Dhaka, October 13 (V7N) — Religious Advisor AFM Khalid Hossain has announced that Tk 379.4 million unspent during the last Hajj will be returned to 831 Hajj agencies, but clarified that pilgrims will not receive any portion of the refund.

Speaking at a press briefing on Monday (October 13) afternoon, the advisor explained that the money was originally sent to Saudi Arabia by the agencies for business purposes, and the surplus funds were returned by the Saudi government. “The agencies had sent more money for their business interests, and the Saudi authorities have refunded the extra amount,” he said.

Hossain also noted that the registration period for the 2026 Hajj may be extended, revealing that around 60,000 Bangladeshi pilgrims had completed registration by the October 12 deadline. “There will be a meeting with the Saudi government on the 14th. We hope the registration deadline will be extended, and we will formally request that extension,” he added.

Addressing recent discussions regarding a so-called “safe exit,” the Religious Advisor dismissed the notion outright. “There is no question of a safe exit. We did not loot money,” he said firmly.

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