Religious Affairs Adviser Dr AFM Khalid Hossain-File photo

JEDDAH (Saudi Arabia), May 31, 2025 (BSS) - Religious Affairs Adviser Dr AFM Khalid Hossain has reaffirmed the government's commitment to delivering the highest quality services for Hajj pilgrims.

To this end, extensive preparations have been taken to ensure a smooth and hassle-free pilgrimage, he said, adding that if all those involved in Hajj management fulfil their responsibilities with sincerity, pilgrims will be able to perform Hajj in comfort and without hassle.

The adviser made these remarks while speaking at a meeting of the Hajj Monitoring Committee at the Bangladesh Hajj Mission in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, said a press release today.

He highlighted the government's efforts to enhance the Hajj experience by introducing the Labbayek app, Hajj prepaid card, and phone roaming service this year. 

These initiatives aim to streamline official procedures while facilitating the pilgrims to stay connected with their families and others throughout their journey, he added.

He continued these services will help reduce the risk of pilgrims getting lost and minimize the need to carry large amounts of cash. 

The adviser stressed the need for encouraging widespread use of these tools for safer and convenient pilgrimage.

Mentioning that airfare for Hajj has been slightly reduced this year; he said that efforts will continue to further decrease it in future. “We want to establish a model Hajj management system during the tenure of this government. The Ministry of Religious Affairs is actively working towards that goal.”

Dr. Khalid also pointed out the need to improve tent and sanitation facilities in Mina, saying the space allocated for per pilgrim in Mina tents is highly inadequate, and the condition of the toilets is below the expected standard. 

He announced that these concerns would be brought to the attention of the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah. 

The adviser called upon all involved to sincerely dedicate themselves to serving the pilgrims.

Earlier, the Adviser was briefed on the activities of various subcommittees related to Hajj management by their respective coordinators.

Religious Affairs Secretary AKM Aftab Hossain Pramanik, Additional Secretary Md Matiul Islam, the Adviser’s Private Secretary Sadek Ahmad, HAAB President Syed Golam Sarwar, HAAB Secretary General Farid Ahmed Majumder, and other officials concerned were present.

Prior to the meeting, the Adviser visited the tents allocated for Bangladeshi pilgrims in Mina and gave necessary instructions to the service provider companies.