The Bangladesh Bank has issued a directive mandating that funds for the Saudi Arabia phase of Hajj expenses for both government and private pilgrims be transferred directly to International Bank Account Numbers (IBAN) through designated banks, including Sonali Bank. The directive was issued through a notification from the bank's Foreign Exchange Policy Department on Tuesday, which was circulated to the head offices of authorized dealer banks.
The International Bank Account Number (IBAN) is an internationally standardized system for identifying bank accounts worldwide. This account is mandatory for paying Hajj accommodation or service charges, in accordance with international regulations.
Details of the Directive
Issued following a letter from the Ministry of Religious Affairs, the directive states that in the interest of proper Hajj management, banks must take necessary measures to ensure that accommodation arrangements in Saudi Arabia, tent bookings in Mina and Arafat, and contracts with service companies are completed within a specified timeframe. Banks have been instructed to ensure that funds sent by pilgrims reach the designated IBAN accounts.Increase in Hajj Quota
In a related development, the Saudi Arabian government has increased the Hajj quota for Bangladeshi pilgrims. This will allow an additional 5,000 people from Bangladesh to perform the holy Hajj in Saudi Arabia next year (2027). The new quota was set in the 2027 Hajj agreement between Saudi Arabia and Bangladesh.Saudi Arabia had previously set a quota of approximately 78,500 pilgrims for Bangladesh this year. With the increase of 5,000, the number will now stand at 83,500 for the upcoming year.
The agreement was signed in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on Monday. A Bangladeshi delegation led by Religious Affairs Minister Kazi Shafiqul Islam signed the agreement.
