Dhaka: Religious Affairs Minister Kazi Shah Mofazzal Houssain (Kaikobad) today informed the Parliament that comprehensive measures have been taken to ensure safe transportation, healthcare, immigration, and pre-departure facilities for Hajj pilgrims in the airport-adjacent areas during the ongoing Hajj season.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Kaikobad addressed a written question from ruling party lawmaker SM Jahangir Hossain from Dhaka-18 in the Jatiya Sangsad, presided over by Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad, Bir Bikram. The minister detailed that a dedicated traffic route plan has been implemented with the cooperation of Dhaka Metropolitan Police and traffic authorities to facilitate the smooth movement of Hajj pilgrims from the Hajj Camp to Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, considering the ongoing construction of an underpass in front of the Hajj Camp.
He explained that pilgrims, their relatives, and officials involved in Hajj operations will enter the Hajj Camp via the newly constructed road through Kawla rail gate and Civil Aviation Community Center, exiting through the Dhaka-Mymensingh Highway post-procedures. Buses carrying pilgrims will utilize a designated cargo terminal road due to one-way traffic arrangements.
The minister elaborated on healthcare services, stating that a well-equipped medical center will provide 24-hour emergency services inside the Hajj Camp under the Directorate General of Health Services. The facility will have 19 doctors, 12 sub-assistant community medical officers, 14 senior staff nurses, and four sanitary inspectors, along with a standby ambulance for critically ill patients.
Regarding immigration facilities, he mentioned that boarding and immigration procedures will be conducted at the Hajj Camp, consistent with previous years. Under the Saudi government-supported Makkah Route Initiative, Saudi immigration will be completed at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, allowing pilgrims to bypass long queues upon arrival in Saudi Arabia.
Kaikobad highlighted that luggage tagging will be completed before boarding and immigration, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free journey for pilgrims. Bangladesh is among the few countries benefiting from the Makkah Route Initiative.
On monitoring arrangements, the minister revealed that a round-the-clock control room will be operational at the Hajj Camp under the Ministry of Religious Affairs’ supervision. Pilgrims’ movement and travel will be tracked through the “Labbayk” mobile app, and multiple monitoring teams, led by the minister and the ministry secretary, will regularly inspect Hajj Camp and airport services.
Additionally, a 24-hour call center (16136) will be available to receive complaints and suggestions from Hajj pilgrims.