Saudi authorities haven’t closed Umrah visas for Bangladeshi citizens, said Religious Advisor AFM Khalid Hossain.
The Religious Advisor said this at a briefing at the Secretariat on Tuesday.
The Religious Advisor said, “The Saudi authorities have not closed Umrah visas for Bangladeshis. The Saudi Arabian ambassador in Dhaka confirmed this matter to the Religious Affairs Secretary in an audio message. The ambassador requested Bangladeshi agencies to contact the Saudi agency.”
He said, “Those who don’t want to go for Umrah even after buying plane tickets will be refunded by Bangladesh Biman as per the rules. And Saudi Airlines has said that those who have not received visas wishing to go during Ramadan will be able to go next July.”
AFM Khalid Hossain said, "The Saudi embassy is not doing any irregularities in the visa issue. This time, the number of Umrah pilgrims who has gone to Saudi Arabia for Umrah is much higher; that's why they are controlling visas.”
Regarding US National Security Chief Tulsi Gabbard's comments on Bangladesh, the religious advisor said, “The persecution of minorities in Bangladesh has not been to the extent that has been said. There have been some isolated incidents.”
He said if the criminals can be identified through CCTV cameras, they will be brought to justice. There is a count of how many people have been caught; the Home Ministry will give an official briefing in this regard.
The religious advisor also said that the government is vigilant to ensure that no banned organization can carry out any activities in the country.
Bd-pratidin English/Lutful Hoque
