Religious Affairs Minister Kazi Shah Mofazzal Hossain Kaikobad has announced cash prizes totalling Tk10 lakh for the three best-performing Hajj guides of 2026.
Speaking as the chief guest at the inauguration of the “Private Hajj Guide Training-2026” at the Ashkona Hajj Office on Thursday, the minister stated that the first, second, and third-place winners would receive Tk5 lakh, Tk3 lakh, and Tk2 lakh respectively.
‘Treat Hajj pilgrims like parents’
Kaikobad emphasised that these rewards are intended to encourage Hajj guides – both from the public and private sectors – to provide the “best possible service” to pilgrims.
He reminded the guides that pilgrims are the “guests of Allah” and must be served with the same devotion one would show their own parents.
The minister warned that while satisfying pilgrims would earn divine rewards, any suffering caused through negligence or apathy would result in “terrible punishment” from the Almighty.
He urged all stakeholders to remain 100 per cent sincere, noting that the BNP-led government, following its landslide victory in the 13th National Parliamentary Election, is committed to ensuring that the 2026 Hajj management is smooth, seamless, and efficient.
The training session was attended by high-level officials, including Additional Secretary (Hajj) Md Ayatul Islam, Joint Secretary Dr Monjurul Haque, Director (Hajj) Md Lokman Hossain, and HAAB Secretary General Farid Ahmed Mazumder.
Zero tolerance for pilgrim harassment
In a separate review meeting held at the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism, Minister Afroza Khanam (Rita) asserted that the government would maintain a policy of zero tolerance regarding the harassment of pilgrims.
She stated that ensuring a smooth Hajj experience is a “moral responsibility” for all state employees.
State Minister M Rashiduzzaman Millat further noted that the administration is focused on placing the “right person in the right position” to maintain efficiency.
The meeting also addressed the necessity of increasing Hajj flight frequencies and included the participation of Civil Aviation Secretary Nasrin Jahan and Religious Affairs Secretary Md Kamal Uddin.
