Saudi Hajj minister praises Bangladesh's 2026 Hajj management

Saudi Minister of Hajj and Umrah Dr Tawfiq bin Fawzan Al-Rabiah has praised Bangladesh's management of the 2026 Hajj, commending the Ministry of Religious Affairs for its overall coordination and service delivery during this year's pilgrimage.

The appreciation came during a bilateral meeting with Bangladesh's Minister for Religious Affairs Kazi Shah Mofazzal Hossain (Kaykobad) at the Pilgrims Experience Program Centre in Riyadh on Wednesday morning, according to a press release issued by the Ministry of Religious Affairs.

During the meeting, the Saudi minister acknowledged Bangladesh's orderly management of Hajj operations and congratulated the religious affairs minister for his leadership in facilitating services for Bangladeshi pilgrims. He also conveyed his appreciation to Bangladesh's Prime Minister Tarique Rahman through the minister.

Dr Al-Rabiah reportedly expressed interest in continued cooperation with Bangladesh to further improve Hajj management in the coming years and outlined several initiatives being undertaken by the Saudi government in preparation for the 2027 Hajj season.

Religious Affairs Minister Kaykobad thanked the Saudi government for what he described as significant improvements in the overall Hajj management system. He particularly highlighted measures relating to pilgrims' safety, traffic management, crowd control, technology-based services and facilities in the Mashaer areas.

The minister also conveyed Bangladesh's gratitude to Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman, and the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah for their efforts in serving pilgrims.

He reaffirmed Bangladesh's commitment to working closely with Saudi authorities to further strengthen Hajj management and services for pilgrims in the years ahead.

Bangladesh Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Mohammad Delwar Hossain, Hajj Counsellor Md Kamrul Islam and senior officials from the two countries were present at the meeting.