Religious Affairs Minister Kazi Shah Mofazzal Hossain (Kaikobad) departed for Saudi Arabia on Saturday (March 28) for his first official foreign visit since taking office.

Invited by the Saudi Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Tawfiq bin Fawzan Al-Rabiah, he will participate in the 3rd Umrah and Visit Forum scheduled from March 30 to April 1 at the King Salman International Convention Center in Medina.

During his stay, the Minister will hold bilateral talks to enhance services for pilgrims and chair a review meeting with Bangladesh Hajj Mission officials regarding the progress of this year's Hajj operations.

He is also set to inspect the rented hotels for Bangladeshi pilgrims before returning to Dhaka on April 5.