No Saudi Relief Fund for Bangladeshi Pilgrims

Bangladesh Misses Out on $50M Pilgrim Boost,Hajj Fund for Pakistan, Not Bangladesh

A wave of relief is sweeping across Pakistan's prospective Hajj and Umrah pilgrims following the launch of a $50 million fund by a Saudi-based consortium of travel and hospitality companies. Announced on Monday, July 14, 2025, this groundbreaking initiative is poised to slash Hajj costs by 20 percent and Umrah expenses by 25 percent for Pakistani travelers as early as September, Daily Dazzling Dawn understands.

While this news brings immense joy to Pakistan, a nation that sends millions of pilgrims annually, it has concurrently raised significant questions and concerns within Bangladesh. As one of the world's largest sources of Hajj and Umrah pilgrims, with tens of thousands embarking on the sacred journey each year, Bangladeshi citizens and religious authorities are now asking: Why was Bangladesh not included in this transformative fund, and what concrete steps can Dhaka take to secure similar opportunities for its devout citizens?

The Saudi consortium, which includes prominent entities like Funadiq.com, Emaar Al Diyafa Group, and Skyline Travel Company, explicitly stated that the fund's core objective is to "support and strengthen Pakistan's Umrah & Hajj travel sector." This involves substantial investment in technology upgrades, training for local travel agencies, and system improvements, aiming to modernize the sector and enhance the overall pilgrimage experience. Pakistan's Minister for Religious Affairs, Sardar Muhammad Yousuf, praised the initiative, highlighting the potential for pilgrims to save up to Rs. 50,000. This strategic focus appears to stem from Pakistan's status as a major pilgrimage market, with over 2 million Pakistanis visiting Saudi Arabia annually and contributing over $5 billion to its travel economy.

Bangladesh's Unanswered Questions

The exclusion of Bangladesh from this substantial fund, at least in its initial phase, has left many wondering. While no official reason has been provided by the Saudi consortium, several factors might offer insight. The fund's explicit aim is sector development within Pakistan, suggesting a targeted approach to improving a specific market's infrastructure rather than a general pilgrim subsidy. Furthermore, Bangladesh has, in recent times, faced challenges related to Hajj and Umrah management, including issues with visa issuance and concerns about overcrowding that led to temporary visa halts for various countries, including Bangladesh, earlier in 2025. These operational issues, while not political, could have influenced the consortium's initial focus. It's also plausible that this private consortium's investment stemmed from specific bilateral engagements or proposals originating from the Pakistani side.

A Path Forward for Bangladeshi Pilgrims

Despite this initial exclusion, Bangladesh possesses significant leverage as a major source of pilgrims. Dhaka can proactively pursue similar benefits for its citizens by engaging in direct dialogues with leading Saudi travel and hospitality consortia through its Ministry of Religious Affairs and Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Presenting a clear vision for reforming and improving Bangladesh's own Hajj and Umrah travel sector, including proposals for technology adoption and enhanced oversight, could attract similar investments. Encouraging public-private partnerships between Bangladeshi and Saudi travel entities to explore joint ventures or funding initiatives is another viable strategy. Finally, leveraging the existing Makkah Route Initiative, which already streamlines pre-departure procedures for Bangladeshi pilgrims, could serve as a springboard for discussions on further collaborative efforts, including financial support. Addressing and resolving any outstanding operational concerns regarding visa compliance and pilgrim management would also be crucial in building trust and opening doors for greater cooperation.

While the present fund primarily benefits Pakistani pilgrims, it sends a clear signal to Bangladesh. Through strategic diplomacy, robust sector reform, and a commitment to enhancing pilgrim services, Bangladesh can certainly chart a course to secure similar opportunities, alleviating the financial burden for its many citizens yearning to undertake the sacred journeys of Hajj and Umrah.