Dhaka, Mar 18 (V7N) – Religious Affairs Advisor Dr. AFM Khalid Hossain has assured that Umrah visas for Bangladeshis have not been suspended. He made this statement during a briefing at the Secretariat on Tuesday.

Dr. Khalid Hossain stated that the Saudi ambassador has advised Hajj-Umrah agencies and Umrah pilgrims to directly contact Saudi Umrah agents or companies for hotel bookings, reservations, and airline tickets. Once the Saudi Umrah agents communicate with Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, the ministry will facilitate the visa issuance process for Bangladeshi pilgrims.

He also mentioned that Biman Bangladesh Airlines is refunding tickets for those who no longer wish to travel. Additionally, Saudi Airlines is working with affected passengers to reschedule their tickets after Eid-ul-Fitr or in July, allowing them to perform Umrah at a later date.

Addressing recent comments by US intelligence chief Tulsi Gabbard on the persecution of minorities in Bangladesh, Dr. Khalid Hossain dismissed the claims as exaggerated.

"The government has repeatedly stated that the persecution of minorities is not as severe as some foreign media reports suggest. There are isolated incidents, and we are highly vigilant. Some shrines have been attacked and vandalized, but the government is taking these matters very seriously," he said.

Dr. Hossain added that CCTV footage is being analyzed to identify the perpetrators, and legal action will be taken against those responsible. The Ministry of Home Affairs is expected to provide an official update on the matter soon.

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