Dhaka, October 7, 2024 – In a significant development, Saudi Arabia has agreed to Bangladesh's proposal to send Hajj pilgrims by sea. The decision was announced following a bilateral meeting between Bangladesh's Religious Affairs Adviser, Dr. AFM Khalid Hossain, and Saudi Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Dr. Tawfiq Fawzan Al-Rabiah, in Jeddah on Sunday.
The Saudi government has given its consent to transport 2,000 to 3,000 pilgrims via the sea route on an experimental basis this year. While the Saudi minister expressed no objections to the plan, he emphasized the need for coordination with port authorities to ensure smooth implementation.
This new arrangement marks a significant shift in how Bangladeshi pilgrims will travel to the kingdom for Hajj, potentially easing the logistical challenges associated with air travel. The Bangladeshi government is now planning to finalize the decision in consultation with shipping companies.
