Bangladesh-Saudi meeting in Jeddah, assurance of increasing Hajj quota

National

Dhaka Magazine Desk

Published: Saturday, 14 November 2026

A high-level bilateral meeting between Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia has been held in Jeddah with the aim of increasing the number of Bangladeshi Hajj pilgrims and expanding facilities for Hajj pilgrims and Umrah performers. At the meeting held on Monday (November 9) evening, on the eve of signing the 2027 Hajj agreement, Bangladesh was led by Minister of Religious Affairs Kazi Shah Mofazzal Hossain (Kaikobad), and Saudi Arabia was led by Minister of Hajj and Umrah Dr. Tawfiq bin Fawzan Al-Rabiah.

At the meeting, the Minister of Religious Affairs expressed deep respect for Saudi Arabia's leadership and highly praised the Saudi government's initiatives and services in managing the holy Hajj. Expressing gratitude for the Saudi government's continued cooperation with Bangladeshi Hajj pilgrims, he emphasized further strengthening mutual communication, coordination and exchange of information between the two countries. The minister expressed hope that under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, the historical and brotherly relations between the two countries would become deeper and stronger in the days ahead.

Saudi Minister of Hajj and Umrah Dr. Tawfiq bin Fawzan Al-Rabiah praised Bangladesh's Hajj management and assured continued all-out cooperation for Bangladeshi Hajj pilgrims. In particular, if any country fails to fulfill its allocated Hajj quota or cannot use it fully, he gave a positive assurance regarding allocating that unused quota in favor of Bangladesh. He said that if such an opportunity arises, Bangladesh will be given priority and necessary cooperation will be provided. The Saudi minister said, ‘We will do whatever is needed for Bangladesh.’ He also expressed interest in further expanding cooperation on Hajj management, Umrah and related matters.

Present on behalf of Saudi Arabia at the meeting were Assistant Minister of the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah Dr. Al Hassan Al Manakhara and Saudi Ambassador to Bangladesh Dr. Abdullah Ibn Dhafer Ibn Ubaiyah. Present on behalf of Bangladesh were Secretary of the Ministry of Religious Affairs Munshi Ala Uddin Al Azad, Additional Secretary Dr. Md. Ayatul Islam, Bangladesh Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Md. Delowar Hossain, Bangladesh Consul General in Jeddah Md. Sakhowat Hossain, Counselor (Hajj) Md. Kamrul Islam and Consul (Hajj) Md. Mazharul Islam. The meeting is expected to play an important role in further strengthening the friendly relations between the two countries, as well as creating additional opportunities for Bangladeshi Hajj pilgrims and expanding bilateral cooperation.