Cabinet endorses deal on pilgrims’ immigration in Dhaka

The cabinet on Monday endorsed the draft of an agreement to complete immigration procedures of Hajj pilgrims in Bangladesh instead of Saudi Arabia.

The approval came from the weekly cabinet meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, held at the Prime Minister's Office.

Cabinet Secretary Khandker Anwarul Islam briefed reporters at the Bangladesh Secretariat after the meeting.

As per the agreement titled "Cooperation Agreement on the Entry of Hajj Pilgrims," the immigration procedures of Bangladesh hajj pilgrims would be completed here in Bangladesh regularly from now, said the Cabinet Secretary.

"The immigration procedures of Bangladesh hajj pilgrims were completed here last year due to Covid-19 pandemic. This time two sides have signed an agreement to complete the procedures here regularly from now. It is a great achievement," he said.

The cabinet also cleared the drafts of three agreements to be signed with Japan, Qatar and Saudi Arabia.

The deals are "Agreement on Cooperation and Mutual Assistance in Customs Matter" to be signed between Bangladesh and Japan, and "Agreement on Abolishing Visa Requirements for the Holders of Diplomatic, Special and Official Passports between the Government of the People's Republic of Bangladesh and the Government of the State of Qatar," and "Security Cooperation Agreement between the Government of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the government of the People's Republic of Bangladesh."