Nusuk card launched to streamline Hajj journey for pilgrims

Nusuk Card, an identification card for Hajj pilgrims, was launched on Monday for the first time in the country, setting a new milestone in Bangladesh’s private Hajj management sector.

State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism M Rashiduzzaman Millat inaugurated the pre-arrival Nusuk Card at a city hotel this afternoon.

Amin Travels and Tours, Hajj Agencies Association of Bangladesh (HAAB), and Rawaf Mina, a Saudi Arabia-based Hajj management agency, jointly organised the event.

Speaking as the chief guest, the state minister said, “We have made a decision so that, as in the past, returning pilgrims do not have to lodge any complaint regarding Hajj management.”

He said if the agencies concerned fail to perform properly or do not treat the pilgrims appropriately, the licences of those agencies will be cancelled.

“It is a matter of great satisfaction that during the tenure of the government under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, the country has introduced the Nusuk card for the first time. I believe this will reduce pilgrims’ suffering and further improve citizen services.” 

In this connection, he said the government has taken steps to make Hajj more affordable by reducing the travel cost compared to previous years.

Adviser and Spokesperson of Prime Minister’s Office Mahdi Amin and Hajj Monitoring Committee-2026 member Mohammad Shamim Kaiser Lincoln were present at the inaugural ceremony as special guests.

Senior Vice-President of Rawaf Mina Ehsan Kateb and Head of Rawaf Mina Service Center Faisal Abdullah Khan joined the event as guests of honour. Amin Travels and Tours owner Obaidul Haque delivered the speech of welcome. 

Speaking on the occasion, Mahdi Amin said the government is simplifying Hajj services for devout citizens and upholding Islamic values and ensuring effective implementation. 

He said, “Expanding accessibility and bringing these services closer to the general masses remains a top priority of the government."

“The key objective of the government is to make Hajj more affordable, accessible, and friendly,” Mahdi added.

Hajj Monitoring Committee-2026 member Mohammad Shamim Kaiser Lincoln said, “The card essentially represents the entire identity of pilgrims because everything is embedded within it.”

He added, “Even if you lose your way, as long as you have the card with you, authorities can scan the barcode and assist you in reaching your destination. It acts as a complete identification and navigation tool.” 

Lincoln urged the pilgrims to protect the card and not to lose it in any way.

Officials from the religious affairs ministry, pilgrims, and owners of several agencies were present at the event.