Bangladesh avoids being ‘red-listed’ by Saudi Arabia

Bangladesh avoided being put on the "red list" by Saudi Arabia as private hajj agencies completed visa processing of 85 percent hajj pilgrims before the June 7 deadline set by Riyadh.

Saudi Arabia also said the Bangladesh Hajj Office will have to bear all the responsibilities if it fails to meet the target.

The religious affairs ministry on June 6 in a notice informed all 603 private hajj agencies about it and instructed them to take necessary measures.

In a notice released yesterday, the religious affairs ministry said 85 percent visas of hajj pilgrims have been completed within the deadline.

Hajj Agencies Association of Bangladesh (HAAB) President M Shahadat Hossain Taslim said there was no more complication regarding the issuance of visas.