A total of 83,500 Muslims from Bangladesh will be able to perform hajj in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in 2027.

A hajj agreement for 2027 was signed between Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia on Monday, Saudi Arabia, a handout said on Tuesday. 

Religious Affairs Minister Kazi Shah Mofazzal Hossain (Kaikobad) and the Saudi Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Dr. Tawfiq bin Fawzan Al-Rabiah signed the agreement on behalf of the respective sides. 

Under the agreement, 83,500 Muslims from Bangladesh will have the opportunity to perform hajj in 2027.

Following the signing, the Bangladesh minister said the bilateral hajj agreement with Saudi Arabia had been successfully concluded. 

At the special request of the Government of Bangladesh, the Saudi Minister of Hajj and Umrah increased the Hajj pilgrim quota by 5,000 compared to the number in 2026, bringing the total quota for Bangladesh in 2027 to 83,500, he said. 

The minister also noted that he held detailed discussions with his Saudi counterpart regarding the overall progress of hajj management in Bangladesh.

In 2026, a total of 78,500 pilgrims from Bangladesh performed hajj under both government and private arrangements.

Kaikobad said the limitations regarding tent capacity in Mina were discussed during the determination of the pilgrim quota. 

Despite these constraints, he said, the Saudi minister assured that if any other country fails to utilise its allocated quota - or if a country's quota is cancelled - Bangladesh will be given priority consideration for the allocation of those additional spots. 

He further added that the Saudi Minister of Hajj and Umrah has pledged to do whatever is necessary to support Bangladesh.

The Bangladesh minister expressed his gratitude to the Saudi Royal Government, praising the wise and visionary leadership of King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud. 

Noting that the current government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, is working tirelessly to make hajj management simpler, more transparent, and service-oriented, Kaikobad reiterated the government's ongoing commitment to improving services for hajj pilgrims and ensuring transparency in administrative management.

The event was attended by senior officials from both countries.