Religious Adviser Dr AFM Khalid Hossain has requested the Saudi government to retain the current Hajj quota of 1,000 pilgrims per agency, instead of implementing the proposed increase to 2,000 from 2026.
The request was made during a meeting with Dr Al-Hassan Yahya Al-Manakhara, deputy minister of Hajj and Umrah Affairs, held on Friday afternoon, in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The Ministry of Religious Affairs shared the information in a press release.
The adviser thanked the Saudi authorities for ensuring an orderly and smooth Hajj management process in 2025.
He expressed gratitude for measures taken this year, including preventing unauthorized Hajj participation, timely distribution of Nusuk cards, uninterrupted transport services in Mashair areas, intensive healthcare, and efforts to reduce the death rate among pilgrims.
In preparation for a more streamlined Hajj management in 2026, the adviser highlighted several observations. He urged the Saudi side to enrich the Nusuk Masar dashboard with detailed data and introduce systems for monitoring and verification.
Additionally, he requested the introduction of RFID tracking for pilgrim luggage under the Makkah Route Initiatives, improved toilet facilities and water supply in Mashair areas, and larger bed sizes in tents at Mina and Arafat.
He also recommended announcing the mandatory Hajj costs in advance and proposed the inclusion of a third carrier airline alongside national flag carriers Biman Bangladesh Airlines and Saudia Airlines for transporting Hajj pilgrims.
Deputy Minister Dr Al-Hassan listened attentively to the suggestions and assured that they would be taken into consideration.
He also urged Bangladesh to improve Hajj management further and complete all tasks in a timely manner following the roadmap.
