The New Nation - Internet Edition

Staff Reporter

Adviser for Religious Affairs Maj Gen (Retd) Dr ASM Matiur Rahman inaugurated the Haji Camp in the city yesterday amid uncertainty of the non-ballottee hajjis residential arrangement in Mecca in Saudi Arabia.

The number of non-ballottee hajj passengers this year is 37,000 while ballottee is 5,583.

According to information available in the city last night, the residential arrangement for non-ballottee hajjis, who constitute over 75 per cent every year, has not yet been completed in Saudi Arabia due to negligence of some private hajj agencies.

The non-ballottee hajjis perform hajj through private sector's organisation the Hajj Association of Bangladesh (HAB) while the ballottee hajjis through the Government channel.

The Government made residential arrangement for the ballottee hajjis much earlier.

Meanwhile, Bangladesh Biman yesterday announced a reduction of airfare for hajjis from US 40 dollar to US 70 dollar per passengers in phases. The first hajj flight of Biman will leave Dhaka for Mecca with 543 passengers on November 12 while the last one on November 26.

The National Flag career will fly at least one flight everyday to carry hajjis from till November 26.

Inaugurating the Hajj Camp, Adviser Dr ASM Matiur Rahman said the Government has taken all out measures to provide necessary support to hajj pilgrims so that they can perform hajj properly.

He urged the hajjis to be patient to overcome any difficulties as they might face problematic situations.

"We want to see Biman Bangladesh Airline as service providing organisation considering its profitable side so that hajj pilgrims can get necessary patronage from the organisation," the Adviser said.

Addressing the function, Managing Director of Biman Bangladesh Airlines DR MA Momen said his organisation has reduced airfare from US 40 dollar to US 70 dollar to help the hajj pilgrims by cutting down profit.

HAB President Mahammad Faruk said representatives of his organisation were in Saudi Arabia and the uncertainty about residential arrangement will be solved within a few days.

Director General of Islamic Foundation Fazlur Rahman and DMP Commissioner Naim Ahmed also addressed the ceremony, which was presided over by Religious Affairs Secretary Muhammad Ataur Rahman.