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The Hajj Agencies Association of Bangladesh (HAAB) has urged the Saudi government to increase Bangladesh’s Hajj quota by at least 20,000 after the existing allocation of 78,500 places was filled.
HAAB Secretary General Farid Ahmed Majumder made the demand at a press conference at a hotel in Nayapaltan, Dhaka, on Monday. HAAB President Syed Golam Sarwar was also present.
Farid said Hajj is expected to be held on May 15 next year, subject to moon sighting. Although Bangladesh’s regular Hajj quota is 127,198, Saudi Arabia reduced it to 78,500 for 2027 amid a decline in the number of pilgrims in recent years due to political instability and economic difficulties.
He said the quota was filled before the registration deadline, while more than 20,000 prospective pilgrims remain on the waiting list.
“Considering these guests of Allah, it is essential to secure at least 20,000 additional slots from the Saudi government,” Farid said. “As our regular quota is 127,198, we are reasonably entitled to the increased allocation.”
The HAAB secretary general said many of the waiting pilgrims had made full mental and financial preparations for Hajj, with some families having only part of their members successfully registered.
The association has already sent a letter to the Religious Affairs Ministry seeking steps to secure the additional quota. Ministry officials said a proposal is being sent to Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah.
The 78,500 quota was filled before registration closed on September 24. Despite the quota being exhausted, many prospective pilgrims deposited money, but could not complete registration after the server was shut down. Ministry sources said around 17,000 people paid but could not register.
Bangladesh is expected to discuss the Hajj quota with Saudi Arabia during negotiations for the 2027 Hajj agreement, scheduled to be held in November.
