Bangladesh has warned prospective Hajj pilgrims not to carry prohibited items in their luggage, as the country prepares to send tens of thousands of worshippers to Saudi Arabia later this month.

The Ministry of Religious Affairs said pilgrims must not comply with requests from Hajj agencies or other individuals to transport items banned under Saudi regulations, cautioning that violations could lead to criminal prosecution and jeopardise their ability to perform the pilgrimage.

According to official guidelines, items prohibited by Saudi authorities include narcotics, tobacco leaves, chewing tobacco, betel leaves, dried fish, cooked food, and other perishable goods. Bangladesh’s official Hajj package and guidelines for 2026 also outline the restrictions.

Religious Affairs Minister Kazi Shah Mofazzal Hossain Kaikobad said banned items had been found in the luggage of Bangladeshi pilgrims at Saudi airports in previous years despite repeated warnings.

“This damages the image of our country,” he said, urging pilgrims to exercise caution.

Religious Affairs Secretary Munshi Alauddin Al Azad warned that any pilgrim found carrying prohibited goods would face penalties under Saudi law and could be prevented from completing the Hajj.

“Under no circumstances should prohibited items be carried,” he added.

A total of 78,500 Bangladeshi pilgrims are expected to perform Hajj this year, with flights scheduled to begin from April 18.

Hajj, one of the five pillars of Islam, is expected to take place from approximately May 25 to May 30, 2026 (8th–13th Dhul Hijjah 1447 AH).