B Mirror Report: Religious Affairs Minister Kazi Shah Mofazzal Hossain Kaikobad on Tuesday said all necessary steps have been taken to ensure safe transportation, healthcare, immigration and pre-departure services for Hajj pilgrims.

The minister made the remarks in response to a written question from Dhaka-18 lawmaker SM Jahangir Hossain, according to UNB.

He said a special traffic management plan has been implemented in coordination with the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) and traffic authorities to ensure smooth movement of pilgrims from the Hajj Camp to Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, as construction work on an underpass is ongoing in front of the camp.

According to the plan, pilgrims, their relatives and officials involved in Hajj operations will enter the Hajj Camp through a newly constructed road via Kawla rail gate and the Civil Aviation Community Centre, and exit through the Dhaka-Mymensingh Highway after completing required procedures.

“Buses carrying pilgrims will use a designated cargo terminal road to enter the airport due to one-way traffic arrangements,” he added.

On healthcare services, the minister said a fully equipped medical centre will operate at the Hajj Camp under the Directorate General of Health Services, offering 24-hour emergency support.

A total of 19 doctors, 12 sub-assistant community medical officers, 14 senior staff nurses and four sanitary inspectors will be deployed, along with an ambulance on standby to transport critically ill patients.

Regarding immigration, Kaikobad said boarding and immigration procedures will be completed at the Hajj Camp, while Saudi immigration formalities will be conducted at the airport under the Saudi government’s Makkah Route Initiative, helping pilgrims avoid long queues upon arrival in Saudi Arabia.

On pre-departure arrangements, he said luggage tagging will be completed before boarding and immigration, ensuring a smoother travel experience.

He noted that Bangladesh is among a limited number of countries benefiting from the Makkah Route Initiative.

On monitoring, the minister said a 24-hour control room will operate at the Hajj Camp under the supervision of the Ministry of Religious Affairs.

“Pilgrims’ movement will be monitored through the ‘Labbayk’ mobile app, while multiple monitoring teams led by the minister and the ministry secretary will regularly inspect services at the Hajj Camp and airport,” he said.

He added that a 24-hour call centre (16136) will remain active to receive complaints and suggestions from pilgrims.