Dhaka: The Hajj Agencies Association of Bangladesh (HAAB) is set to host the three-day Hajj and Umrah Fair 2025, beginning on Thursday, August 14, at the Bangladesh–China Friendship Exhibition Center in the capital. The event will run until August 16.
To share details of the upcoming fair, HAAB organized a press conference today (Tuesday, August 12) at Hotel Victory in Dhaka. The conference aimed to highlight the initiatives taken for the fair and to provide essential information for prospective pilgrims.
Speaking at the event, HAAB President Syed Golam Sarwar said, “Most Bangladeshi pilgrims come from rural areas, while the majority of Hajj and Umrah agencies are Dhaka-based. Through this fair, we aim to bridge the gap by creating opportunities for agencies and pilgrims from across the country to connect. Our goal is to ensure modern, technology-driven, and accurate information-based services while protecting pilgrims from fraud and middlemen.”
He added that the fair will provide comprehensive information on Hajj rules, regulations, and government and private initiatives, while also introducing attendees to the e-Hajj system and Makkah Route program.
HAAB Secretary General Farid Ahmed Mazumder said, “Visitors will be able to compare packages and services offered by various agencies, make direct bookings without intermediaries, and access information on financial assistance from banks and institutions. This is an opportunity for pilgrims to make informed decisions with confidence.”
He stressed that Hajj management is a multi-stakeholder effort. Banks and financial institutions traditionally engaged by the Ministry of Religious Affairs and HAAB play a trusted role in serving pilgrims. The fair will also help raise awareness about their services.
Bangladesh is currently the fourth-largest sender of Hajj pilgrims globally. HAAB members directly oversee private arrangements for approximately 96% of pilgrims and all Umrah travelers.
HAAB stated that while irregularities and mismanagement plagued the sector in the past, joint efforts by the government and HAAB have brought about significant reforms, restoring discipline and easing the hardships faced by pilgrims. The fair aims to build on this progress towards even more efficient and organized Hajj management in the future.
HAAB Senior Vice President Shamim Saeedi, Vice President Hafez Noor Mohammad, Joint Secretary General Mohammed Jafar Uddin, Finance Secretary Abdul Hamid, Public Relations Secretary Hafez Zahid Alam, Cultural Secretary Mohammad Kausar Uddin, and members of the Executive Committee & Zone Committee were also present at the press conference.
