The Ministry of Religious Affairs has requested all Hajj pilgrims to strictly refrain from carrying prohibited goods during their journey to Saudi Arabia.

The ministry cautioned pilgrims against carrying unauthorised items, whether for personal use or at the instigation of Hajj agencies or third parties.

Under Saudi Arabian law, several items are strictly forbidden in pilgrims' luggage. These include narcotics, tobacco leaves, zarda, gul, betel leaves, dried fish, cooked food, and other perishable goods. These restrictions are explicitly outlined in the Hajj Package and Guidelines 2026 issued by the ministry, said a release today.

Religious Affairs Minister Kazi Shah Mofazzal Houssain (Kaikobad) said banned items continue to be found in the luggage of Bangladeshi pilgrims at Saudi airports, despite repeated warnings in recent years.

"Such incidents tarnish the image of our nation on the global stage," the minister said, urging pilgrims to exercise extreme caution and personal responsibility.

Religious Affairs Secretary Munshi Alauddin Al-Azad emphasised the legal consequences of non-compliance. “If prohibited items are found, the individual faces severe penal action under the prevailing laws of Saudi Arabia. Such actions put the individual's Hajj pilgrimage at significant risk and may even prevent them from performing their religious duties entirely,” the secretary warned.

The ministry reiterates that no prohibited products should be carried under any circumstances to ensure a smooth and respectful pilgrimage for all.

It is worth noting that this year, 78,500 pilgrims from Bangladesh will perform Hajj. The pilgrims will travel to Saudi Arabia from April 18