Saudi Arabia has agreed to a proposal from Bangladesh to send Hajj pilgrims to the kingdom by sea, according to the Ministry of Religious Affairs. The green light was given after a bilateral meeting between AFM Khalid Hossain, Religious Affairs Advisor, and Saudi Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Tawfiq Fawzan Al-Rabiah.
Abu Bakar Siddique, spokesperson for the ministry, confirmed that Saudi Arabia raised no objections to the sea route plan. However, discussions with port authorities and shipping companies are still needed before finalizing the details.
The trial phase, set for 2025, will see between 2,000 and 3,000 pilgrims embarking on this new journey by sea. This move is aimed at providing an alternative to air travel for Bangladeshi pilgrims. 
In addition, the Saudi Minister assured Bangladesh that the current 2,000 pilgrim limit per Hajj agency could be reconsidered for the upcoming year, offering more opportunities for Hajj aspirants.
