Bangla | Epaper

BANGLA EPAPER 📍 Dhaka 📅 Tuesday | 21 July 2026, 6 Srabon 1433

HEADLINE

● Train services of Rajshahi with other parts halted as RU students block tracks ● US issues 'worldwide caution' alert for citizens over Mideast tensions ● 3 of a family electrocuted to death in C'nawabganj ● Iran attacks another tanker in Hormuz as US strikes continue for 10th night ● Govt Plans 109km Border Fencing with Myanmar: Home Minister ● 3 more die of Dengue, 372 hospitalized ● Regent Hospital chairman Shahed arrested Again

Religious affairs minister seeks Saudi support to reduce Hajj costs

Published : Monday, 20 July, 2026 at 7:27 PM

Observer Staff Correspondent

Bangladesh has urged Saudi Arabia to retain the backup accommodation requirement for Bangladeshi pilgrims at 1% for the 2027 Hajj season, instead of the newly proposed 2%, saying the higher rate would increase pilgrimage costs for prospective Hajj pilgrims.

Religious Affairs Minister Kazi Shah Mofazzal Hossain (Kaykobad) made the request during a courtesy meeting with Saudi Ambassador to Bangladesh Dr. Abdullah Jafar H. Bin Abiyah at the Saudi Embassy in Gulshan, Dhaka, on Monday.

The minister said Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has fixed the backup accommodation requirement at 2% for Hajj 2027, which would raise the overall cost of Hajj packages for Bangladeshi pilgrims. He requested the Saudi government to continue the 1% backup accommodation arrangement that was in place for the 2026 Hajj season.

Responding to the request, the Saudi ambassador said he had received the demi-official letter sent by Bangladesh's Ministry of Religious Affairs on Sunday and had already forwarded it to the Saudi authorities with his recommendation.

He also praised Bangladesh's management of this year's Hajj operations and expressed satisfaction with the ministry's prompt and effective measures.

According to the Ministry of Religious Affairs, the letter also requested that catering services remain optional and urged Saudi authorities to set the service charge for Service Package-3 in Mina and Arafat at a level comparable to Service Package D.

During the meeting, the religious affairs minister thanked the Saudi ambassador for his support in ensuring the successful management of this year's Hajj and expressed Bangladesh's gratitude to the Saudi government for facilitating a smooth, orderly and hassle-free pilgrimage.

The two sides also discussed ways to further strengthen bilateral relations between Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia, along with other issues of mutual interest. Senior officials from the Saudi Embassy were present at the meeting.

-JB/HIS

Also read

Govt lowers hajj airfare by Tk 24,000

Bangladesh committed to halving road traffic deaths by 2030: Minister

One year of Milestone tragedy: Little progress on removing hazardous buildings

Pakistan High Commissioner pledges continued support for SOS children’s villages

Political unity takes centre stage at PM’s meeting with allied parties

Gunfire over garbage bin dispute: Sanitation worker hospitalised

Govt Cancels Licences of 49 Recruiting Agencies

Govt Plans 109km Border Fencing with Myanmar: Home Minister

Editor : Iqbal Sobhan Chowdhury

Published by the Editor on behalf of the Observer Ltd. from Globe Printers, 24/A, New Eskaton Road, Ramna, Dhaka.
Editorial, News and Commercial Offices : Aziz Bhaban (2nd floor), 93, Motijheel C/A, Dhaka-1000.
Phone: PABX- 41053001-06; Advertisement: 41053012; 01793317829, 01550707291, E-mail: [email protected], ‍[email protected] Online: email: [email protected] 41053014; 01550707297 Advertisement: 01550707296

🔝