Dhaka: All individuals registered for the hajj pilgrimage are expected to receive their visas, as confirmed by an official from the Ministry of Religious Affairs. “Our visa processing continues and Insha Allah, we hope all will get visas and will be able to perform hajj,” stated Deputy Secretary (hajj) of the ministry, Mamun Al Faruque, during a press briefing at the Foreign Service Academy.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the delay in visa issuance was attributed to the Saudi government’s new visa processing system, which has caused a prolongation in the procedure. Despite this, the visa process remains open, allowing Bangladeshis to continue receiving their hajj visas. So far, out of those registered, 4,995 individuals have obtained hajj visas under the government management scheme, while 58,777 have done so under private management.
In addition, Posts and Telecommunication Division Secretary Dr. Md Mushfiqur Rahman announced the launch of the mobile app “Labbaik,” as well as hajj prepaid card and roaming package facilities, inaugurated by Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus. These initiatives aim to facilitate the hajj experience for pilgrims by offering easier communication and financial transactions.
The Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission chairman, Maj Gen Md Emdad Ul Bari, explained that pilgrims would not require credit cards to purchase various roaming packages. Meanwhile, Islami Bank Bangladesh’s Executive Vice President, Musharraf Hossain, highlighted that pilgrims could acquire prepaid cards using their passport copies, allowing them to spend up to US$ 1,200 in Saudi Arabia. Over 1,000 prepaid cards have already been distributed to this year’s hajj pilgrims, with more expected to be issued before their departure.
The press briefing was attended by several officials, including Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam, among others.