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2 months ago

Bangladeshis urged not to perform hajj sans permit

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The government has urged the Bangladeshis staying in Saudi Arabia not to perform hajj without a hajj permit.

The religious affairs ministry made the request in a statement on Friday for smooth and better hajj management and welfare of pilgrims.

The ministry also asked Bangladeshis not to stay in Mecca or holy places of Saudi Arabia on visit visas during the current hajj season.

It also said Bangladeshis have also been requested to refrain from sponsoring, transporting and assisting in entering reserved hajj areas and arranging accommodation for them in hotels or houses for visit visa holders who violate hajj regulations.

"It's necessary to refrain from such acts as they have a negative impact on the existing relations between the two countries," the statement reads.

This year, the Saudi government has issued new regulations to facilitate pilgrims' entry to Mecca, control excessive crowds and strengthen security.

According to these regulations, entry to Mecca is only possible with a valid permit from the relevant authorities to work in the holy places of Saudi Arabia, a certificate of registered residence in Mecca and a government-issued hajj permit.


Announcing a strict stance during the upcoming hajj season, the Saudi Arabia has said that anyone who attempts to perform hajj without a hajj permit will have to pay a maximum fine of 20,000 Saudi Riyals.

Even if someone assists, there is a provision of a fine of up to 100,000 Riyals.

Not only the fine, but if the crime is proven, the personal vehicle of such an assistant will also be confiscated according to the court ruling.

The Saudi government has also said if a foreign national stays beyond the specified time or tries to perform hajj without a valid permit, he or she will be expelled from the KSA and will not be allowed to enter the country for the next 10 years.

This provision will come into effect from the 1st of the month of Zilqad (April 29) to the 14th of the month of Zilhaj (June 10).

During this period, no one will be able to enter or stay in the holy city of Mecca or the surrounding holy places without hajj permission.

Especially those who have entered Saudi Arabia with a visit visa will be monitored at the highest level.

Meanwhile, religious affairs adviser Dr AFM Khalid Hossain has urged Bangladeshi citizens to refrain from performing unauthorised hajj.


He said it is necessary to follow the laws and regulations announced by the Saudi government for the smooth hajj management.

"Bangladesh has various issues related to its interests with Saudi Arabia."

About 3.5 million Bangladeshis are working in Saudi Arabia. The highest remittance comes from this country, he added.

The adviser also said that the government is committed to playing a role in smooth hajj management for the larger interest of the Muslim Ummah.

talhabinhabib@yshoo.com

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