Religious Affairs Adviser Dr AFM Khalid Hossain has said Bangladesh may follow the Indonesia-Malaysia model in Hajj management to bring more efficiency and affordability for pilgrims.

Adviser said the changes introduced by the two countries in managing Hajj could serve as a model for others.

If their model is tested and implemented in Bangladesh, pilgrims here will be able to perform Hajj at a lower cost, while the national economy will also benefit positively, he added.

The adviser was addressing a seminar titled Easy Financing and Affordable Hajj Management as the chief guest at the Dhaka Officers’ Club on Tuesday evening. The seminar was organized by the Bangladesh Hajj Academy.

Dr Hossain noted that under the Indonesia-Malaysia model, citizens are able to perform Hajj through small savings schemes within a specific timeframe.

This system enables people from lower-income groups to fulfill their desire to perform Hajj. A significant number of pilgrims in those countries participate in the Hajj savings scheme, which also leaves a positive impact on their national economy, accelerating overall development, he explained.

Dr Gias Uddin Talukder, Chairman of the Central Shariah Board for Islamic Banks, presided over the seminar.

Among others, Muhammad Shamsuddoha, Dr Mohabbat Hossain, and Dr Mufti Yusuf Sultan presented three papers in two sessions.