Hajj stands as one of the fundamental pillars of Islam, a deeply spiritual journey that every faithful Muslim cherishes the desire to perform. Because of its immense significance, executing this pilgrimage in a fair, fluent, and Shariah-compliant manner requires a meticulous plan.
Hajj management is inherently a cooperative, bi-national operation. While the government of Bangladesh takes all necessary steps to support its citizens, the entire framework is ultimately guided by the regulations, timelines, and roadmaps strictly established by the Saudi government.
According to the official Hajj roadmap, the dedicated Hajj flights from Bangladesh are scheduled to commence on April 18, 2026. The departure window will remain open until the final flight leaves on May 21, 2026. The holy Hajj is expected to take place on or around May 26, 2026 subject to the physical sighting of the moon,
This year, a total of 78,500 pilgrims from Bangladesh will be making the journey. For those already registered, allmost 100% of pilgrim visas have already been successfully processed and completed.
Medical fitness is no longer optional: In a bid to ensure the safety and well-being of all participants, the Saudi government has instituted a strict ban on performing Hajj without certified medical fitness. Individuals suffering from severe chronic conditions are strictly prohibited from making the pilgrimage this year. The restricted list specifically includes those with severe heart disease, liver cirrhosis, kidney disease requiring dialysis, mental illness, risky pregnancies, tuberculosis, cancer patients actively receiving therapy and advanced age conditions resulting in dementia or the inability to walk independently etc. Pilgrims are strongly advised to take this rule seriously; the Saudi government has warned that any traveler found lacking medical fitness upon arrival will be immediately repatriated from the airport.
Pre-flight logistics and Luggage rules: Every registered pilgrim must hold a valid Bangladeshi passport with an expiration late no earlier than November 30, 2026. Before heading to the airport, ensure you have downloaded the visas from the e-hajj portal or successfully obtained from the hajj agency concerned
Timely arrival at the Hajj Camp in Dhaka is mandatory to ensure smooth boarding and immigration. Dhaka-based pilgrims must arrive at least 6 hours prior to their flight and the rest must arrive at least one full day before their flight. Free accommodation is available at the hajj camp hostel, though food must be purchased from the canteen at own expense.
Luggage dimensions and limits: A pilgrim can carry a total of 46 kg of luggage in two trolley bags or any other bag or carton with a maximum of 23 kg each as check-in luggage. A handbag weighing 7 kg can also be carried as cabin luggage. The check-in luggage should be 65 cm in length, 45 cm in width and 25 cm in height whether the cabin luggage should be 45 cm in length, 35 cm in width and 20 cm in height. To avoid complications or fines at airport check-ins, pack strictly according to those dimensions.
Pro-tip for luggage: Always keeps a fresh set of Ihram clothes and basic daily essentials in your carry-on cabin bag. This ensures you have your ritual garb ready even if your check-in luggage experiences delivery delays. Furthermore, if you require medication for conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure, you must pack at least a 50-day supply along with your official prescriptions. To facilitate finding lost luggage, clearly write the pilgrim’s name, nationality, passport number, PID number, roaming mobile number, Hajj agency name, and the guide’s mobile number in English on the bags. If the luggage is lost, it must be reported to the Bangladesh Hajj Office in Jeddah or Mecca or Medina directly or through the agency’s representative or the hajj guide.
Strictly illegal items: Do not pack intoxicating medicines, tobacco leaves, zarda, gul, shutki (dried fish), jaggery, cooked food, or perishable items. Carrying these will result in legal action and tarnishes the national image.
Codes of conduct & protocols in Saudi Arabia: To maintain public order and ensure a smooth spiritual experience, pilgrims are expected to observe specific behavioral guidelines. Upon landing, the Makkah Route Initiatives Service will ensure your check-in luggage is delivered directly to your hotel or designated home. While in the Kingdom, security and protocol are paramount. You must always carry your Nusuk card, Moyallem card, hotel card, and PID card.
Walking outside your hotel without your Nusuk card makes you liable for arrest by Saudi police. Political activities, public demonstrations, begging, and any immoral or criminal acts are strictly forbidden and heavily penalized. Cooperate fully with law enforcement; obstructing or disrespecting Saudi officers carries severe punishments.
You will be assigned a certified Hajj guide (1 guide per 46 pilgrims). Rituals in Mina, Arafah, Muzdalifah, and Jamara must be performed collectively with your guide. Do not attempt to go throw stones at the Jamara alone, as the risk of getting lost or injured in the crowd is exceptionally high.
Healthcare and emergency support:If any pilgrim fall ill, free medical care and medications are available at dedicated clinics set up by the Ministry of Religious Affairs in Mecca, Medina, and Jeddah. General treatment is also accessible at Saudi Government Hospitals if required.
If you happen to lose your way or find yourself separated from your group, need not to be panic. You should try to find out the Bangladesh Hajj Mission office, Makkah or presss the SOS button on the ‘Labbaik’ mobile apps or call the local emergency hotline directly at 009668001160029.
Return protocol: As your holy journey concludes, please ensure your return luggage does not exceed the weight limits enforced during your arrival. Be explicitly aware that carrying Zamzam water inside your personal checked or carry-on luggage is strictly banned by the Saudi government. You do not need to risk packing it; a 5-liter container of blessed Zamzam water will be directly supplied to every pilgrim at the landing airport upon arriving back home in Bangladesh.
Hajj is a journey of discipline and devotion. By following these regulations, pilgrims can ensure their focus remains where it belongs: on their spiritual fulfillment.
Author is a Public relations officer, Ministry of Religious Affairs
