Dhaka:Bangladesh Bank (BB) has mandated all authorized dealer banks to facilitate the transfer of funds for the 2027 Hajj expenses through designated International Bank Account Number (IBAN) accounts in Saudi Arabia.
According to United News of Bangladesh, the central bank's Foreign Exchange Policy Department (FEPD-1) issued a circular on Tuesday following instructions from the Ministry of Religious Affairs. The directive aims to ensure smooth management of the upcoming Hajj.
Under the new guidelines, funds for pilgrims registered under both government and private management for the Saudi phase must be remitted via designated bank accounts operated by the Ministry of Religious Affairs at Sonali Bank's Local Office and Ramna Corporate Branch. For private management, individual Hajj agencies are required to directly transfer funds for enhanced accommodation packages, hotel rentals, agreements with service providers, and transport contracts to the respective IBAN accounts in Saudi Arabia through banks involved in Hajj operations.
The government-announced Hajj packages for 2027 indicate that expenses for the Saudi phase range from Tk 3,62,911.86 to Tk 4,70,090.42 per pilgrim. However, special packages offered by private agencies may exceed these amounts.
The central bank has instructed all concerned commercial banks to implement immediate administrative measures to ensure timely fund transfers, aligning with Saudi Arabia's Hajj roadmap requirements, which cover accommodation arrangements, Mina-Arafah tent bookings, and service contracts.