Don’t send physically unfit pilgrims for Hajj: Religious adviser

Religious Affairs Adviser Dr AFM Khalid Hossain has said that people who are not physically fit should not be taken for Hajj. He said, “Only physically healthy individuals should be registered for Hajj.”

He made the remarks on Thursday (14 August) while speaking as the chief guest at the opening ceremony of the National Hajj and Umrah Fair, held at the Bangladesh-China Maitree Conference Centre in capital's Agargaon.

The Hajj Agencies Association of Bangladesh (HAAB) organized the fair to enable direct interaction between Hajj aspirants and the Hajj agencies.

The event was chaired by HAAB president Syed Golam Sarwar, with special guests including Religious Secretary AKM Aftab Hossain Pramanik, Deputy Head of Mission at the Saudi Embassy in Dhaka Ibrahim Abdullah Al-Ahmari, and HAAB General Secretary Farid Ahmad Majumdar.

The religious adviser said, “Taking sick or physically unfit individuals for Hajj creates problems for the government and leads to various complications. Therefore, civil surgeons have been instructed not to issue fitness certificates to those who are physically disabled or suffering from incurable illnesses.”

He also urged Hajj agencies not to take pilgrims who are physically unfit or afflicted with incurable diseases.

Dr. Khalid further said, “We were able to offer a successful Hajj in 2025. The preparations for Hajj 2026 have already begun, and it will be even better than last year.”

He added, “There is no conflict between my ministry and HAAB. We are working together with mutual respect, dignity, and cooperation, and we will continue to do so for the benefit of Hajj pilgrims.” He assured HAAB of full support from the ministry.

Dr. Khalid also urged Hajj agencies to stop carrying drugs or unauthorized items to Saudi Arabia and to prevent pilgrims from bringing gold illegally back to Bangladesh, as such actions damage the country’s image.

Additionally, he emphasized the importance of agencies signing agreements with pilgrims and providing proper training before Hajj.