IT to help protect Hajj pilgrims from harassment

"Computer database will assist the religious affairs ministry officials to monitor the entire services for the Hajj pilgrims and provide solution to their problems instantly, he added.

The information minister was speaking at a function on the "Appraisal of Hajj Management Information System" organised by the religious affairs ministry at the Hajj Camp in the city.

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Chaired by State Minister for Religious Affairs Mosharef Hossain Shahjahan, the meeting was addressed by Information Secretary Nazmul Alam Siddiqi, Religious Affairs Secretary Syed Sajedul Karim and Prof Lutful Kabir of BUET.

The Hatil IT, on behalf of the Hajj information management team of the ministry, displayed the computer database.

Tariqul said at least 50,000 pilgrims will perform Hajj next year under the "Hajj policy 2004". Of them, 40,000 will go under the management of private agencies and 10,000 under the government management.

He said the government is planning to hand over Hajj management to the private sector from the next year.

"It will bring open competition among private Hajj agencies and pilgrims will enjoy comparatively low cost opportunity in plane fare, food and accommodation," he added.

Tariqul urged the media to disseminate the latest information about the introduction of the IT in Hajj management and other package facilities offered by the religious affairs ministry.

Mosharef Hossain Shahjahan said pilgrims are now given audio-visual orientation before their departure for Hajj.

"Vaccine for meningitis is compulsory for all pilgrims to save them from the disease," he added.

The religious minister said introduction of the IT would provide solution to the Hajj-related problems including finding out the pilgrims missing abroad.

Nazmul Alam Siddiqi urged the Religious Affairs Ministry to demonstrate the IT on Hajj at district and thana levels to make the common man conscious.