Bangladesh, Saudi Arabia Hold High-Level Talks on Expanding Hajj Facilities

A high-level bilateral meeting between Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia was held in Jeddah under the leadership of Bangladesh's Religious Affairs Minister Kazi Shah Mofazzal Hossain (Kaikobad), focusing on strengthening cooperation in Hajj management and expanding facilities for Bangladeshi pilgrims.

According to a press release issued by the Ministry of Religious Affairs on Saturday, the meeting took place last Monday evening ahead of the signing of the 2027 Hajj agreement.

Bangladesh's Religious Affairs Minister Kazi Shah Mofazzal Hossain (Kaikobad) and Saudi Arabia's Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Dr Tawfiq bin Fawzan Al-Rabiah, led their respective delegations.

The meeting aimed to further strengthen the longstanding historical, religious and fraternal ties between the two countries, increase Bangladesh's Hajj pilgrim quota and improve facilities for Bangladeshi Hajj and Umrah pilgrims.

During the meeting, the Bangladeshi minister expressed deep respect for Saudi Arabia's leadership and praised the Saudi government's outstanding initiatives and services in managing the annual Hajj pilgrimage.

He also expressed gratitude for Saudi Arabia's continued support for Bangladeshi pilgrims and stressed the importance of strengthening communication, coordination and information-sharing between the two countries.

The minister expressed hope that the historic and brotherly relations between Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia would grow stronger under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.

In response, Saudi Hajj and Umrah Minister Dr Tawfiq bin Fawzan Al-Rabiah praised Bangladesh's Hajj management system and conveyed his sincere thanks to Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.

He assured Bangladesh of continued comprehensive support for its Hajj pilgrims and expressed Saudi Arabia's willingness to give Bangladesh priority in various Hajj-related matters.

A key issue discussed at the meeting was the possibility of allocating unused Hajj quotas from other countries to Bangladesh.

The Saudi minister gave a positive assurance that if any country fails to utilise its allocated Hajj quota fully, or leaves part of it unused, the remaining quota could be made available to Bangladesh.

He said Saudi Arabia would give Bangladesh priority and extend the necessary cooperation if such an opportunity arose.

"Whatever needs to be done for Bangladesh, we will do," the Saudi minister said, according to the press release.

He also expressed interest in expanding bilateral cooperation in Hajj and Umrah management and other related areas.

Among those present at the meeting were Saudi Deputy Minister of Hajj and Umrah Dr Al Hassan Al-Manakhrah, Saudi Ambassador to Bangladesh Dr Abdullah bin Dafer bin Ubaidya and other senior officials.

The Bangladeshi delegation included Religious Affairs Ministry Secretary Munshi Alauddin Al Azad, Additional Secretary Dr Md Ayatul Islam, Bangladesh Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Md Delwar Hossain, Bangladesh Consul General in Jeddah Md Sakhawat Hossain, Hajj Counsellor Md Kamrul Islam and Hajj Consul Md Mazharul Islam.

The meeting is expected to contribute to strengthening bilateral relations between Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia while creating additional opportunities for Bangladeshi pilgrims and expanding cooperation in Hajj and Umrah management.