Bangladesh’s 2027 Hajj quota rises to 83,500 pilgrims

Dhaka: Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia have signed the bilateral Hajj agreement for 2027, with the Gulf kingdom raising Bangladesh's pilgrim quota by 5,000 to 83,500.

Minister for Religious Affairs Kazi Shah Mofazzal Hossain (Kaikobad) and Saudi Minister of Hajj and Umrah Dr. Tawfiq bin Fawzan Al-Rabiah signed the deal in Jeddah on November 9.

Kaikobad held detailed discussions with his Saudi counterpart on Bangladesh's overall Hajj management after the signing, according to a release from the ministry.

The minister said the Saudi side immediately agreed to the additional allocation of 5,000 pilgrims following a special request from the Bangladesh government.

Last year, a total of 78,500 Bangladeshi pilgrims performed Hajj under both government and private management arrangements.

The two sides also discussed the limited tent accommodation capacity in Mina in connection with the quota allocation.

The Saudi minister assured that if any other country fails to send pilgrims in line with its quota or gives up its allocation, reallocating the unused quota to Bangladesh on a priority basis would be sincerely considered.

According to Kaikobad, his Saudi counterpart also made a firm commitment, saying that Saudi Arabia would do whatever is necessary for Bangladesh.

The minister expressed gratitude to the Saudi government, particularly King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud.

He also thanked Dr. Tawfiq bin Fawzan Al-Rabiah, Saudi Ambassador to Bangladesh Dr. Abdullah Zafar H. bin Abiyah, and other officials for their support in raising the quota and facilitating Hajj arrangements.

Kaikobad said the government, led by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, is working to make Hajj management easier, more transparent, and service-oriented. He added that efforts to improve services for pilgrims and ensure transparency in administrative arrangements would continue.

Saudi Assistant Minister of Hajj and Umrah Dr. Al Hassan bin Yahya Al-Manakhrah, Religious Affairs Secretary Munshi Alauddin Al-Azad, Additional Secretary (Hajj Wing) Dr. Md. Ayatul Islam, Saudi Ambassador Dr. Abdullah Zafar H. bin Abiyah, and Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Md. Delwar Hossain attended the signing ceremony.

Other attendees included Consul General in Jeddah Md. Sakhawat Hossain, Hajj Counsellor Md. Kamrul Islam, Hajj Consul Md. Mazharul Islam, and senior officials from the Hajj and Umrah ministries of both countries.