The Saudi authorities have refunded 30,91,243 Saudi Riyals, equivalent to around Tk 10.23 crore, deducted as non-insured medical expenses for 340 Bangladeshi Hajj pilgrims during the 2026 Hajj season.
The amount was deposited into the Nusuk system of the Bangladesh Hajj Office in Jeddah on October 29, Religious Affairs Minister Kazi Shah Mofazzal Hossain (Kaikobad) disclosed the information at a press conference at his ministry office today.
The minister said the amount had been withheld by the Saudi authorities for medical expenses incurred by 340 Bangladeshi pilgrims beyond their insurance coverage.
Following the development, the Bangladesh Hajj Office in Jeddah, under the direction of the Ministry of Religious Affairs, took several initiatives, including correspondence, data verification, negotiations and formal requests to the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah and other concerned authorities to recover the money.
Of the total refunded amount, 29,76,151 Saudi Riyals was returned for 310 pilgrims who performed Hajj under private management, while 1,15,092 Saudi Riyals was recovered for 30 pilgrims under government management.
Describing the recovery as a significant achievement, the minister said the initiative had protected the financial interests of pilgrims and helped save foreign currency for the country.
He thanked the Royal Saudi Government, the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, the Saudi Ambassador to Bangladesh and the concerned officials for their cooperation in the process.
He expressed hope that the existing bilateral relations and mutual cooperation between Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia would be further strengthened.
The minister said the government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, was working to make Hajj management easier, more transparent and service-oriented, with the welfare of pilgrims being given the highest priority.
He also said Tk 4,87,23,014 had been refunded directly to the bank accounts of 4,341 pilgrims as surplus funds from the 2026 Hajj season.
Regarding the upcoming Hajj season, the minister said the airfare for 2027 had been fixed at Tk 1,30,000, which is Tk 24,830 lower than that of 2026. The airfare was Tk 1,97,797 in 2023.
He appreciated the delegation led by the State Minister for Religious Affairs for securing quality accommodation at affordable prices for government-managed pilgrims for the 2027 Hajj. He also thanked the state minister and members of the concerned committee for their efforts.
The minister further said the government had formally requested Saudi Arabia to increase Bangladesh’s Hajj quota for the next season.
Replying to a question, he said a letter seeking an increase in the quota had already been sent to the Saudi Minister of Hajj and Umrah, adding that diplomatic communications and other efforts were continuing.
On health-related restrictions, the minister said the Saudi government had imposed strict restrictions on pilgrims suffering from cancer, kidney complications and mental health conditions, as well as pregnant women.
Despite the restrictions, some high-risk individuals were still being sent for Hajj, resulting in serious complications, he said.
He urged all Hajj agencies to strictly follow the Saudi guidelines and refrain from sending such individuals under any circumstances.
The minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to safeguarding pilgrims’ financial interests, improving service quality, ensuring their security and maintaining transparency in Hajj management.
