Govt will build underpass linking Ashkona Hajj Camp to Dhaka airport: PM

She directs officials to be vigilant to ensure that no one faces harassment even after modernising the Hajj operations

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has announced the construction of an underpass connecting Ashkona Hajj Camp and Airport Railway Station to Shahjalal International Airport to facilitate the travel of Hajj pilgrims.

During the inauguration of this year's Hajj activities at the camp in the capital on Wednesday, Hasina said, "For the convenience of Hajj pilgrims, an underpass will be constructed from Ashkona Hajj Camp and the airport railway station to Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport. This will further facilitate the journeys of pilgrims."

She also directed officials to be vigilant to ensure that no one faces harassment even after modernising the Hajj operations with technological assistance.

"The registration for Hajj can now be done directly online. We have made this arrangement. You can also register at a digital centre. Modern technology is creating these opportunities for us. We must ensure that no one faces harassment."

Highlighting various steps taken by the government to ease the Hajj process, the prime minister said, "Today, Bangladesh has progressed significantly. People can now complete Hajj-related tasks from home. I declared the creation of a Digital Bangladesh in the 2008 election manifesto. No one has to suffer harassment."

She said the Awami League government had worked to lessen the difficulties faced by Bangladeshi hajj pilgrims in Saudi Arabia.

"We have rented a pavilion at Jeddah airport. I saw that it used to be difficult there before. After coming to power, I arranged a separate space. Now, there is no longer any hassle at Jeddah airport."

Hasina expressed her gratitude to Saudi Arabia for addressing the problems of Hajj pilgrims.

Sharing her first experiences of Umrah and Hajj, she said, "I performed my first Umrah in 1984 and my first Hajj in 1985. Every time I went, I informed the Saudi authorities about the issues I saw, and they took them seriously."

"I am protesting wherever I speak."

HASINA PROTESTS GAZA MASSACRE

Hasina condemned and protested the indiscriminate attacks by Israeli forces in Gaza.

“A genocide is being perpetrated there [in Gaza], sparing neither women nor children. Wherever I speak, I protest against these attacks. The Palestinians will find their place. It is their right. No one can take that right away. They must be given that right.”

The prime minister blamed the lack of unity among Muslim countries for the ongoing issues in Gaza.

She said, “If all our Muslim countries could unite and work together today, we could have made more progress on this matter. I am the only one among the OIC countries speaking up there, urging everyone to unite.”