Tuesday, June 15, 2021

The parliament today passed "Hajj and Umrah Management Bill, 2021" to deal with irregularities and mismanagement in the sector.

As per the proposed law, a Hajj agency can be slapped with a fine of maximum Tk 50 lakh, while an Umrah agency with Tk 15 lakh for irregularities.

State Minister for Religious Affairs Ministry Md Faridul Haque Khan placed the bill, which was passed by voice vote.

According to the proposed bill, without registration, no one will be able to deal with hajj pilgrims. And the registration authorities can take action against any irregularities.

The proposed bill also says, the registration of any hajj and umrah agency can be cancelled for irregularities.

If any agency gets warnings for two years in a row, its registration will automatically be suspended for the same period.

Also, lawsuits can be filed against criminal offences committed in the hajj and umrah management, according to the bill.

After the enactment of the new law, if a Bangladeshi gets involved in hajj-related irregularities in Saudi Arabia, it can be treated as if it happened in Bangladesh, and legal steps including criminal and administrative actions can be taken.

Source: https://www.thedailystar.net/bangladesh/news/parliament-passes-bill-curb-irregularities-hajj-management-2111425