Several hundred Hajj pilgrims under the banner of Hajj Agencies Association of Bangladesh (Haab), a platform of all private Hajj travel agencies, held a rally at the north gate of Baitul Mukarram Mosque in the city protesting delay in issuing 'tasria'- documents for hiring residences in Saudi Arabia- and demanding additional flights for them.

Leaders of the Haab claimed that they received only 19,098 'tasria' but Moyasesa (concerned Saudi authority that issues fitness certificates of houses) did not issue 28,158 'tasria', the key document of getting visas from the Saudi embassy in Dhaka.

"Around eight to ten thousands non-ballottee pilgrims will not able perform Hajj if all 'tasria' are not issued in the next 24 hours." said Mohammed Faruque, president of Haab, while addressing the rally.

He also said the crisis of Hajj pilgrims will not end without ensuring additional flights.

He termed officials of Bangladesh Biman as inefficient in dealing the issue saying Biman has taken slots without consulting with Hajj agencies.

Among others, Haab leaders Mohammed Rurul Amin and MA Rashid Shah Samrat also spoke.