‘606 pilgrims can’t perform hajj for negligence of agencies’

Some 606 people could not fly to Saudi Arabia to perform hajj this year for various reasons, including illness, death and negligence of hajj agencies, said religious affairs minister principal Motiur Rahman on Wednesday, reports UNB.

"The government has nothing to do, but the agencies involved in irregularities will have to face the music," he told a press briefing at hajj camp in the city's Ashkona area.

A total of 121,868 intending hajj pilgrims have reached Saudi Arabia, said the minister adding, "The rest of the intending pilgrims will reach Saudi Arabia on 17 August."

A number of complaints have been received against some agencies and action will be taken against them after the hajj, he said.

The last flight of Biman Bangladesh Airlines will leave for Saudi Arabia on Wednesday while that of the Saudi Airlines on 17 August, Motiur Rahman said.

A total of 126,798 pilgrims will perform hajj this year. Of them, 6,798 pilgrims will perform under the government management and the rest 1,200,000 under the private management.

Apart from the government, 528 private hajj agencies have been allowed to send pilgrims to perform hajj this year.

The first hajj flight left Dhaka on 14 July while the return hajj flights are scheduled to begin on 27 August and will continue till 25 September.

This year's hajj will be held on 20 August.