Hajj registration Poor response despite cost reduction
26 March 2023
Staff Reporter :
The response to the Hajj registration is still remained poor in spite of the cost reduction of Hajj package. The Religious Affairs Ministry has expressed apprehension about whether 11 thousand 106 people will register or not in the remaining two days to fulfill the quota.
Only 498 people have registered in the last three days after the extension of time for fifth round.
Earlier, the Religious Affairs Ministry announced to reduce the Hajj package by 11 thousand 725 taka after widespread criticism due to the high cost of the Hajj package in the current season.
The desired response is not getting even after extending time of registration till March 27 for fifth round. There remains still vacancy of 11 thousand 106 people in the public and private sector, according to the Ministry officials.
Officials say that the number of private registrations is gradually increasing, but the number of government registrations is very low. Only 166 pilgrims have been officially registered in the last one week.
Ministry Officials said that since the cost of Hajj is high this year, we are noticing a decline in the registration from the beginning. But they hope that the quota will be fulfilled on the last day next Monday.
"It will not be possible to extend the time of registration again," Mr. Md. Matiul Islam, Additional Secretary (Hajj), Ministry of Religious Affairs said.
"We have to rent house in Saudi. Apart from this, Hajj pilgrims have to complete other formalities including visa and training," he added.
The Holy Hajj will be held on June 27 (9 Zilhj) this year subject to moon sighting. According to the Hajj agreement with Saudi Arabia, One lakh 27 thousand and 198 people from Bangladesh will be able to perform Hajj this year.
