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Religious Affairs Adviser AFM Khalid Hossain has urged the Saudi government to maintain Bangladesh's Hajj quota at 1,000 pilgrims per agency, instead of increasing it to 2,000 as planned for 2026.
The request was made during a meeting with Saudi Deputy Minister for Hajj and Umrah, Dr Al-Hassan Yahya Al-Manakhara, in Jeddah on Friday, according to an official media release run by UNB news agency.
Last year, the Saudi authorities had announced a minimum quota of 2,000 pilgrims per agency starting from 2026.
Bangladesh, however, emphasised the importance of keeping the existing quota to ensure a manageable and well-organised Hajj arrangement.
Adviser Khalid also expressed his gratitude to the Saudi government for the smooth and orderly management of this year’s pilgrimage.
He appreciated measures including the prevention of unauthorised Hajj activities, timely issuance of Nusuk cards, improved transportation, enhanced healthcare in the Masahir area, and efforts to reduce pilgrim mortality.
He also presented several suggestions to further improve Hajj operations in 2026.
These included enriching the Nusuk Masa dashboard with more detailed information, setting up a monitoring and verification mechanism, introducing an RFID-based luggage tracking system under the Makkah Route Initiative, expanding toilet and water facilities in the Masahir area, increasing bed capacity in Mina and Arafat tents, and announcing the estimated cost of Hajj well in advance.
Besides, he proposed launching a third airline carrier alongside Biman Bangladesh and Saudia Airlines to improve transportation services for Bangladeshi pilgrims.
In response, Al-Manakhara assured that Saudi Arabia would consider Bangladesh’s observations and suggestions.
He also called on Bangladesh to further enhance its Hajj management and adhere to the official roadmap in a timely manner.
Religious Affairs Secretary AKM Aftab Hossain Pramanik, Councilor (Hajj) Md. Zahirul Islam, Consul (Hajj) Md Aslam Uddin, and Private Secretary to the Secretary Md Kamrul Islam were also present at the meeting.