Govt strengthens transport, healthcare, immigration for hajj pilgrims: Minister

Religious Affairs Minister Kazi Shah Mofazzal Hossain Kaikobad on Tuesday said comprehensive measures have been taken to ensure safe transportation, healthcare, immigration and pre-departure facilities for Hajj pilgrims.

Kaikobad said this in response to a written question from ruling party lawmaker elected from Dhaka-18, SM Jahangir Hossain, reports UNB.

The Minister said that a dedicated traffic route plan has been implemented in coordination with the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) and traffic authorities to ensure the smooth movement of Hajj pilgrims from the Hajj Camp to Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport as construction of an underpass is ongoing in front of the Hajj Camp.

He said pilgrims and their relatives, along with officials involved in Hajj operations, will enter the Hajj Camp through the newly constructed road via Kawla rail gate and Civil Aviation Community Centre and exit through the Dhaka-Mymensingh Highway after completing procedures.

"Buses carrying pilgrims will enter the airport through a designated cargo terminal road due to one-way traffic arrangements," he added.

Regarding healthcare services, the Minister said a well-equipped medical centre will operate inside the Hajj Camp with 24-hour emergency services under the Directorate General of Health Services.

A total of 19 doctors, 12 sub-assistant community medical officers, 14 senior staff nurses and four sanitary inspectors will be deployed along with a standby ambulance to transfer critically ill patients.

On immigration facilities, he said boarding and immigration procedures for pilgrims are completed at the Hajj Camp while under the Saudi government-supported Makkah Route Initiative, Saudi immigration is completed at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, allowing pilgrims to avoid long queues upon arrival in Saudi Arabia.

Regarding pre-departure facilities, Kaikobad said luggage tagging is completed before boarding and immigration procedures, ensuring smooth and hassle-free travel for pilgrims.

Bangladesh is among a limited number of countries enjoying this special facility under the Makkah Route Initiative, he added.

On monitoring arrangements, the Minister said a 24/7 control room will operate at the Hajj Camp under the direct supervision of the Ministry of Religious Affairs.

"Pilgrims' movement and travel will be tracked through the "Labbayk" mobile app, while multiple monitoring teams led by the Minister and ministry secretary will regularly inspect Hajj Camp and airport services."

He added that a 24-hour call centre (16136) will remain operational to receive complaints and suggestions from Hajj pilgrims.