Coronavirus: Hajj agencies fear Tk 6,125cr losses

The hajj agencies in Bangladesh fear massive losses as Saudi Arabia suspended umrah pilgrimage, and there is possibility that the upcoming hajj could be cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic. 

Hajj Agencies Association Of Bangladesh (HAAB) top leaders said umrah and hajj agencies have already been facing losses because of umrah suspension, and they will incur losses around Tk 6,125 crore if this year hajj does not take place.

The Hajj is an annual Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia. It is a mandatory religious duty for Muslims that must be carried out at least once in their lifetime by all adult Muslims who are physically and financially capable of undertaking the journey, and can support their family during their absence.

The HAAB leaders have sought special economic stimulus to the Finance Minister to meet the big amount of losses.

HAAB chief M Shahadat Hossain Taslim said as many as 1,238 HAAB members are experiencing huge amount of loss as a consequence of the deadly virus.

So far, about Tk 175 crore has been paid on the account of visas and air tickets of 10,000 umrah passengers, buying advance tickets for upcoming Umrah goers in Ramadan, and monthly salaries of employees and office costs, HAAB president mentioned in the letter sent to Finance Minister. 

The HAAb leader also said they estimated loss around Tk 4,800 crore if this year hajj is cancelled.