SANGSAD BHABAN, April 7, 2026 (BSS) - Religious Affairs Minister Kazi Shah Mofazzal Houssain (Kaikobad) today informed the Parliament that comprehensive measures have been taken to ensure safe transportation, healthcare, immigration and pre-departure facilities for Hajj pilgrims in the airport-adjacent areas during the ongoing Hajj season.

Kaikobad said this in response to a written question from ruling party lawmaker SM Jahangir Hossain from Dhaka-18, in the Jatiya Sangsad with Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad, Bir Bikram, in the chair.

The minister said that a dedicated traffic route plan has been implemented in coordination with Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) and traffic authorities to ensure smooth movement of Hajj pilgrims from the Hajj Camp to Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, as construction of an underpass is ongoing in front of the Hajj Camp. 

He said pilgrims and their relatives, along with officials involved in Hajj operations, will enter the Hajj Camp through the newly constructed road via Kawla rail gate and Civil Aviation Community Center and exit through the Dhaka-Mymensingh Highway after completing procedures. "Buses carrying pilgrims will enter the airport through a designated cargo terminal road due to one-way traffic arrangements," he added.

Regarding healthcare services, the minister said a well-equipped medical center will operate inside the Hajj Camp with 24-hour emergency services under the Directorate General of Health Services. A total of 19 doctors, 12 sub-assistant community medical officers, 14 senior staff nurses and four sanitary inspectors will be deployed, along with a standby ambulance to transfer critically ill patients.

On immigration facilities, he said boarding and immigration procedures for pilgrims will be completed at the Hajj Camp as in previous years, while under the Saudi government-supported Makkah Route Initiative, Saudi immigration will be completed at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, allowing pilgrims to avoid long queues upon arrival in Saudi Arabia.

Kaikobad added that luggage tagging will also be completed before boarding and immigration procedures, ensuring smooth and hassle-free travel for pilgrims. Bangladesh is among a limited number of countries enjoying this special facility under the Makkah Route Initiative.

On monitoring arrangements, the minister said a round-the-clock control room will operate at the Hajj Camp under the direct supervision of the Ministry of Religious Affairs. "Pilgrims' movement and travel will be tracked through the "Labbayk" mobile app, while multiple monitoring teams, led by the minister and the ministry secretary, will regularly inspect Hajj Camp and airport services." 

He added that a 24-hour call center (16136) will remain operational to receive complaints and suggestions from Hajj pilgrims.