The Bangladesh Bank yesterday asked banks to take measures to transfer the funds related to the expenditures of aspirant Hajj pilgrims in Saudi Arabia.

Biman Bangladesh Airlines has backed away from its decision to fly Hajj pilgrims on leased aircraft this time around. Instead, Biman has decided to use its own planes.

Registered intending pilgrims aged over 65 will not be allowed to perform Hajj this year, said State Minister for Religious Affairs, Md Faridul Haque Khan, today.