Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is set to inaugurate this year’s Hajj flight operations on Friday night as Bangladesh prepares to send 78,500 pilgrims to Saudi Arabia amid strict regulations introduced by Saudi authorities for the pilgrimage season.
According to the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism, the Prime Minister will formally open the Hajj flight operations at 11:30pm. Officials said preparations have been completed, including expanded flight schedules and reduced airfares to facilitate smoother travel for pilgrims.
Bangladesh, one of the world’s largest Hajj pilgrim-sending countries, will send 78,500 pilgrims this year. Of them, 4,565 will perform Hajj under government management, while 73,935 will travel through private agencies. About half of the pilgrims will fly with Biman Bangladesh Airlines, while the rest will use Saudia and Flynas.
Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia has announced strict penalties for violating Hajj permit regulations, aiming to ensure a safe and orderly pilgrimage.
The Ministry of Interior said anyone performing or attempting Hajj without a permit, including visit visa holders entering or staying in Makkah or the holy sites between 18 April and 31 May, will face fines of up to SR20,000.
Stricter penalties of up to SR1 lakh will be imposed on individuals who facilitate such violations, including those applying for visas for unauthorised pilgrims, transporting them, or providing accommodation. The fines will increase depending on the number of violators involved.
Authorities also warned that illegal entrants, including overstayers and residents violating rules, will be deported and barred from entering Saudi Arabia for 10 years. Courts may also order confiscation of vehicles used in transporting violators.
The Saudi authorities further said offenders can appeal penalties through designated committees and courts within specified timeframes. Security forces have also intensified monitoring, with arrests already reported in cases involving fake Hajj permits and fraudulent services.
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