Staff Reporter :
Intending hajj pilgrims who had deposited registration money to perform hajj under government or private management and now want to withdraw their money have to apply after July 12.
The decision was taken at a meeting at the Secretariat on Wednesday chaired by Religious Affairs secretary Nurul Islam.
The ministry also announced that pre-registrations and registrations for Hajj made this year, will be effective as pre-registration and registration of 2021 as well. Also, if the cost of the Hajj package increases or decreases in 2021, it will be adjusted with the current amount deposited by the Hajj pilgrims.
Hajj pilgrims who want to withdraw registration money must apply to the Religious Affairs Ministry online and their money will be refunded without deducting any service charge.
However, their pre-registration will be canceled and they will have to pre-register anew for performing Hajj again.
Earlier, the Saudi Arabian government has officially conveyed its decision to hold Hajj this year with very limited participation due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
The country on Monday has assured the safety of the pilgrims during Hajj 2020, published guidelines including age restrictions and social distancing measures among others.
Last year, more than 1.8 million pilgrims traveled to Saudi Arabia from abroad to take part in Hajj. The Hajj ministry said this year the risk of transmitting the disease between countries and the increase in infections globally meant the risk was too high.
According to the Religious Affairs Ministry, 63,594 Bangladeshis registered to go to Saudi Arabia to perform Hajj this year.
The Hajj registration process was completed on April 30 after the extension of the deadline several times.
Earlier on February 24, the Cabinet approved the draft Hajj Package-2020, fixing the minimum cost for an intending pilgrim at Tk 3.15 lakh under package-3 managed by the government.
In March, the Saudi government directed to suspend all Hajj activities.
