Diplomatic Desk: A bilateral meeting was held yesterday between Bangladesh`s Religious Affairs Minister Kazi Shah Mofazzal Hossain Kaikobad and Saudi Arabia`s Hajj and Umrah Minister Dr. Tawfiq bin Fawzan Al-Rabiah, aimed at strengthening services and cooperation related to Hajj and Umrah.

The meeting, took place at the King Salman International Convention Center in Madina, is expected to bring new momentum to Hajj and Umrah services for Bangladeshi pilgrims, according a message received here yesterday.

Highlighting key aspects of Saudi Hajj management, the Bangladesh minister praised the remarkable progress made under the leadership of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman.

He also commended the use of technology and modernization in Hajj management and expressed Bangladesh`s sincere gratitude to the Saudi government.

Recalling the historic ties between the two countries, the minister described Bangladesh-Saudi relations as highly cordial and fraternal, rooted in mutual trust and shared religious bonds.

He expressed optimism that under the visionary leadership of Bangladesh`s newly elected Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, bilateral relations would reach new heights and cooperation in religious affairs, including Hajj and Umrah, as well as other mutual development areas, would be further strengthened.

During the meeting, the Bangladesh minister handed over a written proposal to the Saudi Hajj and Umrah Minister for the welfare of Bangladeshi pilgrims.

Religious Affairs Secretary Munshi Alauddin Al Azad, Bangladesh Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Mohammad Delwar Hossain, Saudi Hajj and Umrah Deputy Minister Dr. Al-Hassan Al-Manakhra, Additional Secretary of the Hajj Subdivision Mohammad Ayatul Islam, Bangladesh Consul General in Jeddah Mohammad Sakhawat Hossain, Hajj Counsellor Mohammad Kamrul Islam, and other senior officials from both sides were also present on the occasion.