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Bangladesh’s Hajj quota has been increased by 5,000 to 83,500 for 2027 following a bilateral agreement with Saudi Arabia.
The agreement was signed in Jeddah at 7pm local time on Monday (November 9), with Religious Affairs Minister Kazi Shah Mofazzal Hossain (Kaikobad) signing on behalf of Bangladesh and Saudi Hajj and Umrah Minister Dr Tawfiq bin Fawzan Al-Rabiah representing Saudi Arabia.
Following the signing ceremony, the religious affairs minister said the additional 5,000 places had been granted immediately in response to a special request from the Bangladesh government.
He described the agreement as a successful outcome of bilateral discussions on improving Hajj management and services for Bangladeshi pilgrims.
The minister said limitations in the capacity of tents in Mina had been discussed during the meeting. However, the Saudi minister assured Bangladesh that any quota left unused or cancelled by other countries would be considered for allocation to Bangladesh on a priority basis.
The Saudi minister also assured Bangladesh of continued support, saying, “We will do whatever is necessary for you.”
A total of 78,500 Bangladeshis performed Hajj last year under government and private arrangements.
Religious Affairs Minister Kaikobad expressed gratitude to Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for their leadership and thanked the Saudi Hajj and Umrah minister, Saudi Ambassador to Bangladesh Dr Abdullah Zafar H Bin Abiyah and other officials for their cooperation in increasing the quota.
He said the government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, was working to make Hajj management easier, more transparent and service-oriented.
The government would continue efforts to improve services for pilgrims and ensure transparency in administrative arrangements, he added.
Senior officials from the religious affairs ministries of Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia attended the signing ceremony, including Religious Affairs Ministry Secretary Munshi Alauddin Al Azad, Additional Secretary Dr Ayatul Islam, Bangladesh Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Delwar Hossain and Bangladesh Consul General in Jeddah Sakhawat Hossain.