What is the feasibility of performing Hajj by sea?

After 44 years, the Ministry of Religious Affairs has begun the process of resuming Hajj pilgrimages by sea. They have already sent a letter to the Saudi government regarding this initiative, though it remains uncertain whether the sea route will be operational for Hajj pilgrims by June 2025.

Officials from the Ministry of Religious Affairs noted that sea travel for Hajj from what is now Bangladesh dates back to the Sultanate era, beginning in 1204. At that time, pilgrims traveled from Chittagong port on sailboats. The last sea pilgrimage occurred around 1980 during President Ziaur Rahman's administration on a ship named Hizbul Bahar. Following that, air travel became the primary method for Hajj pilgrims during Ershad's regime.

Now, after more than four decades, the ministry is reconsidering the option of sending Hajj pilgrims by sea, alongside air travel, primarily to reduce costs for pilgrims. However, any plans to proceed would require approval from Saudi Arabia. Once the Saudi authorities evaluate and approve Bangladesh's proposal, the process for sending Hajj pilgrims by sea will begin.

This idea has been discussed for several years, but previous governments showed little interest due to long travel times and various challenges, and Saudi Arabia had not granted permission. The current interim government is keen on reviving the sea route, as it could significantly lower costs.

On October 6, Bangladesh's Religious Affairs Adviser, AFM Khalid Hossain, met with Saudi Arabia's Hajj and Umrah Minister, Dr. Tawfiq Fawzan Al-Rabiah, in Jeddah. According to ministry official Abu Bakar Siddique, the proposal to resume Hajj by sea has received preliminary approval from Saudi authorities. He further noted that the Saudi Hajj Minister confirmed there are no objections from the Saudi government regarding the transportation of Bangladeshi pilgrims by sea, although further discussions with port authorities are still necessary. Additionally, Bangladesh must finalize agreements with shipping companies before a final decision can be made.

This year, the Bangladeshi government is considering sending two to three thousand pilgrims by ship on a trial basis. Ministry sources indicated that next year's Hajj is scheduled for the first week of June, with plans to send 127,198 pilgrims to Saudi Arabia. Registration for Hajj will close on November 30, and if pilgrims are to travel by sea, all preparations must be finalized by December, making it unlikely that this will happen this year.

To ensure a smooth Hajj experience, pilgrims are required to deposit Tk300,000 in the bank and complete their initial registration by October 23. A special notice from the Hajj wing of the Ministry of Religious Affairs emphasized that according to Saudi Arabia’s timeline, tent allocations in Mina and Arafat, as well as contract signing with service companies, will begin on October 23. Tent allocation will be on a "first come, first served" basis. Pilgrims who do not register by this date may not secure tents in their preferred areas in Mina and Arafat, potentially requiring them to stay in distant mountainous areas or New Mina, which would result in long walks in extreme heat.

If pilgrims can be transported by ship, the cost would be 40% lower than air travel. The sea journey would take 16 days (8 days each way), with the entire Hajj trip lasting about a month, compared to the previous sea travel duration of approximately 28 days (14 days to reach Saudi Arabia and 14 days to return). Once Saudi Arabia grants final approval and Bangladesh is fully prepared, the sea route will be included in the Hajj agreement in January.

Hajj costs have risen significantly in recent years. This year, the general package under the government’s arrangement cost Tk578,840, while the special package was priced at Tk936,320. For private packages, the minimum cost was Tk589,800, with the special package costing Tk699,300. As a result of these high costs, 41,941 fewer individuals performed Hajj this year compared to the allocated quota. While the Hajj package for next year has not yet been announced, the government is exploring ways to reduce expenses.

Additional Secretary of the Hajj Wing, Motiul Islam, stated that a letter was officially sent to Saudi authorities regarding sending pilgrims by sea last Wednesday, and they are now awaiting a response. “If approved, Bangladesh will need to negotiate with shipping companies. The government is attempting to send pilgrims by sea this year, but if that is not feasible, the plan will be implemented next year, Insha'Allah. Preliminary discussions with several shipping companies have already taken place,” he added.