Despite delays in visa processing by the Saudi Arabian authorities here in Dhaka, all 1.27 lakh pilgrims would be able to perform their hajj. The online visa processing this year for hajj pilgrims was scheduled to start on June 18. However, the process could not be started due to complication by the Saudi Arabian Authority. It is alleged that the complications result from lack of preparations.
Sheikh Abdullah State Minister for Religious Affairs said, “We have already communicated with the Saudi Arabian Embassy officials about visa processing of the hajj applicants and I hope the procedure will start within next two or three days.” He continued “Nothing will help even if we plan. It seems all depends on them when they wish to start the online visa processing.”
The minister said these while inaugurating 'Pilgrim’s Doctors Training 2019' at Ashkona Hajj Camp in the capital on Wednesday. “Considering all previous experiences of delays, we have planned to complete Hajj program in a more discipline manner. This year no pilgrims will suffer facing any hassle,” he added.
The minister also said that both Biman and Saudi Airlines will transport equal number of pilgrims. In the meantime, Biman sold more than 60,000 air tickets while Saudi Airlines sold around 30,000 air tickets. Rest 10 percent will be sold soon. There will be no problem with pilgrims transport, even no flight schedule will be delayed.
There will be three hajj medical camps at Jeddah, Mecca and Madinah to ensure medical facilities for the country’s pilgrims there. Hajj Agency Association of Bangladesh (HAAB) President M Shahadat Hossain Taslim said, hajj management is much better compared to previous years.