MM Rahmatullah: This year, one guide will accompany every 46 pilgrims. No one is being sent to Hajj at government expense except those directly involved in Hajj management, said AFM Khalid Hossain, Religious Affairs Adviser.
He made this statement as the chief guest during the inauguration ceremony of the 2025 Hajj Flights (Hijri 1446) held on Monday at the Hajj Camp. He also informed that a total of 1,856 Hajj guides will be deployed to ensure proper Hajj management this year. “We have maintained 100% transparency in house rentals. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to all and hereby inaugurate the Hajj flights,” he added.
AKM Aftab Hossain Pramanik, Secretary of the Ministry of Religious Affairs presided over the event. Sheikh Bashir Uddin, Advisor to the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism; Ms. Nasreen Jahan, Secretary of the same ministry; His Excellency Abdul Aziz Fahad Mubarak Al Ibrahim, Chargé d’Affaires of the Saudi Embassy in Dhaka; Syed Golam Sarwar, President of Hajj Agencies Association of Bangladesh (HAAB); Md. Matiul Islam, Additional Secretary of the Hajj Division; and Farid Ahmed Majumder, Secretary General of HAAB spoke as Special guests during the event. Two Hajj pilgrims shared their thoughts and feelings about the Hajj management.
Special guest Sheikh Bashir Uddin addressed the pilgrims, saying: “We are servants of Allah, but those of you going for Hajj are His guests. There will be no shortfall in our efforts to assist the guests of Allah. We will do our utmost to ensure your Hajj journey and all related activities are smooth. Please forgive us if there are any shortcomings.”
He also advised pilgrims to be mindful of limited drink, and toilet availability during the 6-hour flight and to move around the plane accordingly. He reminded them to be aware of extreme weather conditions during their stay in Saudi Arabia.
AKM Aftab Hossain Pramanik, Secretary of the Ministry of Religious Affairs stated in his concluding speech: “If all of us involved in Hajj management fulfill our responsibilities properly, Hajj 2025 will be successful and meaningful.”
Ms. Nasreen Jahan said, “We have made every effort to ensure this year’s Hajj operations are completed smoothly without any issues.”
HAAB President Syed Golam Sarwar urged the Chargé d’Affaires of the Saudi Embassy to quickly resolve complications regarding airline schedules and house rentals for pilgrims.
HAAB Secretary General Farid Ahmed Majumder presented an overview of this year’s Hajj pilgrim statistics. He informed that out of 87,100 Bangladeshi pilgrims, 5,200 will travel under government management and 82,900 under private arrangements. He also mentioned that a large number of pilgrims still lack housing and visas. He expressed concern about potential flight disruptions due to extra flights scheduled by Biman Bangladesh Airlines and called for the cooperation of all relevant parties to prevent such disruptions.
After the inauguration ceremony, the HAAB President and Secretary General answered this correspondent’ questions and stated that the first flight carrying Bangladeshi pilgrims will depart from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport for Jeddah at 2:15 AM tonight. This year’s Hajj flights will commence with the Saudi national carrier, Saudia. The first flight (SV 3803) will carry 398 pilgrims from Dhaka to perform the holy Hajj.
