Hajj pilgrims can take back registration money: Religious Ministry

The pilgrims who paid for the registration of Hajj this year will be able to take back their money if necessary, said the Ministry of Religious Affairs on Tuesday.

Ministry secretary Nurul Islam confirmed the matter and said the registration money is safe.

"Money will be refunded to those who want to take it back and if anyone wants to keep the money for next year's hajj, that is also possible," he said.

There will be no problem regarding refunding the money as the ministry is monitoring the issue, he added.

Saudi Arabia recently announced that those who are staying in Saudi Arabia will be able to perform hajj this year and no one from outside the country will be allowed in a bid to prevent the spread of coronavirus, Islam said.

According to the Religious Affairs Ministry, 63,594 Bangladeshis registered to go to Saudi Arabia to perform Hajj this year -- 3,457 under government and 61,594 under non-government management.

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.  
 
The Hajj pilgrimage is expected to begin on July 30 (9th day of Dhu al-Hijjah) this year, depending on the sighting of the moon.