The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Religious Affairs Ministry at a meeting at the Sangsad Bhaban yesterday suggested punitive measures against defaulting agencies, including forfeiting security deposit and license, and actions against the agency owners.

The meeting also put forward some recommendations aimed at checking illegal stay of the pilgrims in Saudi Arabia after performing Hajj and Umrah.

The recommendations include monitoring in case of Umrah as in Hajj, introduction of rule to take DO for Umrah visa like Hajj, launching of quota system for Umrah as in Hajj and making it mandatory for the agencies to complete visa process through the Hajj Office for Hajj and Umrah.

Chaired by committee chairman Delwar Hossain Saidee, the meeting also discussed the next year's Hajj management as well as turning the Islamic Foundation into a Directorate.

Committee members State Minister for Religious Affairs Mosharef Hossain Shajahan, Shahjahan Khan, Mufti Mohammad Wakkas, Shah Mohammad Ruhul Quddus, Adv Promod Mankin and Matiur Rahman attended the meeting.

Religious Affairs Secretary Rafiqul Islam and senior officials concerned were present.