Ministry of Religious Affairs requests not to Carry Prohibited Items During Hajj

DHAKA, Bangladesh – April 10, 2026 – The Ministry of Religious Affairs requested to all pilgrims to strictly refrain from carrying prohibited goods during their journey to Saudi Arabia. The Ministry cautioned pilgrims against carrying unauthorized items, whether for personal use or at the instigation of Hajj agencies or third parties.

Under Saudi Arabian law, several items are strictly forbidden in pilgrim luggage. These include narcotics, tobacco leaves, jadda, gul, betel leaves, dried fish, cooked food, and other perishable goods. These restrictions are explicitly outlined in the Hajj Package and Guidelines 2026 issued by the Ministry.

Religious Affairs Minister Kazi Shah Mofazzal Houssain (Kaikobad) noted that despite repeated warnings in previous years, banned items have continued to be discovered in the luggage of Bangladeshi pilgrims at Saudi airports. "Such incidents tarnish the image of our nation on the global stage," the Minister stated, urging pilgrims to exercise extreme caution and personal responsibility.

Religious Affairs Secretary Munshi Alauddin Al-Azad NDC emphasized the legal consequences of non-compliance. "If prohibited items are found, the individual faces severe penal action under the prevailing laws of Saudi Arabia. Such actions put the individual's Hajj pilgrimage at significant risk and may even prevent them from performing their religious duties entirely," the Secretary warned.

The Ministry reiterates that no prohibited products should be carried under any circumstances to ensure a smooth and respectful pilgrimage for all.

It is worth noting that this year, 78,500 pilgrims from Bangladesh will perform Hajj. The pilgrims will travel to Saudi Arabia from April 18.