The Hajj Agencies Association of Bangladesh (HAAB) Democratic United Front yesterday urged the government to extend the registration period from March 30 to May 30 for pilgrims planning to perform Hajj this year. It also sought Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s intervention to have the Hajj quota for Bangladeshi pilgrims increased by at least 50,000. The demands were raised at a press briefing held at the Dhaka Reporters’ Unity auditorium in Dhaka.
Front panel chief Abdus Sobhan Bhuiyan Hasan read from a written speech, while panel member and Bangladesh Pilgrims and Hajji Welfare Council President Abdullah Al Naser conducted the press conference. They said a total of 1.75 lakh people have pre-registered their names to perform Hajj this year. They also said at least 127,198 people—117,198 under private management and 10,000 under government management—intended to go on the pilgrimage this year.