A correspondent:
JEDDAH, SAUDI ARABIA, Saudi Arabia has assured Bangladesh to increase the hajj quota and enhance more facilities for the Bangladeshi hajj pilgrims.
The assurance came following a high-level meeting between Religious Affairs Minister Kazi Shah Mofazzal Hossain Kaikobad and Minister of Hajj and Umrah of the KSA Dr. Tawfiq bin Fawzan Al-Rabiah at Jeddah on Monday, said an official release here yesterday.
The meeting held before signing the hajj agreement for 2027 also gave emphasis on strengthening existing historical, religious and brotherly relations between the two countries.
During the meeting, Saudi Arabia gave a positive assurance regarding the allocation of unused Hajj quotas of other countries to Bangladesh if any country fails to fill its allocated quota or cannot fully utilize it.
Bangladesh would be given priority and necessary assistance if such an opportunity arises, the Saudi minister said.
Bangladesh’s Religious Affairs Minister expressed profound respect to the leadership of Saudi Arabia and highly appreciated the Saudi government’s outstanding initiatives and services in managing the holy Hajj.
He expressed deep gratitude for the Saudi government’s continued support to Bangladeshi Hajj pilgrims. He also stressed the need to further strengthen mutual communication, coordination and information exchange between the two countries.
Kaikobad expressed hope that the historic and fraternal relations between Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia would become deeper and stronger in the days ahead under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.
Saudi Arabia’s Minister Dr. Tawfiq bin Fawzan Al-Rabiah praised Bangladesh’s Hajj management and conveyed his sincere thanks to Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.
He assured continued support to Bangladeshi Hajj pilgrims. He also expressed his willingness to give priority to Bangladesh on various Hajj-related issues.
Saudi minister expressed interest in expanding cooperation between the two countries in Hajj management, Umrah and other related areas.
Assistant Minister of Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah Dr. Al Hassan Al Manakhrah, Saudi Ambassador to Bangladesh Dr. Abdullah Bin Dafer Bin Ubaiah and senior officials concerned were present at the meeting.
Secretary of the Ministry of Religious Affairs Munshi Alauddin Al Azad, Additional Secretary Dr. Md. Ayatul Islam, Bangladesh Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Delwar Hossain ans senior officials were present.
