The government will take punitive steps against agencies involved with fraudulence with Hajj pilgrims and involved with human trafficking using the event.
The owners of those 193 agencies have been already served a show-cause from the ministry of religious affairs, a government official told the Dhaka Tribune.
They have been asked to attend the hearing for deposition at the ministry on February 4, 5 and 6, deputy secretary of the ministry Jahangir Alam said.
Punishment for them is due by February in line with the report that will be obtained after the hearings, he told the Dhaka Tribune on Tuesday.
Those found guilty might be fined or have their licenses terminated or have lawsuits filed against them.
A total of 196 agencies were identified by the ministry for fraudulence regarding Hajj pilgrimage. But, actions have already been taken against three – licenses canceled and deposits attached.
A total of 162 pilgrims failed to attend Hajj in 2012, victims of cheat and negligence of seven agencies. They were found guilty in an internal probe.
Saudi Hajj Air Services were penalised Tk50 lakh for 143 of those pilgrims, Rafique Travels Tk15 lakh for 15 pilgrims. Their licenses were cancelled and Tk60 lakh deposit attached.
A total of 176 people did not go back to Bangladesh after Hajj, the authority of Saudi Arabia said. But, the Bangladesh ministry said the number was 498.
Joint Secretary of the ministry Farid Ahmed said the fraudulence rate during 2012 was lower compared to before. However, punishment was called at the same.
