|| Over 20,000 intending pilgrims remain on waiting list; association urges government to resolve quota crisisMM Rahmatullah: The Hajj Agencies Association of Bangladesh (HAAB) has urged the government to take immediate diplomatic initiatives to secure at least 20,000 additional Hajj slots for Bangladesh in 2027, as more than 20,000 intending pilgrims are reportedly still waiting for an opportunity to perform the holy pilgrimage.The association also called for urgent measures to resolve financial complications, ensure transparency in Hajj management and facilitate the refund of money withheld under medical fee-related arrangements.At a press briefing in Dhaka on Monday, November 2, HAAB President Syed Golam Sarwar and Secretary General Farid Ahmed Mazumder outlined the latest developments in preparations for the 2027 Hajj and highlighted several challenges facing intending pilgrims and Hajj agencies.According to the association, the 2027 Hajj is expected to begin on May 15, corresponding to 8 Zilhajj 1448 Hijri.HAAB said Bangladesh's Hajj quota had been reduced to 78,500 for 2027, following a decline in the number of pilgrims travelling from the country in previous years due to political instability and economic difficulties.The association, however, said the number of intending pilgrims had increased significantly following the government's recent initiatives and improved confidence in Hajj management.It claimed that although the allocated quota had been filled within the stipulated registration period, more than 20,000 intending pilgrims were still waiting to perform Hajj next year.Considering the religious aspirations of these people, HAAB urged the government to negotiate with Saudi Arabia for an additional allocation of at least 20,000 Hajj slots.The association expressed confidence that the government could achieve a positive outcome through diplomatic engagement, particularly with the Ministry of Religious Affairs and the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah.It also called for stronger coordination between the relevant authorities in Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia to address the growing demand.In another major issue, HAAB disclosed that around three million Saudi riyals had remained withheld in the name of medical fees, allegedly without any prior announcement or notice from the Saudi authorities.Following an emergency press conference on the matter, the association said it had received the withheld amount after taking up the issue with the authorities concerned. HAAB expressed gratitude to Religious Affairs Minister Kazi Shah Mofazzal Hossain (Kaikobad), State Minister Mohammad Shamim Kaisar Linkon, Secretary Moshi Alamuddin Al Azad and other officials of the ministry for their cooperation in resolving the issue.The association also acknowledged the support of Bangladesh's Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Dr Abdullah Jahangir Hossain, and officials of the Bangladesh Embassy and Hajj Mission in Makkah and Madinah.It expressed hope that the Saudi authorities and the Bangladesh Embassy would continue their cooperation to ensure smooth Hajj operations in 2027.On the financial side, HAAB said intending pilgrims who have completed preliminary registration must pay the remaining amount of their respective Hajj packages by December 27, 2026, to complete final registration.Those who fail to complete the payment within the stipulated period may lose their preliminary registration, requiring them to go through the registration process again.The association urged all provisionally registered pilgrims to complete the necessary payments within the deadline to secure their places for the 2027 Hajj.HAAB also thanked its member agencies, regional leaders and the media for their continued cooperation, saying collective efforts had helped make the 2026 Hajj programme more successful than in previous years.The association expressed optimism that continued cooperation among the government, Saudi authorities, Hajj agencies and the media would ensure a smooth and well-organised Hajj operation in 2027. It reiterated that securing additional quota, resolving outstanding financial issues and ensuring timely completion of registration should remain the government's immediate priorities to protect the interests of thousands of aspiring Bangladeshi pilgrims.