Khulna: A workshop aimed at increasing the number of Hajj pilgrims under government management was held at the conference room of the Khulna Divisional Commissioner today. Secretary of the Ministry of Religious Affairs Munsi Alauddin Al Azad inaugurated the workshop and emphasized the importance of increasing the number of pilgrims performing Hajj under government management to ensure a safe and hassle-free pilgrimage experience.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the workshop highlighted the smooth operation of the Hajj in 2026 and stressed the need for this trend to continue. Munsi Alauddin Al Azad also underscored the importance of religious coexistence and maintaining respect towards followers of all religions. The event featured Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Religious Affairs Md Kamrul Hasan as the keynote speaker, with participation from Additional Divisional Commissioner (General) of Khulna Abu Sayed Md Manzur Alam and Deputy Commissioner Hoore Jannat as discussants. The program was moderated by Divisional Director of Islamic Foundation Khulna Mohammad Mahiuddin Majumdar.
The seminar provided vital information regarding the Hajj 2027 registration process, as announced by the Saudi government. The deadline for registration is September 24, 2026, with Hajj visa issuance beginning on January 28, 2027, and Hajj flights commencing on April 8, 2027. Registration fees for government-managed Hajj can be deposited at any branch of Sonali Bank. Prospective pilgrims have the option to complete pre-registration and registration through the Hajj portal by creating a user account, and registration vouchers are available at the Dhaka Hajj Camp, Islamic Foundation offices, upazila model mosques, and Union Digital Centres (UDCs).
For pre-registration, prospective pilgrims are required to provide their National Identity Card, Bangladeshi passport or birth certificate, passport-size photograph, mobile phone number, and bank account number. It was noted that a single bank account may be used for multiple members of the same family. Additionally, a pilgrim's passport must remain valid until at least December 31, 2027. The seminar emphasized that Hajj under government management is fully safe and risk-free, with any unspent portions of Hajj package costs being refunded to pilgrims' bank accounts. However, medical fitness clearance is mandatory for all pilgrims wishing to travel for Hajj.
Officials from different government departments at the divisional level and officials from the Islamic Foundation in Khulna division attended the seminar, reinforcing the collaborative effort to enhance the Hajj experience under government management.