The New Nation - Internet Edition

Staff Reporter

The Government has taken identical Hajj package this year to ensure smooth performance of Hajj by the pilgrims under public and private management to ensure hassle free Hajj.

"The government had selected 179 Hajj guides. There will be one guide for every 45 Hajj pilgrims who are under government management while 50 Hajj pilgrims under private arrangement would also have the same number of guide," Md Abdur Rab Hawlader, acting secretary of the Ministry of Religious Affairs told journalists at the conference room of the PID yesterday.

He said visa formalities of all the Hajj pilgrims under government management have been finalised. About 45,550 visas of private management have been okayed so far and the rest of the visa is under process.

Biman Bangladesh Airlines would carry 38,634 Hajj passengers while 20,000 by Saudia Airlines and 4,000 through Emirates and Kuwait Airlines.

So far, 31657 Hajj pilgrims under government and private management went to Saudi Arabia.

Replying to a question on the regular flight schedule, the Secretary of the Religious Affairs Ministry said, there will be no flight delay as the Biman has taken necessary preparations for the maintaining the flight schedule.

He said rented houses were being ensured for the pilgrims with water and toilet facilities in Makka and Medina.

This year 50,420 will perform Hajj under private management while 8,035 through government supervision.

"A 35 member administrative team along with 23-member Hajj assisting team and 60 member medical team has formed to look after medical facilities of the pilgrims.

Besides, help desk is open round the clock in Jeddah, Makka and Medina to provide all necessary information, he said.

He said three Hajj pilgrims under government management and five under private management have died. They were buried in Saudi Arabia.

The return flight of Hajj will start from December 2.