbaik app—an advanced mobile application tailored for Hajj pilgrims.
 
The app provides real-time updates on when and where each pilgrim should perform their Hajj rituals. 

Besides, families staying at homes in Bangladesh can track the current location of their loved ones in Saudi Arabia.

“This has virtually eliminated the risk of pilgrims getting lost,” Khalid noted.

2. Mobile SIM Roaming Activation:

For the first time, SIM roaming services from three mobile operators in Bangladesh have been activated for pilgrims. 

This allows direct and uninterrupted communication between pilgrims in Saudi Arabia and their families in Bangladesh.

3. Introduction of Pilgrim Bank Cards:

To ease financial transactions, each pilgrim has been issued a dedicated bank card. This enables them to withdraw Saudi riyals directly from local banks, ensuring smooth and secure handling of financial needs without the risks or complications of carrying large amounts of cash.

In a continued effort to ensure transparency and efficiency, the government has streamlined the Hajj administrative process, cutting unnecessary spending without compromising the quality of services provided to pilgrims.

"For the first time, only officials directly affiliated with the Ministry of Religious Affairs have been included in the Hajj management team," Khalid said.

"No personnel from other departments have been added, except for medical professionals actively working in government hospitals," he added.

In contrast to previous years—when hundreds of individuals were sent to Saudi Arabia under government expenses—this year saw a sharp reduction in the size of the official Hajj team. 

"Last year, the administrative delegation consisted of 366 members. This year, that number has been trimmed to just 297," he noted.

Dr Khalid also credited inter-ministerial cooperation for helping reduce the overall Hajj costs. 

"On the instructions of the Chief Adviser, discussions were held with the National Board of Revenue (NBR), the Ministry of Civil Aviation and various Hajj agencies. As a result, the cost of Hajj packages—including airfare—has been significantly reduced," he said.

To ensure proper healthcare support, a total of 165 doctors and nurses have been deployed to assist Bangladeshi pilgrims during their stay in Saudi Arabia. 

Additionally, essential medicines worth Tk 1 crore have been sent to support the medical needs of the pilgrims.

“These reforms reflect the government’s commitment to delivering a safe, affordable, and dignified Hajj experience for all Bangladeshi pilgrims,” said Dr Khalid.

As the Hajj flight schedule from Bangladesh to Saudi Arabia concludes on May 29, Religious Affairs Adviser Dr Khalid has reaffirmed that the government has taken comprehensive measures to ensure the safe and smooth return of all Bangladeshi pilgrims following the completion of their holy journey.

Speaking to BSS, he stated, "All necessary preparations have been made so that our pilgrims can return home safely, with dignity and without delay after performing the holy Hajj."

The adviser will himself depart for Saudi Arabia boarding on the final Hajj flight on May 29. 

He is scheduled to chair a high-level meeting of the Hajj Monitoring Team on May 30. 

The objective, he said, is to evaluate on-the-ground conditions and to directly monitor whether any pilgrim is experiencing difficulties.

"This year, we have received significantly fewer complaints compared to previous years," Dr Khalid noted. 

"However, if any valid complaint is lodged against a Hajj agency, we will take strict legal action," he added.

To further strengthen accountability, the government has introduced a new provision requiring a written agreement between pilgrims and their respective Hajj agencies. 

"This contractual framework ensures that both parties are held accountable. If any party violates the agreement, appropriate action can be taken under the law," he explained.

In response to a question about the continuity of the current policies, Dr Khalid said, "We are implementing many of these reforms because we believe they serve the best interests of the pilgrims."

He hoped that such steps would bring lasting benefits to future pilgrims.