The quota of 72,604 passengers remained unfulfilled due to Hajj uncertaint.The last deadline set by the Ministry of Religion for the registration of pilgrims wishing to perform the holy Hajj this year has expired on April 30. During this period, a total 64,594 people have completed registration, including 3,457 in government management and 61,137 in private management.
As a result, the quota of one lakh and 37 thousand 198 people set by the Saudi government for Bangladeshi pilgrims was not fully met. Adding up, the quota 72,604 people remained incomplete. In a notification issued by the Ministry of Religion on April 16, the last date for registration of Hajj pilgrims was set for April 30.
In the wake of the coronavirus outbreak around the world, the uncertainty surrounding the holy Hajj this year has led to a decline in interest in registering pilgrims.
This year’s Hajj registration started from March 1. Initially, the deadline for Hajj registration was March 15. It was then extended till March 25. Later, it was announced to increase it till April 16. The deadline was last extended till April 30.
It may be mentioned that this year a total of one lakh and 20 thousand 198 people including 17 thousand in government management and one lakh and 37 thousand 198 in private management were supposed to go for Hajj but the quota was not fulfilled due to Corona situation. In this situation, the new decision of the Ministry of Religion will be known in the next couple of days.
Dhaka Bureau Chief, May 1,2020