Haab demands more time to register hajj aspirants

Hajj Agencies Association of Bangladesh (Haab) yesterday alleged that many private hajj agents could not complete registration of intending hajj pilgrims due to the slow server of designated IT firm's .

At a press conference at the capital's Officers' Club, Haab leaders demanded the registration deadline, which expired Wednesday, be extended, and actions be taken against Business Automation, the IT firm, appointed by the government to provide technical support for the registration.

“It took over 10 to 15 minutes for almost all hajj agencies to complete registration of a single aspirant as the server is slow. So many private hajj agents could not fulfill the minimum target of registration, which is 150,” said Ibrahim Bahar, Haab president. He also alleged that the firm has no accountability for its irregularities although hajj agencies meet the firm's expenses. The firm officials could not be contacted. Habb demanded the religious affairs ministry invite bids from IT firms and award the job to the best one.

Some 1,118 hajj agencies are working to reach the target. The registration started on February 19.

A total of 1,17,758 people are expected register under private management this year. The annual ritual is likely to be held on September 1 on condition of sighting of the moon.