Registered intending pilgrims aged over 65 will not be allowed to perform Hajj this year, said State Minister for Religious Affairs, Md Faridul Haque Khan, today.
"The Saudi government has made the decision not only for us but also for the whole world," he said.
He came up with the information while answering questions from journalists at a discussion titled "Digital Transaction in Nagad Islamic Financial Management".
Bangladesh Secretariat Reporters Forum (BSRF) organised the discussion at the Secretariat.
The state minister said Eid-ul-Azha will be observed on July 9 (depending on moon sighting). This year, a total of 57,856 pilgrims will be able to perform Hajj from Bangladesh.
He said, "Pilgrims could not perform Hajj in the last two years. By the blessings of Allah, we are going to perform Hajj this year. We will complete a bilateral agreement in this regard with Saudi Arabia soon."
Faridul Haque said his ministry is working round the clock to ease the Hajj process within only 34 days as the time is too short this year.
