Chaired by Chief Adviser Fakhruddin Ahmed, the meeting also approved the draft Gas Ordinance 2007 stipulating comprehensive measures for properly dealing with the potential economic sector of natural gas.

Under the new hajj policy, the month of Rabiussani (Islamic calendar) has been fixed for announcing hajj package while Rajab 29 as the last date of receiving applications from aspirant pilgrims.

It has been made mandatory in the policy that the owners of hajj agencies will have to go to Saudi Arabia for renting standard residences for pilgrims.

Regarding the house renting, the hajj agencies, as per the existing rule of Saudi Arabia, will have to take clearance from Bangladesh embassy in Saudi Arabia. And all information related to the rented houses will have to be submitted to Bangladesh Hajj

Missions in Makkah and Madina, and the country's embassy in Saudi Arabia.

In the policy, a provision has been incorporated for punishment of the agencies that will be unable to provide proper service to pilgrims as per announced package and agreement.

The civil aviation ministry will fix common fare of Biman for pilgrims under both government and private management. Biman Bangladesh Airlines will fix the hajj flight schedule for pilgrims of both the categories. Hajj flights will be operated from Chittagong, Sylhet and Dhaka.

Members of the Council of Advisers attended the meeting at the Chief Adviser's Office.