Dhaka: None other than the Ministry of Religious Affairs (MoRA) will be allowed to perform Hajj at the state’s expense this year, as announced by Religious Affairs Adviser Dr. A F M Khalid Hossain. He emphasized the government’s firm stance on this decision despite external pressures during a briefing after a function.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the announcement was made at a views exchange meeting arranged by the Muslim Nikah Register Forum at the Kamrul Islam Siddiqui Auditorium in LGED Bhaban. Dr. Khalid, serving as the chief guest, also addressed the issue of dowry, labeling it a social curse and equating the demand or acceptance of dowry to a criminal offense. He urged religious leaders and marriage registers to raise awareness against the dowry culture.
Dr. Khalid elaborated on this year’s Hajj policy and management, highlighting that the ministry will limit the number of MoRA officials participating in the Hajj to those directly involved in its management. He stated that officials who participated in the previous year’s mission would not be included this year.
Significant changes have been made in the Hajj management for 2025, the adviser revealed. He mentioned that 54 licensed agencies have already begun collecting Hajj pilgrims, with the requirement for agencies to collect 2,000 pilgrims reduced to 1,000 after discussions with the Saudi Minister of Hajj and Umrah. A total of 70 lead agencies have been enlisted to send 87,000 pilgrims under private management, while 5,200 pilgrims will be managed by the government.
Dr. Khalid also announced that the ministry has formed various monitoring and administrative teams in preparation for the Hajj. The government plans to provide medical support to pilgrims by taking 200 healthcare professionals and medicines worth around one crore taka. Agreements with several specialized hospitals have been signed to ensure necessary treatment for the pilgrims.
In addition, the adviser called on marriage registers to adhere to regulations, particularly concerning fee collection, and urged them to maintain the Bangladesh Muslim Nikah Registrar Forum’s impartiality by avoiding political involvement.
The function was presided over by Forum President Kazi Syed Muhammad Abu Syed, with Additional District Magistrate Syed Mahbubul Haque and LGED Executive Engineer (Ctg Region) Mohammad Hasan Ali among the speakers.