Religious Affairs Adviser Dr. A. F. M. Khalid Hossain revealed that a Hajj agency owner took 3,000 cigarettes to Saudi Arabia and was caught with around 2.5 kilograms of gold while returning. Speaking at the opening ceremony of the “Hajj and Umrah Fair 2025” in Dhaka, he warned about strict action against agencies and ministry staff involved in illegal activities.
Incident of Cigarettes and Gold Smuggling
Religious Affairs Adviser Dr. A. F. M. Khalid Hossain disclosed a surprising incident during his speech. He said a Hajj agency owner carried 3,000 cigarettes to Saudi Arabia. But the real issue came when the same person was caught with nearly 2.5 kg of gold while returning to Bangladesh.
“হজ এজেন্সির এক মালিক ৩ হাজার বিড়ি নিয়ে গেছেন সৌদি আরবে। আসার সময় প্রায় আড়াই কেজি সোনা নিয়ে ধরা খেয়েছেন।”
Translation:
“A Hajj agency owner took 3,000 cigarettes to Saudi Arabia. While returning, he was caught with about 2.5 kilograms of gold.”
Read More: Montorongo — Bangladesh’s First AI Mental Health Web App
Remarks at “Hajj and Umrah Fair 2025”
The adviser made these comments on Thursday morning (August 14) at the China-Bangladesh Friendship Conference Centre in Agargaon, Dhaka. He was the chief guest at the inauguration of the Hajj and Umrah Fair 2025.
Warning to Agencies Tarnishing Reputation
Dr. Khalid Hossain expressed concern that some agencies and individuals are damaging the image of the Hajj management system. He mentioned that the government is considering removing inactive agencies.
“অনেক এজেন্সি এবং সংশ্লিষ্ট লোকজন ভাবমূর্তি নষ্ট করছেন। নিষ্ক্রিয় এজেন্সিগুলোকে সরকার বাদ দেয়ার চিন্তাভাবনা করছে।”
Translation:
“Many agencies and related people are tarnishing the reputation. The government is thinking of removing the inactive agencies.”
Strict Action Against Ministry Staff if Found Guilty
The adviser further warned that if any official or employee of the Religious Affairs Ministry is found involved in financial dealings with agencies, strict measures will be taken against them.
“ধর্ম মন্ত্রণালয়ের কোনো কর্মকর্তা-কর্মচারী এজেন্সির সাথে কোনো আর্থিক লেনদেনে জড়িত হলে কঠোর ব্যবস্থা নেয়া হবে।”
Translation:
“If any official or employee of the Religious Affairs Ministry is involved in financial transactions with agencies, strict action will be taken.”
Government Plans to Reduce Airfare and Strengthen Monitoring
He also said efforts are being made to reduce airfare for Hajj pilgrims. Moreover, seriously ill individuals will not be allowed to go for Hajj. From 2026, the government will strictly monitor the entire process to ensure transparency and discipline.
Source: Somoy Tv
