HAAB seeks additional 20,000 Hajj quotas
The Hajj Agencies Association of Bangladesh (HAAB) has urged Saudi Arabia to increase additional 20,000 Hajj quotas for Bangladesh's Hajj pilgrimage in 2027.
The association made the call after the existing allocation of 78,500 pilgrims was filled before the registration deadline.
Secretary General of HAAB Farid Ahmed Majumder made the demand at a press briefing at a hotel in the capital's Nayapaltan area on Monday. HAAB President Syed Golam Sarwar was also present at the press conference.
Farid Ahmed Majumder said the Saudi government has set Bangladesh's hajj quota at 78,500 pilgrims for 2027, down from the country's standard quota of 127,198.
"The quota was reduced after the number of Bangladeshi pilgrims declined in recent years amid political instability and economic difficulties," he said.
He said more than 20,000 prospective pilgrims are now waiting to secure their places.
"These pilgrims are mentally and financially prepared to perform hajj this year," he said.
In some families, some members had completed registration while others remained on the waiting list, he added.
He said Saudi authorities should allocate at least another 20,000 slots considering the number of prospective pilgrims who have already made preparations.
"As our original quota is 127,198, we are reasonably entitled to seek this additional allocation," he said.
Farid Ahmed Majumder also expressed confidence that Bangladesh could secure additional slots through diplomatic engagement.
He described as strong relations between Bangladesh's Religious Affairs Ministry and Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Hajj and Umrah.
He said the previous hajj was conducted smoothly and in an orderly manner with cooperation from the Saudi authorities.
Responding to a query he said HAAB has already written to Bangladesh's Religious Affairs Ministry seeking steps to secure an additional quota.
Officials said the ministry is forwarding a proposal to Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Hajj and Umrah.
There had initially been uncertainty over whether Bangladesh would fill its reduced quota for 2027. However, demand rose sharply toward the end of the registration period, and the 78,500 quota was filled before registration closed on September 24.
Many prospective pilgrims deposited money even after the quota had been filled.
Banks were kept open on Friday and Saturday to receive hajj payments, but the registration server was shut down once the quota was filled.
The Religious Affairs Ministry said around 17,000 people who deposited money were unable to complete their Hajj registration because the quota had already been filled.
The hajj is expected to be held on May 15 next year, corresponding to 9 Zil Hajj 1448 AH, subject to the sighting of the moon.
