Help stranded umrah pilgrims return home

It is deeply concerning that several thousand Bangladeshis who travelled to Saudi Arabia to perform umrah have been stranded following widespread flight disruptions triggered by the war in the Middle East. After multiple countries in the region closed their airspace from February 28, many flights connecting Saudi Arabia to Bangladesh were cancelled, leaving pilgrims unable to return as scheduled. For many pilgrims, what was supposed to be a brief spiritual visit has instead become a prolonged, financially burdensome experience.

The majority of pilgrims had opted for umrah packages of 15 to 20 days. But as their planned travel arrangements collapsed due to the suspension of flights, their stay in Saudi Arabia has extended far beyond the package period. As a result, many now face mounting expenses for accommodation and meals. Pilgrims have alleged that travel agencies are refusing to bear these additional costs as the original package period has expired. At the same time, some agencies are demanding an additional Tk 30,000 to Tk 35,000 for replacement tickets, while hotel accommodation and meals are costing stranded passengers Tk 4,000 to Tk 5,000 per day.

For many pilgrims, arranging such large sums at short notice is extremely difficult. Faced with rising costs, many have turned to the Bangladesh Hajj Mission in Saudi Arabia for help. Many Bangladeshi migrants have faced similar hardship as most flights through Middle Eastern airports remain suspended. The war and the resulting airspace closures are beyond the control of travel agencies or the pilgrims themselves, so the financial burden should not fall entirely on those stranded far from home.

In this situation, coordinated action is urgently needed. We urge the government to work closely with airlines and travel agencies to arrange additional flights so that stranded Bangladeshis can return home quickly. Airlines operating direct routes between the two countries should also be asked to keep ticket prices within a reasonable range. At the same time, travel agencies must demonstrate greater responsibility towards their clients by assisting with accommodation, negotiating lower airfares, or sharing the financial burden where possible. The Bangladesh Hajj Mission in Saudi Arabia should step forward to support the stranded pilgrims, while the government should consider providing financial assistance to the stranded migrant workers in Saudi Arabia from the welfare fund created for them. Citizens undertaking a religious pilgrimage should not be left to face such hardship on their own. We also call upon the US-Israel authorities to work towards de-escalating the war so that normal economic activities and business can be restored in the region.