The Ministry of Religious Affairs of Bangladesh has urged all Hajj pilgrims to refrain from carrying prohibited items during their pilgrimage. The ministry’s Hajj Wing issued a notice warning pilgrims not to be influenced by Hajj agencies or others to transport banned goods. According to Saudi law, items such as narcotic drugs, tobacco leaves, jarda, gul, betel leaves, dried fish, cooked food, and perishable goods are strictly forbidden in pilgrims’ luggage. These restrictions are also outlined in the 2026 Hajj package and guidelines issued by the ministry.

Religious Affairs Minister Kazi Shah Mofazzal Hossain (Kaykobad) stated that in previous years, banned items were found in the luggage of Bangladeshi pilgrims at Saudi airports despite repeated warnings. He said such incidents damage the country’s image and called for greater caution among pilgrims. Religious Affairs Secretary Munshi Alauddin Al Azad NDC added that anyone found with prohibited items in Saudi Arabia faces legal punishment under local laws, which could jeopardize their ability to perform Hajj.

This year, a total of 78,500 Bangladeshi pilgrims are scheduled to travel to Saudi Arabia starting from April 18.