Jeddah, June 21 (V7N) — Bangladesh has requested the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to retain the current Hajj quota of 1,000 pilgrims per agency, rather than implementing the planned increase to 2,000 starting in 2026. The appeal was made by Religious Affairs Adviser AFM Khalid Hossain during a bilateral meeting with Saudi Deputy Minister for Hajj and Umrah Affairs, Dr. Al-Hassan Yahya Al-Manakhara, held in Jeddah on Friday, according to an official release.
 
While Saudi Arabia had previously announced that a minimum quota of 2,000 pilgrims per Hajj agency would be enforced from 2026 onward, the Bangladeshi delegation emphasized the importance of maintaining the existing limit to ensure a more manageable, safe, and well-organized pilgrimage process.
 
Adviser Khalid expressed his sincere gratitude to the Saudi authorities for their effective and well-coordinated management of the 2024 Hajj. He specifically acknowledged improvements in various key areas, including the prevention of unauthorized Hajj activities, timely distribution of Nusuk cards, streamlined transportation systems, upgraded healthcare services in the Masahir region, and proactive steps taken to reduce pilgrim mortality.
 
To further enhance the experience and efficiency of future Hajj operations, Khalid proposed a series of strategic recommendations for 2026. These included upgrading the Nusuk Masa dashboard with more comprehensive information, introducing a monitoring and verification system for services, and implementing an RFID-based luggage tracking system under the Makkah Route Initiative.
 
He also suggested expanding essential infrastructure—such as toilets and water facilities—in the Masahir area, increasing bed capacity in Mina and Arafat tents, and ensuring early disclosure of the estimated cost of Hajj to allow pilgrims to plan ahead. To ease transportation, he proposed the inclusion of a third airline alongside Biman Bangladesh Airlines and Saudia Airlines.
 
In response, Deputy Minister Dr. Al-Manakhara expressed appreciation for Bangladesh's constructive suggestions and assured that the Saudi government would carefully consider the recommendations in planning for future Hajj arrangements. He also urged Bangladesh to continue enhancing its Hajj management practices and to follow the official roadmap in a timely and coordinated manner.
 
Present during the meeting were Religious Affairs Secretary AKM Aftab Hossain Pramanik; Councilor (Hajj) Md. Zahirul Islam; Consul (Hajj) Md. Aslam Uddin; and Md. Kamrul Islam, Private Secretary to the Secretary.
 
END/WD/RH/