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Bangladesh Bank has issued new instructions requiring registered Hajj pilgrims under both government and private management to use the International Bank Account Number (IBAN) system to transfer payments for local services in Saudi Arabia during the 2027 Hajj season.
Under the new guidelines, payments for accommodation, tent bookings in Mina and Arafat, transportation and other services must be sent to service providers’ Saudi bank accounts using IBAN.
The Foreign Exchange Policy Department of Bangladesh Bank issued a circular on Tuesday (November 10) and sent it to the head offices of authorised dealer (AD) banks.
According to the circular, payments for the Saudi Arabia phase of Hajj under government management must be transferred through designated accounts of the Ministry of Religious Affairs maintained with Sonali Bank’s Local Office and Ramna Corporate Branch.
Under private management, Hajj agencies will have to transfer payments for hotel accommodation under premium packages, Mashair services (Mina, Arafat and Muzdalifah) and transportation directly to the IBAN accounts of the respective Saudi service providers through their banks.
The central bank issued the instructions following a request from the Ministry of Religious Affairs.
The circular said necessary agreements with accommodation providers and service companies in Saudi Arabia, including arrangements for tents in Mina and Arafat, must be completed within the stipulated deadlines to ensure smooth Hajj management. Timely payment of the related expenses is also essential.
IBAN is an internationally recognised system for identifying bank accounts and ensuring accurate cross-border money transfers. Its use is mandatory under Saudi Arabia’s international banking requirements for payments related to Hajj accommodation and other services.
Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia has initially allocated a quota of 78,500 pilgrims for Bangladesh for the 2027 Hajj season. However, the government has applied for an additional quota in response to requests from private Hajj agencies. If the quota is increased, around 96,000 Bangladeshis may get the opportunity to perform Hajj next year.
According to the announced Hajj packages, the maximum estimated cost for the Saudi Arabia phase has been set at Tk 470,090 per pilgrim, while the minimum cost is Tk 362,911.
The new guidelines are expected to bring Hajj-related payments further in line with international banking procedures and ensure more disciplined and timely arrangements for accommodation and other services in Saudi Arabia.
