As the Hajj pilgrimage approaches, the Ministry of Religious Affairs in Bangladesh is grappling with the accommodation of over 10,000 pilgrims in Saudi Arabia. Currently, 10,487 pilgrims still lack secured lodging, with 7,274 expected to be in Mecca and 3,213 in Madina. This information was disclosed by Dr. AFM Khalid Hossain, the religious affairs adviser, during a press conference at the Secretariat on April 8, 2025.
According to the ministry, the total number of pilgrims traveling through private channels stands at 81,900. As of Tuesday, accommodation has been confirmed for 74,626 pilgrims in Mecca and 78,687 in Madina. However, the situation remains dire for the 10,487 pilgrims who have yet to secure their accommodations.
Dr. Hossain highlighted that in a Zoom meeting held with Hajj agencies on April 7, it was revealed that accommodation requests for 1,126 pilgrims in Mecca and 1,067 in Madina had not been submitted on the Nusuk Massar platform. The ministry is urging these agencies to expedite the submission of accommodation requests, issuing show-cause notices to those that have not finalized agreements. Initially, 21 agencies were identified for not meeting the accommodation requirements, but this number has since decreased to nine.
In accordance with the Saudi government's roadmap, all visas for pilgrims must be finalized by April 18, 2025. Dr. Hossain emphasized, "Through you (the media), we want to state clearly—if even a single pilgrim fails to perform Hajj due to the negligence or carelessness of any agency, that agency will be held responsible. Under no circumstances will the Ministry of Religious Affairs bear that responsibility." He urged the agencies to complete all necessary activities within the timeline set by the Saudi authorities to ensure that pilgrims can perform their Hajj without complications.
Hajj, the annual pilgrimage to Mecca, is a significant event for Muslims worldwide, symbolizing their devotion and submission to Allah. The pilgrimage is one of the five pillars of Islam and is obligatory for every Muslim who is financially and physically capable.
In 2025, Hajj is scheduled to begin on the evening of June 6 and conclude on the evening of June 11, although the exact dates may vary depending on moon sightings. The pilgrimage takes place during Dhul Hijjah, the 12th and final month of the Islamic lunar calendar. The second day of Hajj, known as the Day of Arafah, is considered the holiest day in the Islamic calendar.
During Hajj, millions of Muslims perform various rituals, including the Tawaf, which involves circumambulating the Kaaba, and the Sa’i, which entails walking between the hills of Safa and Marwa. These rituals commemorate the actions of Hagar, the wife of Prophet Ibrahim, as she searched for water for her son Ismail.
In recent years, Hajj has faced challenges, particularly concerning overcrowding and safety. Saudi Arabia has implemented measures to address these issues, including a recent ban on certain types of visas for travelers from 14 countries. This ban is intended to mitigate overcrowding and enhance safety during the pilgrimage.
The visa suspension will remain in effect until after Hajj concludes in mid-June 2025. Affected countries include Algeria, Bangladesh, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Jordan, Morocco, Nigeria, Pakistan, Sudan, Tunisia, and Yemen. This decision aims to prevent individuals from circumventing the quota system that allocates Hajj places to each country.
Officials from Saudi Arabia have stated that the last visas will be issued by April 13, 2025, after which no further visas will be granted until after the Hajj period. This move is part of a broader strategy to ensure that the pilgrimage is conducted safely and efficiently.
Hajj is not only a religious obligation but also a profound spiritual journey for millions of Muslims. It offers an opportunity for forgiveness, devotion, and reaffirmation of faith. The pilgrimage is deeply rooted in Islamic tradition, with its origins traced back to the actions of Prophet Ibrahim and his family.
As the date for Hajj approaches, preparations are underway for the millions of pilgrims who will travel to Mecca. The Saudi government has dedicated extensive resources to ensure the proper conduct of the pilgrimage, investing in infrastructure and services to accommodate the influx of visitors.
In summary, the Ministry of Religious Affairs in Bangladesh is facing significant challenges in securing accommodations for Hajj pilgrims. With the deadline for visa completion approaching and the pilgrimage set to begin in less than two months, the urgency for Hajj agencies to finalize arrangements is paramount. The upcoming Hajj serves as a reminder of the importance of faith, community, and the shared experiences of Muslims worldwide.
