Ministry seeks action as two Hajj agencies ‘vanish’ with 468 pilgrims’ money.

Two agencies, Al-Risan Travels and Dia International, have vanished with funds from 468 Hajj pilgrims in Bangladesh, jeopardizing their pilgrimage plans. Al-Risan defrauded 448 pilgrims, while Dia International deceived 20. The Religious Affairs Ministry has urged the Home Ministry to prevent Al-Risan's MD Abdus Salam Mia and Dia International's Kamrul Islam and Mohammad Ali Babu from leaving the country. The ministry reported that the pilgrims haven't received their visas, and the agency officials are unreachable. Legal action and tracing of these officials have been recommended. Meanwhile, 24,236 Bangladeshis have already reached Saudi Arabia for Hajj on 61 flights, with the last flight scheduled for June 10. This year, 127,198 Bangladeshis were eligible for Hajj, but only 83,311 registered. The Hajj is expected to be on June 16, contingent on moon sighting. Biman Bangladesh Airlines, Saudia, and Flynas are operating 116 dedicated pre-Hajj flights.