Jeddah:Dhaka The Saudi authorities have refunded a significant amount of 30,91,243 Saudi Riyals, roughly equivalent to Tk 10.23 crore, which was previously deducted as non-insured medical expenses for 340 Bangladeshi Hajj pilgrims during the 2026 Hajj season.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, this refund was deposited into the Nusuk system of the Bangladesh Hajj Office in Jeddah on October 29, as revealed by Religious Affairs Minister Kazi Shah Mofazzal Hossain (Kaikobad) during a press conference at his ministry office. The deducted amount had been withheld by the Saudi authorities for medical costs incurred by the pilgrims beyond their insurance coverage.
The Bangladesh Hajj Office in Jeddah, under the guidance of the Ministry of Religious Affairs, engaged in various efforts including correspondence, data verification, negotiations, and formal requests to the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah to recover the money. Of the total amount refunded, 29,76,151 Saudi Riyals was returned for 310 pilgrims under private management, while 1,15,092 Saudi Riyals was recovered for 30 pilgrims managed by the government.
Minister Kaikobad described this financial recovery as a significant achievement that protected the financial interests of the pilgrims and aided in conserving foreign currency for Bangladesh. He expressed gratitude towards the Royal Saudi Government, the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, and the Saudi Ambassador to Bangladesh for their cooperation throughout the process.
The minister also highlighted ongoing efforts by the government, led by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, to improve Hajj management by making it more transparent and service-oriented, with particular focus on the welfare of pilgrims. Additionally, Tk 4,87,23,014 was refunded directly to the bank accounts of 4,341 pilgrims as surplus funds from the 2026 Hajj season.
Looking forward to the upcoming Hajj season, the minister announced a reduction in airfare for 2027, set at Tk 1,30,000, which is Tk 24,830 lower than the previous year. He commended the delegation led by the State Minister for Religious Affairs for securing quality accommodation at affordable prices. Furthermore, the government has formally requested an increase in Bangladesh's Hajj quota for the next season, with diplomatic communications ongoing.
The minister also addressed health-related restrictions imposed by the Saudi government on certain high-risk individuals, urging all Hajj agencies to comply strictly with these guidelines to avoid serious complications. He reaffirmed the government's commitment to safeguarding pilgrims' financial interests, enhancing service quality, and ensuring transparency in Hajj management.