Dhaka: Most Bangladeshi lead agencies have yet to complete accommodation rental contracts for Hajj pilgrims in Makkah and Madinah, prompting concern from the Saudi authorities over the slow progress.

In this context, the Ministry of Religious Affairs has instructed all lead agencies to complete accommodation rentals for Hajj pilgrims by February 1, in line with the Saudi timeline. The directive was issued through an official letter sent on Saturday, January 17, according to local media reports.

The letter stated that all activities related to the 2026 Hajj, including accommodation rentals, must be completed according to the Saudi schedule. As per the Hajj roadmap announced by the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, accommodation contracts in Makkah and Madinah must be finalized by February 1.

Earlier, on January 15, the Director General of the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah expressed serious concern during a Juma meeting over the “highly disappointing” progress made by Bangladeshi agencies in renting accommodation in Makkah and Madinah. He made it clear that the deadline for accommodation rentals would not be extended under any circumstances. If any agency fails to complete rentals within the stipulated time, the tents and service packages for the remaining number of pilgrims will be cancelled accordingly.

The letter further cited a report received from the Nusuk Masar platform at 9:00 pm Bangladesh time on January 16, which showed that among 30 lead agencies, only 7.26 percent of accommodation rentals in Makkah and 11.35 percent in Madinah had been completed. Meanwhile, 11 lead agencies have not yet started accommodation rentals in either Makkah or Madinah.

Given the situation, the ministry reiterated its instruction to all concerned lead agencies to mandatorily complete accommodation rentals in Makkah and Madinah by February 1, in strict adherence to the Saudi timeline.

The letter also stated that if any agency needs to remit funds for Saudi-phase expenses—such as accommodation rentals, transportation contracts, or pilgrims’ Qurbani—the funds must be transferred to the agency’s Saudi Arabian IBAN (International Bank Account Number) by January 20. If any pilgrim’s Hajj becomes uncertain due to failure to complete required activities within the Saudi-declared timeframe, the concerned agency will bear full responsibility.