Irregularities to be dealt with iron hand: president

President Abdul Hamid yesterday said negligence, irregularities and corruption in hajj management must be dealt with an iron hand.

“Over 95 percent hajj pilgrims travel to Saudi Arabia through hajj agencies. Past experiences show that many agencies don’t live up to their promises of providing pilgrims with various facilities once they reach Makkah-Madina. As a result, the pilgrims have to face untold sufferings,” he said.

The president was addressing a dinner event hosted for Hajj Ulema-Mashayekh team at the Darbar Hall of Bangabhaban in the evening.

Abdul Hamid said when hajj pilgrims face any problem in Saudi Arabia, the government has to intervene in the issue. “Such activities tarnish the country’s image. Such fraudulence with pilgrims is not expected.”

He, however, acknowledged huge contributions of private agencies in hajj management.

Mentioning that hajj management has so far been completed smoothly this year, president Hamid expressed hopes that other hajj activities will be done well too. He urged everyone concerned to remain alert in this regard.

Addressing the Hajj Ulema-Mashayekh team, he said, “Your inclusion in the hajj mission for the first time is undoubtedly a very important matter. It proves that the present government believes in upholding respect and dignity of Islam and the scholars.”

Abdul Hamid expressed hope that hajj pilgrims would be able to perform hajj smoothly with their advice and guidance.

“Besides, your experience of performing hajj will have a positive role in the hajj management in the future,” he said.

About pilgrims’ immigration, he said previously they had to wait in Jeddah for a long time to complete their immigration procedure.

“But from now on, Bangladeshi pilgrims are completing the immigration procedure at Dhaka airport instead of Jeddah, which eased their sufferings.”

Terming the pilgrims “goodwill ambassadors” of Bangladesh, he urged them to be cautious about their language and behaviour so that others do not get any negative message about the country.

Secretaries concerned to the president were also present during the programme.

This year, hajj flights started on July 4 and will continue till August 5. A total of 127,198 pilgrims are scheduled to perform hajj from Bangladesh.