DHAKA, Feb 3, 2026 (BSS) - Registered Hajj pilgrims under both government and private initiatives will be able to apply for visas from February 8 through the Saudi Nusuk Masar system, with the process continuing until March 20. A recent press release signed by Mohammad Safiuzzaman Bhuiya, Deputy Secretary of the Hajj-1 Wing of the Ministry of Religious Affairs, stated that health examinations for all pilgrims intending to perform Hajj in 2026 are underway at government hospitals across the country.  As per Saudi directives, the pilgrims must complete health check-ups and receive prescribed vaccinations to obtain a fitness certificate, which is mandatory for performing Hajj. All registered pilgrims, including expatriate Bangladeshis, must collect the fitness certificate by March 20 after undergoing health examinations and vaccinations at designated centres. Only then can they apply for visas through the Nusuk Masar system. The notification has been issued in the public interest with approval of the competent authority.  

KHULNA, Feb 03, 2026 (BSS) - BNP-nominated candidate for Khulna-6 (Koyra-Paikgacha) constituency, S M Monirul Hasan Bappi, urged voters to support the 'Sheaf of Paddy' in the upcoming 13th Jatiya Sangsad election, pledging to transform Koyra and Paikgacha into modern and developed areas. Addressing a large election rally at Laskar Alamtala Bazar in Paikgacha Upazila on Monday, Bappi said that if elected, he would serve as a true representative of the people and work tirelessly for the development of the constituency.  The BNP candidate called on party leaders and activists to remain united and go door to door to secure victory for the 'Sheaf of Paddy'. He claimed that minority communities in the area had not suffered any loss of life or property, emphasizing that BNP leaders and activists stood beside them in difficult times.  He further stressed that BNP has never committed injustice against the Hindu community and urged people of all religions to support the party in the February 12 parliamentary election. Former Union Parishad chairman Karim Gain presided over the meeting.  The rally was also attended by Paikgacha Upazila BNP Convener Dr Abdul Majid, former General Secretary SM Enamul Haque, Member Secretary SM Imdadul Haque, Bar Association President Advocate Abdus Sattar, former Municipal BNP General Secretary Mostafa Moral, former Acting Upazila BNP General Secretary Tushar Kanti Roy, and Upazila Krishak Dal President Mecher Ali Sana as special guests.