Bangladesh requests Saudi Arabia to retain 1,000-pilgrim quota for hajj agencies

Bangladesh has formally requested the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to retain the current minimum quota of 1,000 pilgrims per Hajj agency, rather than implementing the planned increase to 2,000 for the 2026 Hajj season.

The request was conveyed by Religious Affairs Adviser Dr. AFM Khalid Hossain during a meeting with Saudi Deputy Minister for Hajj and Umrah, Al-Hassan Yahya Al-Manakhara. The meeting took place at the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah in Jeddah on Friday afternoon, according to a press release issued by Bangladesh’s Ministry of Religious Affairs.

During the discussion, Dr. Khalid Hossain expressed his appreciation for the Saudi government’s successful management of the Hajj pilgrimage in 2025. He specifically thanked the authorities for their efforts in curbing unauthorized Hajj practices, ensuring the timely distribution of Nusuk cards, providing smooth transportation services, and delivering intensive healthcare support in the Masayer area. He also commended Saudi Arabia’s effective measures in significantly reducing the mortality rate among pilgrims this year.

To further improve Hajj operations in 2026, Adviser Khalid presented several suggestions, including enriching the Nusuk Masar dashboard with more detailed information, setting up a monitoring and verification mechanism, and introducing an RFID-based luggage tracking system under the Makkah Route Initiative. He also proposed expanding toilet and water facilities in the Masahir area, increasing bed capacity in Mina and Arafat tents, and ensuring early disclosure of the estimated Hajj cost. For transportation, he suggested launching a third airline carrier alongside Biman Bangladesh and Saudia Airlines to enhance services for Bangladeshi pilgrims.

In response, Deputy Minister Al-Manakhara assured that Saudi Arabia would consider Bangladesh’s observations and suggestions. He also urged Bangladesh to continue enhancing its Hajj management and adhere to the official roadmap in a timely manner. Religious Affairs Secretary AKM Aftab Hossain Pramanik, along with other Bangladeshi officials, were also present at the meeting.