Initial registration for hajj 2026 deadline set for Oct 12

The Ministry of Religious Affairs has announced that initial registration for Hajj 2026 will close on October 12, with no possibility of an extension, as per instructions from the Saudi government.

In a formal letter sent to the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) on Thursday (September 4), the ministry requested immediate action from all mobile operators to send free SMS alerts to Muslim citizens across the country, ensuring widespread awareness of the registration deadline.

Initial registration for Hajj began on July 27 and requires a deposit of BDT 4 lakh. The remaining cost must be paid after the official announcement of the Hajj package, which the government plans to release by mid-September.

A total of 127,198 Bangladeshi pilgrims will be allowed to perform Hajj in 2026 under both government and private arrangements. The pilgrimage is expected to take place in the last week of May, subject to the sighting of the moon in Saudi Arabia.

Despite more than a month remaining until the registration deadline, the ministry has emphasized the urgency of early registration and widespread communication to avoid any last-minute complications.

Officials have urged citizens to complete their initial registration promptly and remain alert for updates regarding the final Hajj package.