As Bangladesh has the third largest Muslim population in the world, Hajj is considered a very important annual event. As large groups of people move together in Hajj, it entails complex coordination -- both within the country and in Saudi Arabia -- for things to be conducted smoothly. Matters like the travel to and from Saudi Arabia, fixing accommodation in Mecca, and later preparing for the movement to Mina, Arafa, and Muzdalifah, entails figuring out many key details.
There are many Hajj agents working with permission from the Ministry of Religious Affairs and the association of Hajj organizers. The government acts as a facilitator to ensure that people can perform a hassle free and safe Hajj. The Saudi government also allocates state resources, including the logistics and security setup to commemorate the mega event.
In the past there have been many incidents resulting in loss of lives through stampedes, fires, and other hazardous ways. These days, the movement is better regulated with enhanced facilities like the shuttle train for trips between the holy sites. This has regulated and disciplined the movement of these large groups and greatly increased the safety of the pilgrims. The state of accommodation and catering has also been revamped to meet higher standards.
Arrangements of hotel bookings, air tickets, guides, must all be planned well in advance in order to avoid chaos. Timely planning and coordination with Saudi counterparts to ensure smooth logistics at all phases can hardly be overemphasized.
Our honourable prime minister has already inaugurated the holy pilgrimage, having been present at the Hajj camp the other day. She highlighted the improved facilities provided by the government, including the digitization of the registration and visa application process.
The exorbitant hike of Hajj expenses this year in the country compared to other countries has been talked about quite a lot. For instance, Hajj expenditure in India and Pakistan are around Tk4 lakh, whereas ours is almost Tk8 lakh. A High Court rule issued to government agencies to justify and reduce cost resulted in a very negligible cut.
For Bangladeshi Hajj pilgrims, the airfare is unjustifiably high and, our national flag bearer, the Biman authorities have always come up with their own logic as to why. Observers found that in a bid to cover up their loss, Biman has been bent upon retaining their monopoly making the pilgrims just victims with no other options available. Biman always remained at the top of controversy for well-established cases of corruption and inefficiency making headlines. Regarding Hajj, again they have scored high by taking a
fleet of hundred persons to Saudi Arabia with a claim to provide service to the pilgrims, spending a sum of Tk12 crore. This act has been pointed out by experts as a case of noncompliance with calls for exercising frugality.
Hajj is an obligatory event for Muslims who are physically capable and have the means to bear the expenses. It is expected to be covered from one's own resources. The question remains, should the state sponsor such events for individuals? That too a resource scarce one like Banlgadesh?
Unfortunately, every year, we find a good many people (250-300) go for this event with state funding. It comes as no surprise that this list of privileged people include ministers, members of parliaments, high government officials, and other chosen few. Many rightly question such acts of “charity” by the state spending taxpayer's money.
It came out in print media that this year nobody will be sent for Hajj with government expenses. This is a welcome development and the government deserves to be commended for taking this much overdue step in the right direction. But, again, the latest news says that 23 people will make the journey with government funds this time.
Governments around the world take meaningful steps to facilitate the performance of Hajj in safety and comfort. Pilgrims of countries like Indonesia and Malaysia stand out in the crowd because of the visible signs, how efficiently they are organized, and how disciplined and orchestrated their movements are. There are plenty of booths in Mecca distributing relevant booklets in Malay and Indonesian languages. Unfortunately, publications in Bangla are scarce.
It is quite surprising that a country like India which is much talked about for her Hindutva stance in recent times is continuing to pay a subsidy of Rupees one lakh for every Muslim pilgrim. Their consulate in Mecca is quite active which is well reflected in a YouTube video released recently to facilitate the pilgrims' journey and performance of Hajj. This comprehensive video covers all details regarding the journey, accommodation, and the dos and don'ts at every stage, facilitating a smooth performance and the wellbeing of the pilgrims. Among others, it spells out as to when the passport should be in person and when it will be collected and kept with the Muallim or Hajj guide. Our authorities have much to learn from such pragmatic steps taken by the Indian consulate.
A couple of years back, in a Masjid in Stockholm, Sweden, I saw a one stop service for performing everything related to Hajj including visa, ticketing, hotel booking, etc. This was organized by the local Muslim community, thus easing all the trouble of the potential pilgrims.
While our government's support and good intention is well pronounced, lack of vigilance and seriousness on the part of concerned agencies like Biman begs serious attention.
Brig Gen Qazi Abidus Samad, ndc, psc (Retd) is a freelance contributor
